Processor memory vs motherboard memory frequency

sridhars · Nov 8, 2014

A i5 4670k supports memory frequency of 1600 mhz while an ASrock z87 extreme4 Supports 1600 to 2400Mhz? So i can put a maximum frequency of 2400Mhz ram or will it still run at 1600Mhz
Thank you every body!

Karl_oh · Nov 8, 2014

Depends on your memory itself. If you get 2400Mhz ram than it will run @ 2400Mhz

barto · Nov 8, 2014

Karl_oh :

Not by default. When RAM is installed, it will by default run at a pre-configured stable speed which is typically 1333 MHz or 1600Mhz. If the RAM is capable of running at 2400 MHz, then you can overclock the RAM to that speed.

It's not suggested to overclock RAM unless it is designed with overclocking in mind.

Karl_oh · Nov 9, 2014

barto :

Yeah didnt explain it too well, thank you for that explanation

photonboy · Nov 9, 2014

Hi,

Most motherboards can run your DDR3 memory at 2400MHz or higher. Just see the motherboard page.

When you first start your computer your memory might be running at 1600MHz. Simply click "XMP" which is a quick default which should then run your memory at 2400MHz (it's rated performance maximum) and your CPU at its default settings which sometimes are higher than the listed Turbo.

*I have an i7-3770K (rated at 3.9GHz Turbo) and 2133MHz memory. When I first started my PC it was at 3.5GHz and 1600MHz. I then chose "XMP" and it showed as 4.1GHz and 2133MHz. Then, I just SAVED and tested using MEMTEST and Intel's diagnostic tool for CPU's.

www.memtest.org

(You are NOT overclocking memory if it's 2400MHz and you choose "XMP" and run it at 2400Mhz. If you had 1600MHz then manually overclocked it higher then that is overclocking.)

Other:
In some cases your memory profile may not show up so "XMP" doesn't do anything. If so, updating your motherboard BIOS may help.

SUMMARY:
1) Update BIOS if newer exists
2) BIOS-> "XMP" and save.
3) TEST with Memtest and Intel CPU diagnostic (optionally Prime95 as well)

barto · Nov 9, 2014

Karl_oh :

No problem. I'd also like to add there is a point a few things. Higher RAM speed is beneficial on Haswell CPUs and AMD APUs. They do affect performance. As far as I know, RAM speed has little to no affect on any other modern CPUs. So if someone has an Ivy Bridge CPU or FX, faster RAM is useless.

Secondly, purchase RAM in pairs except for Intel Extreme chipsets. RAM should be bought in pairs for Dual Channel speeds and for stability. Buying one stick of 8GB is ok but it is possible to run into stability issues if another stick is added.

Karl_oh · Nov 9, 2014

barto :

Wait so hangon im making a new haswell build (with an i5 4690K and an asus gryphon z97) should i try and get the max memory specification?

photonboy · Nov 9, 2014

barto :

Good points.
More specifically, I've looked at a LOT of reviews and it's rare to see much benefit beyond 1866MHz CAS9. Be warned that the CAS does affect things so 2400MHz CAS11 might get about the same performance but cost more.

Basically I'd get 1866MHz C9, or 2133MHz C9 but wouldn't pay a premium above that. And look at customer feedback to see if it's quality.

barto · Nov 9, 2014

Karl_oh :

Maybe not max but yes, faster RAM indeed. 1866 or 2133 are the ones I price out to people when they ask for a build.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/7364/memory-scaling-on-haswell/10

barto · Nov 9, 2014

photonboy :

Fortunately, the difference between 1600, 1866 and 2133 is a few bucks. I think the last time I checked, 1866 and 2133 G Skill was $82 and $83 respectively. I mean, why not?

photonboy · Nov 9, 2014

Examples:
1866 C9: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gskill-memory-f314900cl9d8gbsr

2133 C9: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gskill-memory-f32133c9d8gxl

COLOR can also be an issue.

I have no issue with getting 2133 C9 assuming the QUALITY is good. However 1866 C9 may be more stable overall and beyond it is very rarely going to benefit you in the slightest in real-world performance. 2400 and higher is not recommended.

Karl_oh · Nov 9, 2014

photonboy :

Is this stuff high quality:

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=186_538_913&products_id=27857

barto · Nov 9, 2014

I would say the Kingston HyperX Beast is good RAM. The height could be a problem and they run a little warm. The only thing that could lead to stability issues is the 1.6v. The Gryphon doesn't list voltage limitations on the specs page. But then again, it also doesn't technically support RAM faster than 1866.

Karl_oh · Nov 9, 2014

barto :

Ok ill go for some 1866 then

barto · Nov 9, 2014

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($81.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $81.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-09 09:54 EST-0500

photonboy · Nov 10, 2014

barto :

That's my top choice, and also the same as I linked above.

FYI, I have 2133MHz CAS9 memory but had a stick fail like any memory can. On doing further research it appears that 1866MHz CAS9 tends to be slightly more reliable currently. It's possible that the memory is nearly identically made but the higher frequency just isn't as stable (on average).

barto · Nov 10, 2014

photonboy :

Yeah. I used to be a OCZ or Corsair person till I read some reviews on G Skill. I don't recommend any other brand in builds. But I don't reject other brands either. It's just my go to brand/model. Thanks for the info on timing.

Processor memory vs motherboard memory frequency

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