I am confused as to why I would purchase RAM at 2400 (or higher) when, according to Intel's spec page, a CPU like the 5820K indicates it only supports up to 2133 (DDR4 1333/1600/2133)? I know, in this case this is DDR4, but the same question for any memory: If my processor only supports up to 1600, why would I purchase RAM over 1600? Thanks.
Best memory choice for CPU, motherboard
- Thread starter jdevola
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Cazauxx
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- Jul 10, 2015
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It all depends on what your using it for.
People with lots of ram (speed + amount) either use it for running virtual machines, rendering videos or gaming.
DDR3 1600 is the most common speed.
If your going to use your computer for light - medium games or just running programs and doing basic things I would suggest DDR3 1600
People with lots of ram (speed + amount) either use it for running virtual machines, rendering videos or gaming.
DDR3 1600 is the most common speed.
If your going to use your computer for light - medium games or just running programs and doing basic things I would suggest DDR3 1600
Poprin
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- Dec 13, 2012
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Intel specify a RAM speed based on what the memory controller on the chip is designed to work with. However, just like overclocking and when overclocking it is often possible for the memory controller on the chip to handle a faster speed. So for example I have overclocked my i7 to 4.2ghz. As it is a sandybridge the memory controller is rated up to 1333mhz, however I am using 1600mhz RAM and it works and shows a benchmark improvement over 1333mhz. So basically you can buy faster rated RAM, it might work and it might give you a performance increase. It's a bit of trial and error and if you are overclocking your CPU in theory you are also increasing it's memory controller potential for higher memory speeds.
Sergeant_Sneaky
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- Mar 25, 2015
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You can use an XMP profile (If your motherboard supports it) to overclock the RAM to it's higher speed. This does technically overclock the memory controller though.
Thanks, I will look into that as well. I am trying to piece together a system, and I need to understand how everything works together -- I want to be efficiently matched, with a little headroom, and yet not go overboard unnecessarily (esp. in the $$ dept.).
Poprin
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There are other factors with RAM speed, the general rule of thumb if you are buying an Intel system is that they respond well to lower CAS latency's over higher RAM speeds. So don't push the RAM speed to high at the cost of lower latency. So if you can buy 1600mhz CAS8 for example and you other choice is 1866mhz CAS10 at the same price then I would buy the 1600mhz. But buying a higher speed RAM doesn't stop you from reducing the speed in BIOS also if you can't get it to run at it's rated speed. Welcome to the world of pratting about with computers, be prepared to loose many hours!
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