RAM Voltage =/= Mobo Voltage

[Jimothy]

Hello,

I am currently running a pair of GeIL 2GB (2x1GB) PC2-5300 667MhZ memory sticks on a Gigabyte GA P35-DS3L mobo. Now, I think I'm starting to itch for more memory, especially after seeing these on offer:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-086-OC

But I wonder, these are listed at 2.1v whereas my mobo is listed under spec as 4x 1.8v DDR2 slots. Will I encounter troubles if I went ahead and got these new sticks?

 

[randal]

The BIOS has an option to increase the DDR2 voltage from +0.1 to +0.4v, stick it at 0.3v. You might need to up the volts on the northbridge - (g)MCH I think Gigabyte call it, anyone know for sure?

 

[Cob]

OCZ actually list that memory as needing only 1.8v, which is pretty normal for CAS 5 PC2-6400. They do warranty it upto 2.1v tho.

Are you intending to use only the OCZ, or will you be still using the Geil too?

 

[Phatjayunoi]

1.8 is the standard voltage for DDR2 stock operation only. When your overclocking, you will need to increase it in order to help support the RAM, hence the reason for the higher 2.1v requirements.

Since your motherboard is a P35 board, it should support that RAM no problem. But just to make sure, you can always check the official Gigabyte website of your current model and its memory support here. Whether yours is the rev. 1.0 or 2.0, just check accordingly.

And yes for the Gigabyte boards should be underneath the MCH/ICH area in the appropriate DRAM area i.e. DRAM Voltage.

 

[Jimothy]

OCZ actually list that memory as needing only 1.8v, which is pretty normal for CAS 5 PC2-6400. They do warranty it upto 2.1v tho.

Are you intending to use only the OCZ, or will you be still using the Geil too?

I wasn't planning to use the Geil at the same time, wouldn't there be some form of conflict?

 

[Cob]

Probably yeah.

I've a feeling that the OCZ kit will run at its advertised speed without needing to touch any of the voltages.