1600 (DDR3) worth it/supported on GA-P55A-UD6 or just 1333?

[phatstar]

Hi, Crew-
I just ordered up the Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD6 from newegg (to match with my i7 860):
http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Products/Motherboard/Products_Overview.aspx?ProductID=3234

You'll see under Specification that the only supported memory standards are:
"DDR3 2600+/2200/1600/1333/1066/800 MHz memory modules"

Does this mean 1600 DIMMs aren't worth it (though the difference in cost is trivial)? Or can I still achieve 1600 (2x2GB) if I overclock only the memory (I wasn't planning on OC'ing the CPU or anything else)? Either way, I would get the lowest CAS-rated chips available (at lowest voltage possible), whether 1333 or 1600. And I'd want to maximize power savings when/where possible.

I know there isn't a HUGE gain from 1333 to 1600 necessarily (e.g. http://www.anandtech.com/memory/showdoc.aspx?i=3589&p=1 ).
And I see others have had this question, too (e.g. http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=330645 ; http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/264144-30-help-needed-gigabyte ).

One recommendation seems to be the G.Skill Ripjaws F3-12800CL7D-4GBRH at newegg for 115 bucks (7-7-7-24-2N at 1600 & 1.6v). ( http://gskill.us/forum/showthread.php?t=2052 ) If I picked up this kind of memory, could/should I run it at 1333 instead of 1600 but with ultra-low CAS ratings/6-6-6-6-18 or the like? All things equal, getting 1600 memory and underdriving it at 1333 would treat the DIMMs better, right? Given I want the power savings, should I just dump the idea of 1600 in favor of 1333 (Ripjaw as well)?

Anyone have any advice other than what's been posted in the other threads?

Thanks!

 

[n7]

I'm not 100% certain on the highest RAM multiplier available on that board, but it's 10x on the majority of P55s.

That means with stock speeds (BCLK = 133), the max selectable RAM speed is DDR3-1333.

If you increase BCLK to 160 (which would put your CPU @ 3360 MHz), you'll then be doing DDR3-1600.

If you absolutely don't want to OC, then all you need is DDR3-1333.

You could run possibly go with a DDR3-1600 kit @ lower speeds though, & tighten timings with some luck, yes.
But i wouldn't spend more on that assumption.


Looking at newegg, it seems you can definitely get some decent DDR3-1600 kits for less than many of the 1333 ones.

In fact, here's basically the best deal i see there right now:
OCZ DDR3-1600
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227495

In case you decide to go a little higher end for some OCing
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231277

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231280

 

[ekoostik]

I'm not 100% certain on the highest RAM multiplier available on that board, but it's 10x on the majority of P55s.

With an i7 860 you should be able to select a 12x multiplier. I thought that was standard for the P55 boards but I cannot find a source for that information right now. However, I have an i7 860 in the GA-P55M-UD2 and can select 12x so I would think you'd be able to do the same on a higher-end board.

 

[n7]

With an i7 860 you should be able to select a 12x multiplier. I thought that was standard for the P55 boards but I cannot find a source for that information right now. However, I have an i7 860 in the GA-P55M-UD2 and can select 12x so I would think you'd be able to do the same on a higher-end board.

Interesting.

As that board is even lower end than mine, i wonder if the 12x is due to CPU, not that mobo.

I never looked into it that closely, but that makes sense.

Anyone care to confirm this?

Someone who's used both an i5 750 & i7 on the same board could easily confirm if this is correct.

 

[ekoostik]

As that board is even lower end than mine, i wonder if the 12x is due to CPU, not that mobo.

Yes, that's what I meant. I should have said "With an i7 860 you should be able to select a 12x multiplier. I thought that was standard for the P55 boards when used with an i7 860 ..."

I still can't find where I read that. And now I'm late. I'll check back in later if I track it down.