RAM Voltage Question

[Texun]

This may be a dumb question but here it is anyway......

Looking at DDR2 RAM I've noticed some of the voltage specs show 1.8, 1.9, 2.0 and 2.1v.

Does this mean the 2.1v memory will run between 1.8 up to 2.1, or is that what it must run at in order to work?

I'm in the planning stages of a build and haven't decided on Intel or AMD yet, much less a board, but I would like to make a move on the RAM now while it's cheap. Since I'm looking at buying the memory before the board I'm not sure which memory would be a safe choice - the most compatible. I don't want to get RAM that requires needs 2.1 if I decide on a board that can't support it.

I normally check out the MFR's web site to see what's approved. I'm not relying on it 100% this time since many lists are often incomplete.

Thanks!

 

[Conky]

If the manufacturer rates it at 2.1 then that is the voltage they recommend. It may run at lower voltages but you will have to test this.

Personally, I prefer RAM that runs close to spec or close to 1.8. I have one set of RAM rated to run at 1.9v and another set that is rated 1.8-2.0v and they both work great when I run them all at 1.9v.

Don't worry too much about "supported" RAM as any decent brand of RAM that is within spec should work on any system.