Quick Question on RAM Mhz's

[TheDixieFlatline]

I know RAM gets divided into various degrees of mhz' like 1333mhz, 1600mhz, etc. I'm curious whether there are ever any compatibility problems in relation to this. For example, on the Sandy Bridge Wikipedia page it says "Supported
Memory" on the i5-2500 is 1333mhz but on i7-2600 it's 1600mhz. Is the i5 not compatible with 1600mhz memory sticks or am I reading something wrong? Furthermore, are there any other possible conflicts with say the MoBo or does the MoBo only restrict RAM based on what type of DDR it is (meaning that any level of mhz will fit into a DDR3 MoBo if the memory is DDR3)?

 

[linkin]

The sticks will work, they will just downclock to the maximum "supported" frequency. To change it to what they are rated for involves changing one setting in the BIOS.

 

[powerpack]

I don't think you are reading anything wrong. I do think the info as presented might cause you to conclude not anything different than your 1st 4 sentences. But on the 5th (last) you get it! It does not matter, DDR3 is DDR3, It will downclock if "not supported" but it works just fine at the "supported speeds", and of course as you clearly know RAM will not run faster than rated short of an OC or SPD edit.

Oh and since I have been so nice lately and rarely get the opportunity as I am guilty of. From the Cat bird seat sentence #5 was a bit of a run on.

But I do think you understand better than wiki might say, and others.

 

[JustinKranz]

Motherboard's have maximum memory speeds, you will have to look in your manual to see what they are.

 

[powerpack]

Look for the least common denominator. It can be Cpu or MoBO?

 

[TheDixieFlatline]

@Powerpack, I tried to sneak in the run on sentence with the brackets but you caught me!

So from what I understand, if I get the i5-2500k but get 1600mhz ram the ram will downclock to 1333mhz. However, In the BIOS I could pump the ram back to 1600mhz? I plan on getting this MoBo so I don't think I will run into any problems there:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131682

 

[Okedokey]

overvolt them.