Can you put in memory with a higher speed than the standard for the motherboard

[amac208]

is it possible to put in a higher speed memory stick than is the standard for the motherboard?

i.e. a set of memory with 1600 in a mobo with a 1333 standard

 

[marcellis22]

It should clock down, but might give you better head room to overclock...

 

[amac208]

clearly i dont know much about building a pc so, if i put in the higher speed memory it will automaticly clock down?