My RAM is running at 1600 by default but it's supposed to be 2133. Is this common?

Colin Buchan

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Aug 2, 2014
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New build, RAM is G-Skill Ripjaws (2133mhz) and in the bios it's telling me they are running at 1600 although it has the option to choose a speed up to and beyond 2133. I haven't played with the settings yet as I thought I'd best investigate first.

Is this normal? Or might there be something wrong with my RAM or possibly the motherboard preferring the lower speed for whatever reason?

I have an Asus M5A97 and a AMD FX-6300, old geforce card until I buy a new one next week.

Thanks!
 
Solution
Yes, this is common. Most RAM starts at a lower MHz range, (commonly 1300 to 1600). When you buy ram rated at a higher MHz range you're buying the ram because of it's capability to run at a higher frequency. For example, if I bought 2400 Mhz Ram, it's basically rated to be able to run that requency through it's lifetime without any problems. All ram can be run at any frequency range below it's rating, and can even be overclocked more if cooling is applied. In order to get the rated frequency of your ram, you're going to have to set the clock speed from the bios manually or use a profile made by the company who sold you the ram. If you have any other questions, I'd be more than happy to answer.


Also keep in mind that ram running at a...

Stoneskinsnake

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Jul 30, 2014
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Yes, this is common. Most RAM starts at a lower MHz range, (commonly 1300 to 1600). When you buy ram rated at a higher MHz range you're buying the ram because of it's capability to run at a higher frequency. For example, if I bought 2400 Mhz Ram, it's basically rated to be able to run that requency through it's lifetime without any problems. All ram can be run at any frequency range below it's rating, and can even be overclocked more if cooling is applied. In order to get the rated frequency of your ram, you're going to have to set the clock speed from the bios manually or use a profile made by the company who sold you the ram. If you have any other questions, I'd be more than happy to answer.


Also keep in mind that ram running at a high frequency doesn't necessarily equate to higher framerates in game FPS, or even faster processing in the long run.
 
Solution

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