Motherboards and RAM Voltages

PZH

I am looking to upgrade my system as per this thread.

I have settled on the ASUS P8H67-V motherboard and want to couple it with 4GB RAM - probably something like this.

However, the question that I have is what is the difference between 1.5v RAM and 1.65v RAM and is the ASUS motherboard compatable with both types ? (Nothing on the ASUS Site)

KillerWatt

ASUS boards are quite fussy when it comes to memory, they certainly don't like the cheap crap.
If you download the manual for your chosen board, it will tell you what memory is certified for use.

I wouldn't bother with a board that has the H67 chipset either, unless you absolutely need the ability for onboard graphics.

PZH

KillerWatt wrote: »

ASUS boards are quite fussy when it comes to memory, they certainly don't like the cheap crap.
If you download the manual for your chosen board, it will tell you what memory is certified for use.

Good idea :rotfl: I did look on the ASUS Site but there were no entries under the "Memory Supported List" tab

KillerWatt wrote: »

I wouldn't bother with a board that has the H67 chipset either, unless you absolutely need the ability for onboard graphics.

Yeah, as per the original thread, I am not convinced that I need a dedicated GFX Card so was going to see what the board was capable of before I decided one way or the other.

PZH

The manual says...

"According to Intel CPU specification, DIMM voltage below 1.65v is recommended to protect the CPU"

Am I right to assume that 1.5v will therefore protect the CPU even more ?

I did read that 1.5v would allow for voltage tweaks if the memory proves unstable at the stock voltage ? whereas 1.65v is already at it's limit ?

Ximian

Crucial list both 1.5v and 1.65v RAM as compatible with your mobo:
http://www.crucial.com/uk/store/listparts.aspx?model=P8H67-V
The higher performance RAM operates at 1.65v (BallistiX range)

PZH

Ximian wrote: »

Crucial list both 1.5v and 1.65v RAM as compatible with your mobo:

Many thanks for the input. I did look at the Crucial Website as it came up as part of a Google search.

Still not 100% sure what the difference is - but I am edging towards 1.5v since I think this will give more options and also not stress the CPU as much ?

KillerWatt

The memory voltage will not make a blind bit of difference to the CPU performance or longevity.

AHAR

KillerWatt wrote: »

The memory voltage will not make a blind bit of difference to the CPU performance or longevity.

Now that memory controllers are integrated into CPUs you do need to observe safe voltage limits to avoid damage.

KillerWatt

AHAR wrote: »

Now that memory controllers are integrated into CPUs you do need to observe safe voltage limits to avoid damage.

The CPU will simply shut down if you decide to over-egg the mixture, at least Intel CPU's do anyway.