OK to run DDR3 at 1.5V ?

Barso · 20 Aug 2010 at 23:41

I currently run my 6GB corsair DDR3 ram at 7-7-7-20 at 1.5V even though it says 1.65V on the side of each module.
But is it okay to run it at 1.5V if there seems to be no problems with it?
It passes memtest no problem.

Boozebeard · 20 Aug 2010 at 23:44

If there is no problem then there is no problem.

If you do start getting random crashes this is the first place I would look mind.

cmndr_andi · 20 Aug 2010 at 23:44

Are you running the modules at rated speed and 1.5V?

setter · 20 Aug 2010 at 23:47

Boozebeard said:
If there is no problem then there is no problem.

If you do start getting random crashes this is the first place I would look mind.

Yep, same here, i have some ocz reaper, 1600mhz, 7-7-7-24, had to knock the voltage upto 1.64v.

Barso · 21 Aug 2010 at 00:04

Yes I am running them at 1333mhz.
I heard there's no difference between 1333 and 1600.
Isn't the memory controller on the core i7 not 1333mhz?

cmndr_andi · 21 Aug 2010 at 00:08

In real-world performance, the difference is pretty tiny. But tbh, if it is rated to 1600MHz and 1.65 volts - I would run it at that.

The i7 900 series is actually only rated to 1066MHz memory speed. But that is a pretty conservative rating and meant for if all 6 RAM slots are filled. If you are only running with 3, then you can safely take them much higher.

setter · 21 Aug 2010 at 00:25

I actually run my ocz reaper below 1600mhz, kit is rated at 1600, 7-7-7-24, 1.65v, i have it at 1547mhz, 7-7-7-24 1.64v, thats only cause im running at 21x193 bclk, keep meaning to go into bios and set 20x200 bclk so the ram runs at rated spec, but i never get round to it, to much of a hurry to get gaming .

The Asgard · 26 Aug 2010 at 08:18

You need the minimum voltage to get away with your chosen speed and timings. Sounds like you have found them. I always use around 1.5.

Muel · 26 Aug 2010 at 13:35

Minimum voltage for DDR3 is 1.5v at 1333mhz, 1600mhz is technically an overclock setting, so if you want to run 1600mhz then you need to up it to 1.65v.

I run 1333mhz at 1.5v just because I couldn't tell the difference between 1333 and 1600.

Cyber-Mav · 26 Aug 2010 at 13:54

Muel said:
Minimum voltage for DDR3 is 1.5v

no its not, your providing false information here.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-085-KS&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=1517

as you can see ddr3 can run much lower, such as 1.25v. :rolleyes:

Muel · 26 Aug 2010 at 14:05

It's called ultra-low voltage....

Maybe I should make myself clearer, standard settings for standard DDR3 is 1.5v at 1333mhz.

arknor · 26 Aug 2010 at 15:07

Muel said:
Minimum voltage for DDR3 is 1.5v at 1333mhz, 1600mhz is technically an overclock setting, so if you want to run 1600mhz then you need to up it to 1.65v.

I run 1333mhz at 1.5v just because I couldn't tell the difference between 1333 and 1600.

same here benchmarks didnt show much of a difference so i figured games probably wouldnt show any

Muel · 26 Aug 2010 at 15:16

I have overclocked in the past, but on my current system it makes no sense to me. Running everything set at it's max voltages and frequencies gives about a 12% increase in overall speed, so now I just run everything at auto. (Checked the values of course).

If my CPU could go further than 3.8ghz I would still be overclocked though.