What is the mhz on a ram referring to?

[mdjaradat]

Hi,
so yea, when you see a specific mhz on the ram package at the store what is that referring to? The speed it runs at? the speed it COULD run at?

 

[COLGeek]

Actually, it is the speed it is rated to run at (by the manufacturer). Generally, RAM can run slower without any issues, but may not run at speeds higher than rated by the manufacturer.

 

[cin19]

For example DDR3 1600MHz, that speed it can run at 1600MHz standard speed, but it can run backward to 1333MHz or can OC to 1700MHz or 1866MHz, keep in mind no all the RAM can OC.

And at 1600MHz, the ratio of the performance/price is best, that is why we recommend buy those RAMs for most of the time.