Is it really 1600Mhz memory

privateILLY

If you buy a hard drive rated at 7500RPM you don't expect to be sold a 5400RPM. I had my reservations about capacities but they don't inherently affect performance. You are completely missing the point and I really wish you would either read what has been posted or don't reply at all.

If you want memory a specific type and speed and you enter it in a search engine you'll be supplied with results. Your local comet, currys or any other retailer may sell them. You don't necessarily visit the manufacturers web sites. So please stop with the on the manufacturers site. I have been and seen what it says !

I found out my 1600MHz memory is not 1600MHz it's 1333MHZ with an XMP profile. Which you will find on the manufacturers is categorized as 'overclocked' go look at the faq you like their site.

It is NOT plug and play. you have to enable it in the bios if the motherboard supports XMP if it doesn't tough you'll only get 1333Mhz but you bought 1600MHz or you thought you did.

Look at ebuyer or balliecom specs they're listing the exact same memory as PC3 12800 when in fact it is PC3 10700 according to CPU-Z and a previous reply let you know I knew about CPU-Z.

You actually look at the packet of the said memory and you find any reference to 1333Mhz and I'll be amazingly astounded!

I bought what I believed was PC12800 1600MHz but it transpires it's actually PC3 10700 1333MHz.

Now I also learned in the last couple of days that by enabling the XMP 'overclocked' memory timing it affects the CPU. If you have a CPU with boost technology that CPU will effectively BOOST to accommodate the 'overclocked' memory I've actually tried it and it is true. I am totally against any kind of overclocking as it effectively shortens the life of components. Before you say graphics card manufacturers do it yes we know but the always say they've done it

I tried it at it's SPD 1333 (667) and the obviously the windows experience index dropped a notch so in a real bench marking utility it may be a substantial drop. Running at this natural speed the idling CPU dropped to as low as 1.4GHz now considering it's a 3.4GHz i7 that's quite impressive the highest it went was 2.6GHz still well below the 3.4GHz. now switching the XMP profile on had drastic results. Same scenario nothing running bar the real temp app and idling exactly as before the slowest speed was 2.8GHz climbing to 3.8GHz yes 3.8GHz that is in it's 'boosted' phase! I've actually turned off the XMP and it's running at it's 'natural' speed.

privateILLY

I would also like to add that XMP is an intel created technology so people with AMD boards will not see them. They may buy these memory kits as 1600MHz like the packet says but actually can't get the speed without actually manually overclocking to the required/ advertised speed! Their site states suitable for intel and AMD. I've never had an AMD board but common sense tells me that an intel created feature won't work on an AMD platform. Just as crossfire isn't SLi

emptybox

Does this affect all Corsair Vengeance 1600 MHz DDR3 RAM?
The serial No. of mine is CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9-Vengeance-Performance-Desktop/dp/B004CRSM4I

Mind you, I've been running it since 2011 without knowing any different. :embarasse

It's an AsRock motherboard, and the BIOS sees it as DDR3 - 1600.
The XMP setting is at 'Auto' (a choice between that and 'Profile 1').
Speccy sees it as XMP - 1600 at 798 MHz.
Does that mean I have XMP turned on?

privateILLY

My first question would be. When you originally bought your memory did you buy it specifically because it was rated at 1600MHz?

My second question would be have you used CPU-Z if CPU-Z sees your memory as PC3 12800 (800) you have 'true 1600MHz'memory

Warranty Limited Lifetime
Fan Included No
Heat Spreader Vengeance
Memory Configuration Dual Channel
Memory Series Vengeance
Memory Type DDR3
Package Memory Format DIMM
Package Memory Pin 240
Performance Profile XMP
Color Black
Memory Size 8GB Kit (2 x 4GB)
SPD Latency 9-9-9-24
SPD Speed 1333MHz
SPD Voltage 1.5V
Speed Rating PC3-12800 (1600MHz)
Tested Latency 9-9-9-24
Tested Speed 1600MHz
Tested Voltage 1.5V

This is cut from Corsair's site just to show that it is listed as PC3 12800 (1600)

I suspect like mine you have actually got PC3 10700 as the specs actually state SPD 1333

My memory is too listed as PC3 12800 (1600) when it actually isn't CPU-Z lists it as PC3 10700 (1333)

privateILLY

I was unaware I didn't think much of it. But since I haven't been using XMP my PC hasn't blue screened or firefox hasn't frozen and crashed which of late it has been doing daily cioncidence? . If I knew how to upload images I'd show the difference between 'real 1600MHz' and the not real

System

Q. Is it really 1600Mhz memory?


A. I dont know.

privateILLY

johndough wrote: »

Q. Is it really 1600Mhz memory?


A. I dont know.

Do I have any recourse against a manufacturer for selling something that isn't what they state it to be?

DoaM

Yes, per the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (which replaced the Sale of Goods Act 1979), IF the manufacturer was the seller - your rights are with/against the seller. Goods must be as described.

privateILLY

Ah that's a shame as I purchased it off E-bay (brand new) and from a shop. I just don't have any record on E-Bay as the store was in my city not too far. So to save postage cost asked the seller if it was possible to collect and pay [facepalm]. I also cannot accuse any retailer of mis selling due to the fact they're selling as per the manufacturers description. I'll see what I can do by going to see Citizens Advice

I still think it is a major deception on the manufacturers behalf not just corsair but any selling PC3 10700 as PC3 12800:(

privateILLY

Also the seller / retailer would only be obligated to replace faulty goods. Not for goods they were selling given the specifications from the manufacturer. Because it's either close to 12 month or just past the statutory 12 month guarantee wouldn't really be effective. The manufacturer offers a limited lifetime warranty but that will be against faulty/defective items ? I created a support ticket with corsair I'll see what response if any I get. I still believe the onus is with the manufacturer though

P.S
Maybe this will help to make people aware when they are looking at 'upgrading their PC's memory.