RAM for MSI P965 1.8 or 2.0 volt question

blue7echo

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Nov 10, 2006
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I am preparing to purchase RAM for a C2D, MSI P965 system. I am concerned about RAM selection.

It is my understanding that the spec for the mainboard is for DDR2-800 PC6400 1.8v units. I understand that the voltage settings can be changed in the bios to support 2.0 / 2.1 volt units. My question is, is it preferable to buy 2.0 volt units and change the setting in the bios or to get the 1.8 volt units. What are the pros and cons either way?

Articles about voltage for P965:

http://forumz.tomshardware.com/hardware/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=210351&highlight=msi+p965

http://forumz.tomshardware.com/hardware/Gigabyte-OCZ-Bad-ftopict209432.html

Thanks.
 

rwaritsdario

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Aug 2, 2006
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Nah, there arent any real cons in getting memory thats rated above 1.8v, the life expectancy in both cases is so long that youll dump/sell the memory before that.
SPD timings are always at 1.8v anyways so there wont be any trouble while booting for the first time.
 

CompuTronix

Intel Master
Moderator
All other variables being equal, memory which will run stable at the lowest voltage per frequency and latency has been fabricated from the highest quality semiconductors, and will potentially be the highest overclocker.
 
dear god not MSI

I am preparing to purchase RAM for a C2D, MSI P965 system. I am concerned about RAM selection.

It is my understanding that the spec for the mainboard is for DDR2-800 PC6400 1.8v units. I understand that the voltage settings can be changed in the bios to support 2.0 / 2.1 volt units. My question is, is it preferable to buy 2.0 volt units and change the setting in the bios or to get the 1.8 volt units. What are the pros and cons either way?

Articles about voltage for P965:

http://forumz.tomshardware.com/hardware/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=210351&highlight=msi+p965

http://forumz.tomshardware.com/hardware/Gigabyte-OCZ-Bad-ftopict209432.html

Thanks.
 

rwaritsdario

Distinguished
Aug 2, 2006
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20,780
All other variables being equal, memory which will runs stable at the lowest voltage per frequency and latency has been fabricated from the highest quality semiconductors, and will potentially be the highest overclocker.
Sadly, this oftenly isnt the rated voltage, so theres no telling from the specs. But if you dig around just a bit you realize how true that is.