CPU compatibility with motherboard/memory

[fatedcloud]

Intel says that the i3-540 Processor is only compatible with DDR3-1066/1333 memory.

http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=46473

EVGA says that the i3-540 Processor is compatible with any of the P55/H57/H55 Series Motherboard's (LGA 1156)

http://www.evga.com/support/motherboard/

Some of these motherboards support up to 1600. Some even higher.

So my question is does that just mean i can use 1333 memory with that motherboard with that intel processor?

The motherboard i'm getting is this.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188064&cm_re=evga_motherboard-_-13-188-064-_-Product

If i can use the i3 processor with it that is.

 

[fatedcloud]

And also does this mean i can only SLI with a x8 PCIe?

Expansion Options
PCI Express Revision 2.0
PCI Express Configurations 1x16, 2x8
# of PCI Express Ports 1

 

[doive1231]

On your second question, yes, SLI will be x8 PCI express. Two PCI-e ports on that board I think.

 

[1haplo]

The 1600 memory standard is the fastest memory it will support at stock speeds, If you get any thing faster it will run at 1600 stock, IF you overclock you will be able to reach the speed of the faster RAM.

The 1333 RAM will work with the i3-540, and that board. If you are going to overclock get faster RAM so you can reach the CPU limit before the RAM limit. Some 1333 RAM will do 1600 but not all, Some will only go a few MHz faster then specs.

The bad thing about this board is the PCIe x8 slots do not run at x16 with 1 card. Unless you are running a top of the line GPU it will not saturate the PCIe lanes. But for the cost its not bad.

 

[fatedcloud]

On your second question, yes, SLI will be x8 PCI express. Two PCI-e ports on that board I think.

So it's not possible to use 1 GPU in x8?

 

[fatedcloud]

The 1600 memory standard is the fastest memory it will support at stock speeds, If you get any thing faster it will run at 1600 stock, IF you overclock you will be able to reach the speed of the faster RAM.

The 1333 RAM will work with the i3-540, and that board. If you are going to overclock get faster RAM so you can reach the CPU limit before the RAM limit. Some 1333 RAM will do 1600 but not all, Some will only go a few MHz faster then specs.

The bad thing about this board is the PCIe x8 slots do not run at x16 with 1 card. Unless you are running a top of the line GPU it will not saturate the PCIe lanes. But for the cost its not bad.

So does that mean 1600 RAM will work with i3-540? Or will only stock/overclocked 1333 will work?

 

[fatedcloud]

Best answer selected by fatedcloud.

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey