• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

1.5 vs. 1.65 Volt RAM

justinj6

Member
Saw this ram:
Patriot Gamer 2 Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory on sale AR for $50. I would like to get some ram now for a future build as prices are down and this appears to be a good price. This is however, 1.65 volt.

Does the voltage difference between 1.65 and 1.5 really matter and if so why? Should I wait for some 1.5?

Thanks for any insight.
Justin
 
1.65 is just reject 1.5 - it failed at 1.5 (normal ddr3 rate) and binned to sell to someone who doesn't care. remember raising your memory higher with integrated memory controller can destroy your cpu. Those with external (core2) don't worry about that.
 
Considering that 1.5V 8GB 1333 kits have sold for as low as $45 after rebate at Newegg, I would definitely wait.

And maybe it's because I'm more conservative about these things, but I personally would consider 1.65V to be a dealbreaker: it's out of spec with the official DDR3 standard and will tend to be less reliable--even if only marginally so--than sticks with a proper voltage.
 
Considering that 1.5V 8GB 1333 kits have sold for as low as $45 after rebate at Newegg, I would definitely wait.

And maybe it's because I'm more conservative about these things, but I personally would consider 1.65V to be a dealbreaker: it's out of spec with the official DDR3 standard and will tend to be less reliable--even if only marginally so--than sticks with a proper voltage.

Thanks. Will wait for the 1.5.

Cheers,
Justin
 
DDR3 1333 at 1.65v has to be extremely poorly binned. I'm running 1.5v DDR3 2133 right now, and I believe I've seen DDR3 1866 at 1.25v before. I wouldn't use overvolted RAM that isn't even "performance" RAM.
 
They honestly don't make much difference today. My sticks are rated 1.65V but I'm running them @1.40V without an issue. Of course everything being equal you should go with the lower voltage. Today's DDR3 sticks (esp. 4GB sticks) don't like high voltages, it seems.
 
Don't have a lot of time but will see how long I can hold out.

SB can't make use of more than 1333 (though Llano and IB can). So it depends on what system you plan to use this RAM in and whether you think you'll be moving this RAM to a different system in the future. Personally, I wouldn't hold out for a 1600, but that depends on your plans.
 
1.65 is just reject 1.5 - it failed at 1.5 (normal ddr3 rate) and binned to sell to someone who doesn't care. remember raising your memory higher with integrated memory controller can destroy your cpu. Those with external (core2) don't worry about that.

:colbert: In a nut shell...
The lower the voltage = Higher the quality

No.

A lot of memory made for overclocking at 2000+ runs at 1.65V. Many of these kits are priced beyond that of cheap 1.5V memory. There's not very many overclockers on AnandTech as there once was. Especially those who overclock their memory.
 
A lot of memory made for overclocking at 2000+ runs at 1.65V. Many of these kits are priced beyond that of cheap 1.5V memory. There's not very many overclockers on AnandTech as there once was. Especially those who overclock their memory.

But the RAM that he was looking at was not 2000+. It was a standard 1333. Perhaps a more accurate way to say it would be, the lower the stable voltage-to-transfer rate ratio, the better.
 
What are the Intel® Core™ i7 desktop processor DDR3 memory voltage limitations?
Intel® recommends using memory that adheres to the Jedec memory specification for DDR3 memory which is 1.5 volts, plus or minus 5%. Anything over this voltage can either damage the processor or significantly reduce the processor life span.


http://www.intel.com/support/processors/sb/CS-029913.htm#4

If you building an Intel rig, get 1.5V DDR3 or lower. Besides, there is little point overclocking RAM for i3/5/7 for real world performance.
 
Back
Top