Memry voltage question

[QueBert]

I have the Crucial Newegg memory which is basically the Ballistix with a different heatsink & blue LED's. It's rated to run @ 2.1v, when I first set up the box I had the memory as 2.1 in the BIOS. I had issues a few months down the road and reset my BIOS, it's been months (6 maybe) since, I checked it the other day and the memory is back down to stock voltage. Haven't noticed any issues, but will running it at 1.8 instead of 2.1 make a damn bit of difference? I'm not OC'ing anything at the moment.

 

[GarfieldtheCat]

If it is stable at that voltage, then you are fine. If you want to make sure, download HCI memtest and run it for a while. If it passes with no errors, you are go to go.

Depending on the RAM (especially those with faster speed and/or timings) most modules are tested to run at >1.8V to be able to achieve those higher speeds. But all motherboards aren't equal, some undervolt, some overvolt, so memory companies are conservative in their specs, to reduce the problems that they see. (example: If the ram needs 1.9V for most motherboards to run at some speed, but it safely run up to 2.1 without damage, they might tell everyone to run it at 2.0V, just in case a motherboard undervolts the RAM. This prevents people thinking the RAM doesn't work as advertised)

 

[QueBert]

that's what I thought, I figured the higher voltage was due to the LED's, thanks for the reply. Maybe when I OC again I'll kick the voltage back up.

 

[Gillbot]

I always try mine at 1.8v and only increase it as needed. Voltage and heat kills ram so the less the better.