core i7 memory question

[Special K]

I was reading through the system builder's guide and came across the following:

Core i7s don't like running RAM much higher than 1.5V.

Can anyone elaborate as to why this is true? When I look for DDR3 memory on Newegg, some of it runs at 1.5V, some at 1.6V, some at a range of 1.5V ? 1.6V, and some at 1.65V. Should I only buy the 1.5V RAM?

 

[Arcanedeath]

1.5V is the standard DDR 3 voltage, 1.65 V is the "max safe limit" set by Intel for 24/7 use.

 

[Special K]

Originally posted by: Arcanedeath
1.5V is the standard DDR 3 voltage, 1.65 V is the "max safe limit" set by Intel for 24/7 use.

So should I not purchase 1.65V memory? Most of the memory for sale on Newegg and other sites is 1.65V. Even Crucial sells 1.65V DDR3 memory approved for core i7 motherboards, and I always considered them to be the most user-friendly memory company.

 

[Arcanedeath]

If you want your memory to run at stock voltage and not have to adjust anything in the bios yes get 1.5V memory, but if you don't have a problem seting the voltage for the memory in the bios there is nothing wrong w/ 1.65V memory.

 

[Special K]

Originally posted by: Arcanedeath
If you want your memory to run at stock voltage and not have to adjust anything in the bios yes get 1.5V memory, but if you don't have a problem seting the voltage for the memory in the bios there is nothing wrong w/ 1.65V memory.

Does it matter what RAM you get if you want to overclock? Should you not get 1.65V RAM if you want to overclock, since that wouldn't allow you to increase the RAM voltage any further?

 

[Arcanedeath]

Generaly its not worthwhile to overclock the ram on an I7 system, I'd suggest just getting the ram rated at what speed you want DDR 3 1600 is prolly the max you'd need to consider w/ DDR 3 1333 being a good choice too. Most of the higher spec'd ram is 1.65V

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: Special K

Originally posted by: Arcanedeath
If you want your memory to run at stock voltage and not have to adjust anything in the bios yes get 1.5V memory, but if you don't have a problem seting the voltage for the memory in the bios there is nothing wrong w/ 1.65V memory.

Does it matter what RAM you get if you want to overclock? Should you not get 1.65V RAM if you want to overclock, since that wouldn't allow you to increase the RAM voltage any further?

Everything else being equal, the memory rated to run at a lower voltage is higher quality.