Is there really a difference?

[ad88]

I have a Sandybridge 2500k with a P67 motherboard on its way including some ddr3-1600 and the GPU. I ordered 8gb of ddr3-1600 memory conceived for P67 motherboards. Now is there really a difference between memory that claim to be for i7 cpu's or P67 motherboards? For instance I have 3x 2gb g.skill ddr3-1600 (for intel i7 CPUs) laying around unused, will it have any effect if I combine them with my "P67" memory? Or are these claims meant for marketing purposes only?

 

[jaquith]

Depends on the Specs: Frequency, CAS Timing and Voltage. If they're all the same then it shouldn't be a problem. If they're different then you'll need to manually use the worst of each or find a JEDEC standard per CPU-Z that matches both sets - SPD.

Example just for the idea:
1600 9-9-9-24 @ 1.50v
1600 7-8-7-25 @ 1.65v
=================
1600 9-9-9-24 @ 1.58v+ and pray 1.58 is sufficient otherwise 1.65v is over-voltage to the other set, and you'll need to use a slower frequency.

Also, keep the sets separated; CPU: | set1 | set2 | set1 | set2 |

 

[purple stain]

I think their claims are just for marketing purposes.For instance the Hyper 212+ was compatible for anything and now it says a label for it to be comtaible for Sandy Bridge.I think it's strictly for market purposes.

Unless the RAM your intending buy has anything differen't than the ones you own than theirs no difference just that their "compatible with sandy bridge".If they have tighter timings or a higher freq then you should but if they don't than don't even bother.

Goodluck

 

[Leaps-from-Shadows]

There is likely no difference. It's just that the Sandy Bridge and P67 weren't on the market when the older RAM came out, so the older RAM is advertised for older CPUs and chipsets.

If the triple-channel RAM is 1.65v and you want to use it with the Sandy Bridge system, I would try under-volting it. 1.65v is out of specification and is likely to lead to CPU damage. Sandy Bridge's usable RAM voltage range is 1.25v-1.6v spec. If you cannot get it stable at 1.6v or less, then you cannot safely use it in the Sandy Bridge system.

Edit: Hopefully the new RAM you got is 1.25v/1.35v/1.5v spec. If it isn't, you could try under-volting it or simply return it and get some that is.

 

[ad88]

The memory that I have coming with my Sandybridge kit

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231428

And the memory that I have that has never been used

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231225

The timing for both are 9-9-9-24, the "P67 ram" is running at 1.5v and my spare ram for "i7s" runs at 1.5v-1.6v. Now does this mean that my spare ram can be set to 1.5v through the bios? If this helps the motherboard I ordered

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131702

 

[jaquith]

Coming: F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL ; Tan DIMM slots
1600 9-9-9-24 @ 1.5v

Have: F3-12800CL9T-6GBNQ ; Brown DIMM slots
1600 9-9-9-24 @ 1.5v~1.6v

1600 9-9-9-24 @ 1.5v
1600 9-9-9-24 @ 1.5v~1.6v
===============
1600 9-9-9-24 @ 1.5v with CPU: | set1 | set2 | set1 | set2 |

They should work together at Rated Frequency. Don't use XMP and manually set the the BIOS:

AI OC Tuner -> Manual
Memory Frequency -> DDR3-1600 MHz
DRAM Timing Control 9-9-9-24 and Command Rate -> 2N

If needed:
DRAM Voltage -> 1.50v~1.55v~1.60v {max}.

Then run 4 passes of Memtest86+; errors then increase DRAM Voltage -> 1.55v.

 

[ad88]

Best answer selected by ad88.

 

[ad88]

Coming: F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL ; Tan DIMM slots
1600 9-9-9-24 @ 1.5v

Have: F3-12800CL9T-6GBNQ ; Brown DIMM slots
1600 9-9-9-24 @ 1.5v~1.6v

1600 9-9-9-24 @ 1.5v
1600 9-9-9-24 @ 1.5v~1.6v
===============
1600 9-9-9-24 @ 1.5v with CPU: | set1 | set2 | set1 | set2 |

They should work together at Rated Frequency. Don't use XMP and manually set the the BIOS:

AI OC Tuner -> Manual
Memory Frequency -> DDR3-1600 MHz
DRAM Timing Control 9-9-9-24 and Command Rate -> 2N

If needed:
DRAM Voltage -> 1.50v~1.55v~1.60v {max}.

Then run 4 passes of Memtest86+; errors then increase DRAM Voltage -> 1.55v.

You really seem to know what you are talking about so I will send you a private message once I receive my kit so I can properly configure my bios and what not. Thanks for the help!

 

[jaquith]

That fine, let me know. And just make sure your version of Window supports the 12GB installed http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa366778(v=vs.85).aspx#physical_memory_limits_windows_7