Ram upgrade: 1600MHz instead of 1333MHz but board compatibility issue?

[jimpark85]

Hi,

Im trying to update ram in my friends computer. I've listed the pertinent components:

Intel Pentium G645 Sandy Bridge 2.9GHz

ASUS P8B75-M LX motherboard

2x 1GB 1333Mhz DDR3

The motherboard specs state 1600MHz is only supported with an Ivy Bridge CPU

My question is if I purchase 1600MHz (assuming all other things equal) ram will it just run at 1333MHz since its a Sandy Bridge CPU? The main thing I'm worried about is the computer showing a black screen/not posting/not able to get to windows.

Sidenote: I plan on buying used ram and there's a lot more of 4GB 1600MHz ram available where I am at. she does a lot of shopping so opens a ton of tabs/browsers and says that lately the computer has been feeling a bit sluggish so I thought a 2x 4GB sticks would help

If anymore information is need, please let me know.

Thanks in advance

 

[blazorthon]

I don't know why it would say DDR3-1600 is only supported with Ivy when both Ivy and Sandy support it. Maybe they're just going by official memory recommendations from Intel which are DDR3-1333 for Sandy and DDR3-1600 for Ivy. Both CPU series can run with higher frequencies than that, it is simply not recommended by Intel.

However, I can guarantee that it really would not matter if your memory ran at DDR3-1333 or DDR3-1600. The performance difference would be minimal for you.

Upgrading from 2GB to 4GB or 8GB might help. 2GB can be restraining even for internet browsing if you open a lot of tabs.

 

[blazorthon]

I wouldn't call it an expensive fix. It would cost only around $70 for a new kit and a used one should be cheaper. However, yes, it wouldn't hurt to try the software fixes first.

EDIT: I wouldn't recommend changing the default defragmenting program. I'd be worried about if that would interfere with the background defragmentation that windows 7 and 8 do and there is no need to change the default in order to use the new one when you want to.