DDR3 1333 or 1600 for i5-2500k sandy bridge

[imwithstupid118]

I was looking at the ripjaw X series ram at newegg and a 2x2gb set at 1333 is 5 dollars less than the 1600 2x2gb set. On the intel spec sheet it says it uses a maximum of 1333mhz, if the cpu is overclocked can it utilize a higher RAM speed? Also, if I get the 1600, can I lower the multiplier for the ram to make it 1333 on the new p67 boards? If so, is it worth the exta $5 to get the better rate ram and maybe tighten the timings?

note: the board I am looking into is the ASUS P8P67 Pro, $390 combo with the i5-2500k and comes with Sid Meiers Civ 5

 

[rolli59]

I would go for the 1600MHz, it will run at 1333 probably with tighten timings.
Great combo!

 

[icemule1]

I would go for the 1600MHz, it will run at 1333 probably with tighten timings.
Great combo!

Interestingly, on the Intel specifications for the 2500K processor at http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=52210 it says that it is compatible with memory DDR3-1066/1333. No mention of 1600. Will 1600 memory definitely work with the i5 2500K?

 

[rolli59]

Yes and if you overclock you can go higher before you hit memory limitation.

 

[jaquith]

With what you purchased already, and if you plan to OC which I assume you will then I won't suggest anything slower than 1600 MHz and might even suggest 1866 MHz.

Ripjaws X kits - http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=%22Ripjaws+X%22&x=0&y=0

 

[akula2]

Interestingly, on the Intel specifications for the 2500K processor at http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=52210 it says that it is compatible with memory DDR3-1066/1333. No mention of 1600. Will 1600 memory definitely work with the i5 2500K?

I used to get such a question in my mind many times best is to check out the Memory spec from the MOBO maker itself. Example, this is for P67A-UD4 MOBO:

http://download.gigabyte.us/FileList/Memory/mb_memory_ga-p67a-ud4.pdf

So, you may consider 1866 or 1600 if you are interested. Good luck!

 

[andrern2000]

i5-2500k supports 1600 Mhz. If you make a purchase with 2500k, I suggest you go for 1600 Mhz.

 

[HyperFred]

Sorry to butt in, but is it wise to go for 1600 with the 2500k even if not overclocking?

 

[jaquith]

Dispelling Rumors H67 vs P67:

If you are NOT OC'ing then that's somewhat different, and then I also feel purchasing a 'K' unlocked CPU is a waste of money. Also, you do NOT need to run RAM at its' rated speed. I see 1600 MHz running all of the time at 1066 MHz where people 'assumed' wrong that the MOBO would automatically {magically} set the RAM Speed, CAS, Voltage, etc.

You do not want a huge disparity either way between CPU speed and RAM speed for best results. **IF** the OP was teaming the i5-2500K with an H67 MOBO then 1333 MHz RAM is the fastest supported RAM.

"H67 chipset is limited to using DDR3 1333MHz memory at the most, while the P67 chipset supports speed of 1600, 1866, 2133 and potentially even faster speeds."

 

[jaquith]

BTW - All these caveats are a PITA.