Kingston 8GB 1.65v bad for my computer?

[robertris2]

hey guys, some people have said my ram is bad for my mobo because it runs at 1.65v. Any truth to that? I can still return it so I would like to know asap. Thanks

 

[sharkbyte5150]

Need to know your specs before anyone can answer that but the immediate answer if you have a Sandy Bridge based Intel CPU (i5/i7) is YES. Running RAM beyond 1.5V on that lineup can damage your CPU and immediately voids the warranty.

Go to NewEgg and search for DDR3 1600 dual channel 8GB kit and within the results search "Sandy Bridge" and you'll see the RAM that is optimized for that....also need RAM that is Intel XMP ready and will have to set clock speed in BIOS to XMP mode so it runs full speed.

 

[sharkbyte5150]

By the way, it has nothing to do with motherboard, it's about the CPU.

 

[robertris2]

Need to know your specs before anyone can answer that but the immediate answer if you have a Sandy Bridge based Intel CPU (i5/i7) is YES. Running RAM beyond 1.5V on that lineup can damage your CPU and immediately voids the warranty.

Go to NewEgg and search for DDR3 1600 dual channel 8GB kit and within the results search "Sandy Bridge" and you'll see the RAM that is optimized for that....also need RAM that is Intel XMP ready and will have to set clock speed in BIOS to XMP mode so it runs full speed.

Are you absolutely %100 sure about the 1.65v? Im running the 2500k, are you sure it will void my warranty immediately?

 

[robertris2]

Btw I just reduced the clock rate in my BIOS to 1333 and my BIOS now says it's running at 1.5v. When it was set to 1600 it said I was running at 1.65. I should be OK now right?

 

[nikorr]

Are you absolutely %100 sure about the 1.65v? Im running the 2500k, are you sure it will void my warranty immediately?

Running 1.65V voids yours CPU warranty.

U need 1.5V

 

[robertris2]

Running 1.65V voids yours CPU warranty.

U need 1.5V

I've already ran it at 1.65 but only for 1 day. Its at 1.5 now. Is it void?

 

[dish_moose]

Running at lower rates/voltages will be ok. But if you had the chance to return it - why didn't you??
-Bruce

 

[nikorr]

I've already ran it at 1.65 but only for 1 day. Its at 1.5 now. Is it void?

It is like this. Read the link.

I would run it @ 1600MHz, but @ 1.5V and if it would happen to you, tell them that u are running @ 1333MHz and 1.5V

Intel did not do it right with the users. IMHO

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/forum2.php?config=tomshardwareus.inc&cat=31&post=333313&page=1&p=1&sondage=0&owntopic=3&trash=0&trash_post=0&print=0&numreponse=0&quote_only=0&new=0&nojs=0

 

[robertris2]

Running at lower rates/voltages will be ok. But if you had the chance to return it - why didn't you??
-Bruce

I put the thing in 2 days ago (this is a 2 day old computer). I ran it at 1600 (therefore at 1.65v) for 1 day only. It's back to 1.5 now at 1333. I don't see the need to drive 48 miles to microcenter to return it if it's going to run at 1.5v just fine.

my thing is, how will they know I had it at 1.65v once upon a time if from now on I keep it at 1.5v?

 

[nikorr]

I put the thing in 2 days ago (this is a 2 day old computer). I ran it at 1600 (therefore at 1.65v) for 1 day only. It's back to 1.5 now at 1333. I don't see the need to drive 48 miles to microcenter to return it if it's going to run at 1.5v just fine.

my thing is, how will they know I had it at 1.65v once upon a time if from now on I keep it at 1.5v?

Don't tell them.

 

[robertris2]

Don't tell them.

Lol, that kind of makes me feel better. Thank you sir

 

[dish_moose]

Although not recommended and voids warranty, many have run 1.65v RAM in their OCed systems without issue.
I would not worry now that you are at 1.5v. If at that voltage the RAM isn't stable at 1600MHz, it's not that big of a performance hit to operate at 1333MHz.
-Bruce

 

[nikorr]

Post a screenshot.


What RAM do u have now? Post a screenshot.
Use CPU-Z to find out @ http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html

 

[robertris2]

Post a screenshot.


What RAM do u have now? Post a screenshot.
Use CPU-Z to find out @ http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html
http://www.cpuid.com/medias/images/en/softwares-cpuz-05.jpg

That's as it is now.

 

[nikorr]

 

[nikorr]

Do u see that XMP @ 1.65V?

 

[sharkbyte5150]

Like I said, RAM designed for Sandy Bridge that says "Intel XMP Ready" can run at 1600 @ 1.5V with no problems.

As you said, how will they know, and the answer is they won't.
I'm not even sure why they said the warranty is void if you overclock or run RAM beyond 1.5V because I doubt there is any way for them to find out. You can actually purchase overclock protection from Intel which allows you to experiment, but many users get DDR3 1600 that's XMP Ready and they keep it at 1.5V easily. There is also low voltage RAM.

 

[robertris2]

Do u see that XMP @ 1.65V?

Yes.. I do.. What of it?
That's at 1600 though.. I'm running mine at 1333 the bios says its running at 1333@1.5v

 

[robertris2]

Like I said, RAM designed for Sandy Bridge that says "Intel XMP Ready" can run at 1600 @ 1.5V with no problems.

As you said, how will they know, and the answer is they won't.
I'm not even sure why they said the warranty is void if you overclock or run RAM beyond 1.5V because I doubt there is any way for them to find out. You can actually purchase overclock protection from Intel which allows you to experiment, but many users get DDR3 1600 that's XMP Ready and they keep it at 1.5V easily. There is also low voltage RAM.

I think my problem is that my XMP ram would run at 1600.. only at 1.65v. Now I have been doing a lot of searching here and other sources and it's like a 50/50 thing. Some say its fine, others say it will ruin my cpu. I guess I will take the safe and easy road for now.

 

[sharkbyte5150]

Go on NewEgg.com and find the RAM you're using and look in the details. Does it mention anything about Sandy Bridge?

A lot of users I've seen get 1600 @ 1.5V or less that have RAM like Corsair Vengeance or GSkill Ripjaws that says specifically designed to work with Sandy Bridge. Up to you if it's worth exchanging, now that you have it at 1.5V but if you paid for 1600 and can only run it at 1333 you're getting ripped off, at least as far as running at full speed safely is concerned.

 

[robertris2]

Best answer selected by robertris2.