1600 MHz DDR3 + GA-X58A-UD3R

[jaquith]

* I first want to say THANK YOU for you input & Help! *

I ordered a PC from CyberPower PC for my wife (built one for her before & won't do it again). The build hasn't started. The configuration for the price is great, BUT I am "second guessing" the MOBO with its selected memory which is Corsair Dominator (2GBx3/DDR3/1600MHz); cost between the 1333 & 1600 is $4 no big deal.

The problem:
MOBO: GA-X58A-UD3R does not support the 1600 MHz DDR3 speed
Tom's review: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/x58-usb-3.0-sata-6-gbps,2614-15.html
Memory GA-X58A-UD3R's specs: DDR3 2200/1333/1066/800
-> The assumption: the memory will get down-clocked to 1333??!!

The QUESTIONS:
1. I am debating on changing the MOBO to an ASUS P6X58D-E because of it's native support of 1600MHz memory. However, I have been hearing a lot of "buzz" with Gigabyte MOBO's and their BIOS OC advantages, etc.
2. Also, what happens when you install 1600MHz into a 1333MHz MOBO? I assume it down-clocks the RAM to 1333, but what about timings and CAS???

GA-X58A-UD3R vs ASUS P6X58D-E
MOBO: ASUS P6X58D-E
Memory P6X58D-E's specs: DDR3 2000(O.C.)/1600/1333/1066
Cost +$21

---
Build (<$1,600) - Home Office Workstation:
CPU: i7 930
MOBO: GA-X58A-UD3R
RAM: 6GB / Corsair Dominator (2GBx3/DDR3/1600MHz)
Video: HD 5770
Cooling: Liquid/Asetek 510LC *
Primary Drive: 128 GB Kingston SSD SATA II
Data Drive: RAID 1/1TB/1TBx2 SATA II
Power: Corsair 750 Watts/CMPSU-750TX *
Case: CoolerMaster 690 II Advanced

* just in-case I OC her machine and or add crossfire.

 

[Lmeow]

I'm pretty sure the GA-X58A-UD3R does support over 1333MHz, just not officially. Besides, there's no noticeable difference between 1333MHz and 1600MHz. Timings are set by the motherboard by default. I'd go for the P6X58D-E simply because I feel it's worth that $21.

 

[jaquith]

I'm pretty sure the GA-X58A-UD3R does support over 1333MHz, just not officially. Besides, there's no noticeable difference between 1333MHz and 1600MHz.

As stated "Memory GA-X58A-UD3R's specs: DDR3 2200/1333/1066/800".

However, what impact does non-native RAM speed have on "any" MOBO? A lot of fast 1600MHz and 1800MHz memory is being "pushed/sold" with all sorts of exotic finned coolers etc, but I've found very few MOBOs that support as a spec those memory speeds.

Originally, I opted for the Asus P6X58D Premium MOBO which I really like BUT the cost pushed me beyond my budget cap of $1,500-$1,600; hence the 1600MHz was a carryover selection - I caught the problem. Plus, CyberPower incorrectly spec'd the Gigabyte MOBO - "...GA-X58A-UD3R...Triple-Channel DDR3/1600 ATX Mainboard..."