What happens if you use memory that is faster than your CPU can support?

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KindaHardcoreGamer

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Im using the 6700k with the Asus Maximus Viii Hero. I know the motherboard supports memory up to 3600mhz, which was what I planned to use (as I heard the 6700k benefits from fast memory), but I discovered my chip only supports memory up to 2133mhz.
I see people who use memory much faster than their chip's supported memory, so I know it must work. Does it stress the CPU, or does the ram just underclock?
 
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Rogue Leader
Whoever told you that is wrong, the i7-6700k supports faster memory. You can run the memory up to what the motherboard supports.

When you install the memory it will run at 2133mhz until you set XMP, then it will run at its ratings.
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Rogue Leader

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Whoever told you that is wrong, the i7-6700k supports faster memory. You can run the memory up to what the motherboard supports.

When you install the memory it will run at 2133mhz until you set XMP, then it will run at its ratings.
 
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jpatrick2

jpatrick2

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your chip? are you referring to the CPU?

I have an i5-6600k with 16GB of DDR4-3000. I know that your motherboard supports higher speeds for sure, you should be able to just change the speed in your BIOS. Have you tried that yet?
 
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KindaHardcoreGamer

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Does the 6700k specifically benefit from faster memory? What would be a good speed to look for?
(I'm sure I asked this before, but I'm too lazy to go look at what the answer was..)
 
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Rogue Leader

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Any CPU can benefit from faster memory, however only Z170 motherboards (which you would use with a k processor) have the ability to fully utilize high speed memory. The reality is you will likely not notice the performance difference (except under a benchmark) so I wouldn't spend a lot extra on it, however many times you can get DDR4-3000 or so for the same price as 2133, you may as well go faster.
 
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KindaHardcoreGamer

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I've heard 3200 is the sweet spot for price/performance/latency.
However, looking at some reviews. 3200 is also things start to get unstable and performance starts to drop.
If I had no budget, is 3200 my best option or should I go higher (or lower)?
 
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Rogue Leader

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Like I said you will barely even notice a difference, I would go with the best sweet spot of price. So 3200 is probably the way to go.

And yes because running memory in XMP is technically overclocking there is potential for instability, which can be cured by pushing the voltage on the processor a bit, but all depends how technical you want to get. Personally I'd rather be conservative and not have to bump voltages just to make my memory work.
 
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KindaHardcoreGamer

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I would prefer 3200mhz because like we both said, it seems like a sweetspot (especially for g skill, which i'm getting)

Do you think it would be likely that 3200mhz would be unstable? I usually don't hear about much instability until you get around and past 3600mhz.

If it is likely that 3200mhz will be unstable, is 3000mhz a more viable option?
 
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KindaHardcoreGamer

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Alright, ill use 3200.
I'd select that as best answer, but we're getting off topic here.
Thanks for your help
 
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Tradesman1

Tradesman1

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3200 is good, and when shopping, look to the Ripjaws V and Trident Z lines (closely) both lines of DRAM have a variety of 3200 sets ranging from CL14 to CL16 (and believe some CL13 on the way). Lower CL is better performance wise, I've got the TriZ sticks in CL14 (in sig) and also some 15 and 16 sets I've played with, the difference isn't huge, but it's there ;)
 
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KindaHardcoreGamer

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Is there any real difference performance wise between Trident Z and Ripjaws V?
Because I already have selected a 3200mhz Ripjaws V ram, just making sure that trident z isn't better performance
 
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KindaHardcoreGamer

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In that case, I think I'll stick with the Ripjaws V just to save a couple bucks :p
 
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