Memory info pls

havocas · 30 Jan 2011 at 20:12

Dear Chaps

I was thinking of getting this motherboard soon:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-424-AS&groupid=701&catid=1903&subcat=1481

And it says:

"Memory: 4x DDR3 DIMM 1800(OC) / 1600(OC) / 1333 / 1066 (Max. 16GB)"

What does that mean, that it supports 1333mhz as standard and if i want to overcloack it will go up to 1800mhz

I really dont want to overclock as im scared so does that mean i should go for this ram?

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-257-CS&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=1516

kind regards

RJC · 30 Jan 2011 at 20:22

Yes, you would need to overclock to get the memory at the higher speed.

I would go with the memory below and run it down clocked:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-104-GL&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=1517

havocas · 30 Jan 2011 at 20:24

Is there a noticeable difference between running 1600 or 1333 MHZ?

I just browse the net and the odd game

RJC · 30 Jan 2011 at 20:25

I doubt you notice any real world difference, only in bechmarks.

cmndr_andi · 30 Jan 2011 at 20:26

Hi there,

The key thing to remember here is that with a modern CPU the memory controller is onboard the CPU die. In the case of AM3 CPUs, this memory controller is rated to run DDR3 in dual channel mode at 1333MHz. However, it is usually possible to run 1600MHz RAM (sometimes faster) on these CPUs - hence the memory controller is being overclocked, while the CPU itself is not being overclocked.

Personally, I would suggest picking up this kit. It is rated to run at 1600MHz, and if you can't get in to run at this speed (due to the CPU) then you need only reduce the memory multiplier and run it at a slightly lower speed.

havocas · 30 Jan 2011 at 20:29

Very helpful

If i just plonk the memory in will it default to 1333mhz anyways?

cmndr_andi · 30 Jan 2011 at 20:34

havocas said:
Very helpful

If i just plonk the memory in will it default to 1333mhz anyways?

Indeed (it may even set itself to 1066MHz), you need to manually change the settings in the BIOS to get it up 1600MHz - and that is the case with all motherboards.

havocas · 30 Jan 2011 at 20:36

Many thanks for the advice