1600 rated RAM running at 1333?

[awppsu]

So I got my new system all running, yaya! Install a few programs to check everything is all good. I get around to SIW and notice that my RAM is running at 1333. I specifically remember ordering 1600, so I go to check the box, Invoice, and the sticker on the RAM to confirm its 1600.

I go zooming around the net to find some answers, and conclude I need to activate X.M.B in my BIOS. I do so, but still from what I can tell it is running at 1333 instead of its advertised 1600. Whats the deal...?

 

[theAnimal]

The difference in performance is minimal. You may need to manually set the speed and timings.

 

[awppsu]

The difference in performance is minimal. You may need to manually set the speed and timings.

It is? Ah ok. I was a little irked because I ran the Windows Experience Rater and it rated my memory at 5.9. Meanwhile in my old comp with 4gb DDR 2 800mhz memory it was at I believe 7.0. Just seemed very wierd.

If its not that big of a difference I won't fiddle with it to much.

 

[darckhart]

The mobo will select the easiest choice from the SPD if you leave everything on AUTO. If you bought 1600 and WANT 1600 performance, then it's quite likely you will have to set everything MANUALLY.

Performance difference depends on YOUR NEEDS. Don't let us make up your mind for you. If you know you will need the extra bandwidth, do it. If you're just mucking around for the usual office/web surfing junk, then personally, I wouldn't bother with the hassle.

 

[BoomerD]

Depending on your processor, 1600 may be out of spec...so your board automatically chooses 1333. The Sandy Bridge processors support 1066 and 1333, but by choosing XMP in the BIOS, they run just fine with the faster modules set for 1600.
http://www.intel.com/consumer/products/processors/specifications.htm?proc=52210

Memory Types DDR3-1066/1333

The same applies to the previous "Core" processors. I have an i5-760, and it doesn't natively support 1600 RAM, but I'm running Corsair XMS 1600 RAM with no problems...I simply enabled XMP in the BIOS...and Voila!

 

[awppsu]

I have an i5-2500k and a Asrock Z68 Extreme 4, so I am pretty sure they are both good for 1600.

This is mainly my gaming rig, so would the bump from 1333 give me a performance increase?

I also have XMS Corsair RAM! Its just wierd that in SIW it shows up as 1333 and in the Windows Index it rates my memory as a 5.9!

Edit: Oh what do you know, i5-2500k only supports 1333! Oh well, guess this is as good as it will get! Im running SC2 on Ultra at 40FPS as well as the Witcher 2, so I guess theres little to improve on!

 

[hardboy]

It supports 2000 mhz as well

 

[Yellowbeard]

How are you verifying the memory frequency?