[Benz145]

Hey folks, I'm in the midst of configuring a system and I'm looking at going with the Intel Core i7 2600k. I have the option of upgrading for free to 8GB of 1600MHz RAM instead of 8GB of 1333MHz RAM.

According to Intel (http://ark.intel.com/products/52214/Intel-Core-i7-2600K-Processor-(8M-Cache-3_40-GHz)), the i7 2600k only supports 1066/1333 memory types.

I'm configuring with iBuyPower and they are offering RAM with speeds up to 1860MHz... is there any point to going with 1600MHz over 1333MHz?

Remember the cost doesn't change when going from [email protected] to [email protected], so perhaps I should just stick with the fast one for another time when I end up with a CPU that can take full advantage of it? I guess I should also ask, will the CPU be able to use the 1600MHz RAM at 1333MHz, or will it not work unless the RAM is specifically 1333MHz?

Thanks for any info!

 

[SectorNine50]

If you don't plan to run the RAM at 1600Mhz, 1600Mhz RAM running at 1333Mhz will be able to run at much tighter timings than most 1333Mhz RAM at 1333Mhz.

That said, the 2600K can do 1600Mhz easily with just a BIOS adjustment.

 

[Vrait]

2600k officially supports only 1333mhz, but you can use much faster ram. That's only whats "officially" supported. You can use faster ram just fine.

 

[Blameless]

1333 is just the officially supported speed.

In reality the limit is much higher.

 

[Kosire]

Because in Intel's test they saw no real difference higher than 1333mhz. And with 1600mhz kits you can tighen your timings more on 1333mhz, and the 1600mhz kits are REALLY cheap compared to 1866, 2000+mhz.

edit: Here's a link where bit-tech tests all memory speeds on sandy bridge http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/memory/2011/01/11/the-best-memory-for-sandy-bridge/

 

[Benz145]

Thanks for the info guys. Do I need to make any adjustments to run the 1600MHz RAM at full speed, or will the CPU run it at max speed automatically?

 

[SectorNine50]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benz145;15265907
Thanks for the info guys. Do I need to make any adjustments to run the 1600MHz RAM at full speed, or will the CPU run it at max speed automatically?

You'll have to tell it to in the BIOS.

 

[Schmuckley]

sandy bridge ran ddr3 2000 just fine..something current amd offerings simply won't do..ran it without a hiccup

 

[Kosire]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benz145;15265907
Thanks for the info guys. Do I need to make any adjustments to run the 1600MHz RAM at full speed, or will the CPU run it at max speed automatically?

Set the bios to use the X.M.P profile or just choose 1600mhz in RAM Speed than AUTO.

 

[dihartnell]

Its more the motherboard that will determine the speed you can natively support. The Mobo manual will also list the support for overclocked speeds as well.

 

[SectorNine50]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dihartnell;15265954
Its more the motherboard that will determine the speed you can natively support. The Mobo manual will also list the support for overclocked speeds as well.

Motherboards do not have the memory controller on them with modern chipsets. That has been put on the CPU.

 

[sccr64472]

My freeway only supports 65mph, but my car goes much faster.

 

[Kosire]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sccr64472;15265981
My freeway only supports 65mph, but my car goes much faster.

hahahha, good one!

 

[Blameless]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kosire;15265945
Set the bios to use the X.M.P profile or just choose 1600mhz in RAM Speed than AUTO.

I recommend the latter.

XMP is often wonky and can alter voltages too much.

 

[doomlord52]

Sandy Bridge "supports" much faster than 1333mhz ram. Im at 2000mhz with no problems.

 

[nickbaldwin86]

Forget XMP that is the easy way out.

Just set the RAM to 1600Mhz and set the voltage to whatever it supports aka 1.5v or 1.65v. That way the BIOS isn't choosing what the RAM can do, you are.

IDK I just hate auto settings