best memory type for a GA970A-UD3 that's not overclocked

Hi All,

This is my first post at this forum...how are you?

Anyhow, I've got a work computer based on the GA970A-UD3 and I wish to simply get the fastest memory I can get for it
that will offer the greatest efficiency.

I'm somewhat confused because the manufacturer says that DDR3 2000(O.C.)/1866/1600/1333/1066 MHz memory is
supported but then I also read at some of the forums that the memory controller for my processor, a Phenom II 955 (3.2 Ghz),
operates natively at 1333 Mhz DDR

I've been looking at this memory for my motherboard since it has very attractive timings at DDR3-1600 ==> http://www.anandtech.com/show/2282/2 (the memory is Super Talent w1600ux2g7) , it will do 7-7-7-18 at DDR3-1600 (1.8 volts) and I would like to run it at DDR3-1333 6-6-6-16 somewhere between 1.5 to 1.70 volts

These are my questions:

Will I be doing damage to my CPU / Memory Controller by using memory that's running at a higher voltage than DDR3's 1.5 volts?

Should I not only modify the voltage of the memory in the bios, but should I also raise any other voltages to compensate for the memory's extra voltage needs? If so, what other voltages should I raise to compensate for the memory's extra voltage?


I thank you for your input and look forward to your reply.

blueclock
Edited by blueclock - 7/7/12 at 5:44pm

Hi M3TAI,

Thanks for your input. BTW, what processor are you running in your motherboard?

Also, how did you get the memory running at 1600 Mhz? I know if you've got a Phenom II x4 Deneb it will default to DDR3-1333 (667 Mhz).

The only AMD processors with an integrated memory controller that will run at higher speeds than DDR3-1333 are some 6 core Phenom II's and the newer FX processors.


blueclock

EDIT:

M3TAI,

I looked at the details of your rig and it shows you've got a Phenom II 955 BE and I've heard that running your memory controller at a higher speed than 1333 Mhz DDR is also bad for your processor. Furthermore, I've also read that the best memory performance on a Phenom II x4 processor is achieved when you get memory to run at 1333 Mhz with the tightest timings.

Matter of fact, the memory I'm using now is G.Skill F3-10666CL7D-4GBXH with timings of 7-7-7-21 and I've been told that it is, in fact, much faster than DDR3-1600 running at 9-9-9-27 (what you are running)

I'm willing to take the chance that the memory I have in mind will run at DDR3-1333 somewhere between 1.5 to 1.7 volts with the timing anywhere from 6-5-5-15 to 6-6-6-16 (I would be happy with 6-6-6-18)

I'm very interested in how you got your motherboard to run the memory at DDR3-1600 and if it is exibiting any signs of undue stress or "iffy" behavior. BTW, have you ran any tests with the memory at a lower speed, say DDR3-1333, and if so, with what timings? What were your results and conclusion?

Keep me posted and thanks!

blueclock
Edited by blueclock - 7/9/12 at 8:09am

Hi again,

Of course these memory sticks are the Mushkin Redline 997051 9-9-9-27 1T 1866 Mhz?

Take a look at the post I left at the other thread you're in regarding your NB getting so hot,

that can't be good for your rig.

blueclock