Is 1.65V 1600MHz memory compatible with my setup?

[dhb-]

I mistakenly bought 3x2 1.65V 1600MHz ram for a GA-P67A-UD3-B3 motherboard and i5-2500K processor.

I know that my setup doesn't support triple channel ram, but I was wondering if I could still use the ram that I bought somehow.

The mobo says it has 4 x 1.5V sockets, and the processor memory specification says 1066/1333. Does this mean I can't use my 1.65V 1600MHz ram? I've read some posts that say it is possible...

 

[rolli59]

Yes you should be able to use that, if the board does not automatically set the voltage at 1.65volts (it should) then you can always do it yourself in BIOS.

 

[geekapproved]

You want 1.5v ram for P67, but most 1.65v ram will run at 1.5v if you lower it to 1333mhz and tighten the timings.

For instance if memory is 1.65v at 1600mhz and 9-9-9-24 you can set it to 1.5v at 1333 and set timings to 8-8-8-20.

Your motherboard is dual channel, meaning you can only use 2 or 4 sticks of ram. If you use 3 sticks you will be running in single channel mode.

 

[jaquith]

The Sandy Bridge can run 1.65v RAM, but using Tri Channel kits, odd number, breaks the Dual Channel. So if it were 'me' I would RMA the RAM and get a new Dual Channel Kit; 1600 MHz CAS 9 is the sweet-spot for your Sandy Bridge.

2X4GB $99 - F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL 1600 CAS 9-9-9-24-2T @ 1.5v http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231428

If the eventual Goal is 16GB then; some 2 X (2X4GB) Ripjaws X 1600 when in 16GB config won't run 1600 and need to be run 1333 MHz.
4X4GB $210 - Corsair Vengeance CMZ16GX3M4A1600C9B 1600 CAS 9-9-9-24-2T @ 1.5v http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145347

2X4GB $99 - CORSAIR Vengeance 1600 CAS 9-9-9-24-2T @ 1.5v CMZ8GX3M2A1866C9B http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233170

 

[geekapproved]

Yes it will work with 1.65v ram, but it's recommended to use 1.5v ram, especially when overclocking because it can damage the cpu.