New Build Memory Question

[ttechf]

Hi,

So I am most likely going with a an Intel Sandy Bridge processor. With that said, I see that it supports 1333MHz memory. NOW, does this mean whatever memory I buy HAS TO BE AND START at 1333MHz and then I can overclock it or can I buy 1600MHz memory and my system would recongize it as 1600MHz as long as my motherboard supports it?

I'm not sure which has priority? The motherboard or processor. The motherboard I want supports up to 2800MHz but Sandy Bridge supports 1333MHz.


Can anyone help me and clear this up? Thank you. : )

 

[ttechf]

No one? : (

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Hi,

So I am most likely going with a an Intel Sandy Bridge processor. With that said, I see that it supports 1333MHz memory. NOW, does this mean whatever memory I buy HAS TO BE AND START at 1333MHz and then I can overclock it or can I buy 1600MHz memory and my system would recongize it as 1600MHz as long as my motherboard supports it?

I'm not sure which has priority? The motherboard or processor. The motherboard I want supports up to 2800MHz but Sandy Bridge supports 1333MHz.


Can anyone help me and clear this up? Thank you. : )

Unless you are benchmarking buying faster memory is a waste. If you can afford 1.5 v. memory get that. I don't know of any MB's that will recognize 1600 memory. Most default to 1333 so, you have to change the timings in the BIOS. Once again, unless you are benchmarking, there is no discernible difference in memory speed. If you look at the QVL for your processor, it will give you a place to start although it is by no means a complete list.

 

[Hellhammer]

1600MHz is supported (I think support goes up to DDR3-2133 at least). I'm running 1600MHz G.Skill in my rig with i5-2500K.

 

[Charlie98]

I put 1600MHz RAM in my 2500K build but I had to go into my BIOS to change the frequency... it defaulted to 1333.

Just make sure it's 1.35v or 1.5v RAM, it's my understanding SB doesn't care for 1.65v RAM.