Why increase DRAM voltage?

gksdfjghe98 · 23 Jul 2009 at 18:08

I've noticed a lot of people have changed their DRAM voltages in their overclocks. Is this because they have RAM rated under what their BCLK is pushing the frequency to? For example I've left mine at the default 1.5V because my RAM is rated to 1600Mhz and my overclock has left it at 1504Mhz.

Cheers

JeremyW · 24 Jul 2009 at 14:09

Generally upping the voltage ups the max speed the memory will run stably at, so that is why people do it.

From a heat and power perspective though you want to run with as low a voltage as possible. Since your memory is stable at your clock rate I'd leave well alone...

DragonQ · 24 Jul 2009 at 14:11

My RAM is designed to run on 1.65V so that's what I set it at. Simple.

mmj_uk · 24 Jul 2009 at 19:03

DragonQ said:
My RAM is designed to run on 1.65V so that's what I set it at. Simple.

Exactly, if you don't feed it the voltage it needs you run the risk of memory corruption.

Big.Wayne · 24 Jul 2009 at 22:31

DragonQ said:
My RAM is designed to run on 1.65V so that's what I set it at. Simple.

Well if your running the manufacturers rated speed that makes some sense but not everyone choose to follow the guidelines. I've got some DDR2-1066 that has 2.1v printed on the heatspreader sticker but yet it runs perfectly with 1.82v, with the lower voltage the sticks run cooler, will have an increased lifespan and draw less power therefore contributing to lower running costs £££

I say treat the manufacturers voltage guidelines as an estimate and work out for yourself how much juice it really needs, apart from the small effort involved there really is no reason to do what the manufacturers tell you to do!