Increased Memory Voltage, What's the Catch?

[JoeyJoeJoeJrShabadu]

I've got a KT333 motherboard and some RAM that runs perfectly well with full speed timings at PC2100. I tried to use the RAM at PC2700 but I was getting constant crashes and boot problems so I increased the voltage. After the voltage increase the memory worked fine at DDR333 (even CAS 2), but I'm wondering how dangerous it is for the RAM. I turned the settings back down afterwords seeing as I don't have another $200 to spend on the RAM if something goes wrong.

I'm using two sticks 256 MB of OCZ (yeah I know) PC3000 Rev. 2 memory. The sticks use Hynix chips and seem to be fine as long as I increase the voltage or lower the speeds. I'm not currently doing any CPU overclocking and my motherboard is a Gigabyte GA-7VRXP with an Athlon XP 2100+.

In short, what I really want to know is what, if any, damage can increasing memory voltage cause (and if there's even the slightest chance of damage I would like to know).

 

[AndyHui]

You can damage RAM if you increase the voltage too much.

DDR SDRAM's default voltage is 2.5 volts. I would be reluctant to run higher than 2.7 volts.

 

[Duvie]

I agree...I wouldn't hesitate to run 2.7v but nothing higher for extended period...2.6v would be ideal if your mobo offers those type of increments....

 

[JoeyJoeJoeJrShabadu]

Thanks for the info. Yeah I can do 0.1 volt adjustments on my board, but it runs unstable at 2.6 volts with the higher settings, 2.7 volts works for most things except Morrowind which puts too much strain on the memory.

 

[brittlenet]

I downloaded Samsung's ddr datasheet a few days ago and they are rated from 2.3 - 2.7 V. Since that rating is at the process corners (70+ C, jittery clock / power supply, etc...), and since they should be fairly conservative with their ratings, I would think 2.8 shouldn't be a problem. I'm running my Samsing original at 2.8 right now. 2.9 may even be ok. Hopefully, one of the process guys will chime in with more "official" input. Just my 2 cents. I can't be held responsible if anybody's computer explodes from overvolting.

 

[vss1980]

Increased memory voltage will usually result in decreased memory lifespan. As DRAM relies on capacative elements to store information increasing the voltage can speed up their breakdown, and remember that over time these elements are expected to break down in ability anyway (although we are talking about semiconductors here so we are talking decades before any problem should arise if the component is always run within specification).

 

[Tarmax]

So, what you're saying vss, is that.. in theory, you could up the voltage .3 volts, and you'd be fine for at least 5 years, correct??

I really want to know as well, cuz I'm interested in seeing how far this Micron PC2100 stick can go..

 

[vss1980]

Well Tarmax, yes and no. Yes I reckon you would definitely take a little life out of it, but you can never be that accurate as to predict how long it would last. For example, a CPU using more that normal voltage could run overclocked for years with no problems, whereas it could die after just a couple of weeks use, it really depends on that particular piece of silicon.

If the memory has a warranty up to say 2.8v instead of just 2.5v/2.6v, then technically its lifespan shouldn't be hugely effected by the higher voltage (however I am fairly sure it will die faster - but still take years). Also, the limits of the module will be defined by the module maker regardless of what the memory chip maker specify the memory to be able to do (as the same type of memory chips can end up in various places other than DRAM sticks).

In all honesty I would say that using a higher voltage of up to 2.8v (I wouldn't go higher myself) shouldn't really hurt the memory as much as higher ones would, and I would doubt that the memory stick would die before it became obselete technology anyway.

 

[Soulkeeper]

Yeah i just built my uncle a system that had some OCZ pc2700 rev 3 mem that claimed it would run at 2-2-2-t1 but it wouldn't even touch those timings not even at 133mhz speeds makes you wonder. Guess i might try upping the voltage.

 

[JoeyJoeJoeJrShabadu]

The rated timings on the ram I'm using were 185 mhz at 2.5-3-3 2T command or 2-3-3-2T at 166 mhz. I can get those settings if I increase voltage, but I'm not really sure if the ratings were done at the increased voltage or not. The stupidest thing is that if I set it by SPD it runs unstably, what kind of manufacturer sets the SPD timings to unstable values anyways?

Well, I've learned my lesson, always wait for the reviews. I bought this stuff about two months ago when DDR333 was a brand new concept so there weren't any reviews yet, but I should have waited.

 

[JoeyJoeJoeJrShabadu]

Oh yeah, one other thing, if I want to buy new RAM what should I get? I want a 512 MB 2-2-2 1T stick that runs at DDR333, I know that Corsair will reach that level, but they're kind of expensive. I've also heard that the Samsung DDR333 can run at those kind of speeds, but the ram isn't officially rated at that, is it possible you could get a dud that only runs at the rated level if you bought Samsung?

 

[brittlenet]

Samsumg original PC2700 is one of the favorites of OC'ers currently. All the posts I've seen have it running close to or above ddr400 speeds (possibly with small voltage increases). I haven't seen anyone not be able to get it work well above ddr333 with a decent motherboard.

You have to get Samsung original though (Samsung chips on a Samsung PCB). Newegg sells Samsung original 512 MB PC2700 for $149. It's good stuff.