Intel Core i5-2550K Memory Compatibility

[twvandewarker]

I'm going to build a PC with an Intel Core i5-2550K and I noticed the specs say it only supports up to 1333 speed memory. My motherboard (ASUS P8Z68-V LX)
supports up to 2200 for overclocking, which I plan on doing. I'll probably end up using 1866 or 2133 unless it will hinder the performance of the CPU. Does anybody know if it will hurt to use higher than 1333 memory?

 

[Deleted member 217926]

Sandy Bridge processors have the memory controller on the CPU itself. As such going over 1.5v DDR3 1333 is technically overclocking the memory controller on the CPU. This voids the CPU warranty.

That being said there is a decent increase in performance going from DDR3 1333 to DDR3 1600 and as long as you make sure to get 1.5v RAM I have not heard of that causing any problems. I have run DDR3 1600 on my 2600K for over a year with no problems. There are instances on the Intel forums of older 1.65v DDR3 actually damaging CPUs.

There is no real perfromace gain going with RAM faster than DDR3 1600 cas 9. The onboard controller just can't use the extra speed.

So best speed/value is 1.5v DDR3 1600 cas 9.


An interesting article on the subject.

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/memory/2011/01/11/the-best-memory-for-sandy-bridge/1

 

[twvandewarker]

Ok thanks! That article helps a lot. I think I'll go with 1.5V 1600 or 1833. The computer won't be for gaming at all, but I do video and audio editing. Because of this, I'm leaning towards 1833.

 

[sharkbyte5150]

I'm going to build a PC with an Intel Core i5-2550K and I noticed the specs say it only supports up to 1333 speed memory. My motherboard (ASUS P8Z68-V LX)
supports up to 2200 for overclocking, which I plan on doing. I'll probably end up using 1866 or 2133 unless it will hinder the performance of the CPU. Does anybody know if it will hurt to use higher than 1333 memory?

In the specs for that board on the Asus page....
"* Due to CPU behavior, DDR3 2200/2000/1800 MHz memory module will run at DDR3 2133/1866/1600 MHz frequency as default."

Basically, the RAM will be clocked down to what the CPU can handle.
I've seen gaming systems with i5/i7 CPU's like the 2550K use 1600 RAM even though the CPU says 1333, but not sure if it runs at 1600.

Why not just get two 8GB dual channel 1333 kits like this one?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231440

If you're not gaming, you won't need any more than that and it's designed specifically for Sandy Bridge CPU's like the 2550K.

 

[twvandewarker]

Best answer selected by twvandewarker.