4790K which memory is compatible?

[vanderkoops]

Taking my time looking into a new build and decided on the i7-4790K 4.00GHz Devil's Canyon but have become confused by what I've read on the Intel page in regards to their advertised spec.

I'm looking at the compatible memory and OC states:

Memory Controller: Dual channel DDR3 1600/1866/2133/2400/2666+ MHz

However the Intel spec (found here) shows:

Memory Types DDR3-1333/1600

I can definitely see the obvious difference here, one stating controller and the other saying types but are they the same thing? Ultimately I just wanted to find out what memory is supported with the 4790k?

Excuse me if I'm being a clueless prat, I am fully expecting a really simple answer!

 

[PaulyD]

The Intel spec is showing the design specification for this, however you can overclock the RAM and have the memory controller match it so you can run much faster speeds.

For example i use 2400Mhz RAM with my 4790k and no issues at all.

 

[setter]

Yep, 2400mhz runs grand in haswell setups, ram in sig ive had upto 2600mhz and i know of users who run much faster ram again.

 

[JustCallMeVlad]

I've ran up to 3000 with my 4770K. Just get some nice 2400 G. Skills

 

[vanderkoops]

Ah I see where I've lost it on the reading of specs.

So does that mean without the initial need to overclock I could put a pair of 8gb sticks @2400mhz in but I would just need to adjust the memory controller?

I've ran up to 3000 with my 4770K. Just get some nice 2400 G. Skills

I think that may have just answered my question...

 

[setter]

You dont even have to oc the cpu to get ram speed of 2400mhz etc. Ram runs independently of the cpu base clock, unlike previous intel chips were ram speed was linked to cpu fsb. Simply set the speed, timings and voltage manually, or if the ram has an XMP profile enabling it will do this for you.

 

[BluD]

Yeah i just picked up some GSkill tridents, ya only have to pay a few more quid for the high speed stuff so no point getting 1600s.

 

[vanderkoops]

Cheers for the help, appreciate it.

Yeah i just picked up some GSkill tridents, ya only have to pay a few more quid for the high speed stuff so no point getting 1600s.

Yea they look good value!