Motherboards with 1600mhz memory support

[M1KES]

Is it worth getting a motherboard that supports 1600mhz memory?
They are more expensive, and wanted to know if it is worth the extra cost?

 

[o1die]

No. Choose instead based on other features, such as sata 6 or usb 3.0. Many boards will allow you to overclock the ram beyond the default settings.

 

[beenthere]

I haven't seen any mobos that were more expensive based soley on supporting 1600 MHz. RAM, which any current mobo should do without issue. There is not any significant performance advantage to running DDR3 RAM at 1600 MHz. however so buy a quality mobo that meets your needs.

 

[M1KES]

I am upgrading my current computer with a low budget... getting a i3-2100 3.1GHz with a new motherboard and 4gb ddr3 memory. (as my previous was ddr2)
I was thinking of this motherboard: http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/Intel_Socket_1155/P8H61M/#specifications

Thoughts?
Also, will i have problems connecting my old hardrive to it: HITACHI 250GB 8MB CACHE SATA2 7200RPM HDT722525D?

 

[jitpublisher]

I don't know of any current boards that will not support 1600mhz memory, but memory speed the board supports is the last thing to look at. If the board supports a certain processor, it will support the memory speed the processor runs at by default. Increasing memory speed adds a very insignificant amount of speed that you can only see in benchmarks, you'll never notice otherwise.

 

[M1KES]

I don't know of any current boards that will not support 1600mhz memory, but memory speed the board supports is the last thing to look at. If the board supports a certain processor, it will support the memory speed the processor runs at by default. Increasing memory speed adds a very insignificant amount of speed that you can only see in benchmarks, you'll never notice otherwise.

Well i am on a tight budget so i was thinking of that board i linked to. And it doesnt support it. But i am happy to know that it isnt important.
What about the board itself? Is it good enough for a computer that wont be overclocked?
Also will it be compatible with my old hardrive: HITACHI 250GB 8MB CACHE SATA2 7200RPM HDT722525D?

 

[o1die]

Yes. You can use your old hardrive with your asus motherboard. I recommend this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157251 board for about the same price if your case has room for an atx board. It has sata III and usb 3.0 support. You may want these features someday, especially for an ssd. They are coming down in price.

 

[M1KES]

Thank you for the suggestion!
But you reminded me of another thing i hadnt thought of...
Will both of these motherboards fit in my case? http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=30

How do i see if it does?

 

[o1die]

Yes. Your case will work with either board you choose; any atx or micro atx board will fit the 330 case.

 

[M1KES]

Yes. Your case will work with either board you choose; any atx or micro atx board will fit the 330 case.

Thank you! Glad it fits.

I have another 2 questions...
If i buy 1600mhz memory, will it work in a 1333mhz slot? Will there be problems, or will it just only reach 1333?

Also.. while searching for memories... some said in the description: "indicated for socket 1155 - Sandy Bridge". Just to be sure... bridge sandy motherboards can support any type of ddr3 memories, right?

 

[o1die]

It will just reach 1333, unless you overclock the cpu by about 20%. For sandy bridge, I would check the qvl memory listing for the board you choose. Use ddr3 rated at 1.5-1.6 volts. Check your favorite vender or newegg for the ram specs and rebates. Don't spend over $40 (after rebate) for a 2x4 gb kit.

 

[M1KES]

Oh, so there are no reported problems of using higher MHz memory ?

I was thinking of these: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145260
(although i am not getting them from newegg)

But these didnt have the recommendation "indicated for socket 1155 - Sandy Bridge"...
While this one for example did: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231427

Whats the difference between them, and cant i use the top one?

 

[o1die]

You can use either brand. I use 16 gb of gskill 1333 ripjaws and it works fine with Intel or amd boards. I would get the gskill as it's cheaper and runs at only 1.5 volts.