Xeon W5580: can I use just any old DDR3?

Slugbait

Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
3,633
3
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Since the question is proc-specific, I posted here instead of the memory forum...

A family member works at Intel. Last week his family stayed at our house, and as a gift, gave me a Smackover, HSF and an ES proc. He couldn't recall the exact model number, but based on his description (Xeon, 3.2, Nehalem, same-specs-as 965, recently released), I assume it is the W5580.

Can't find a whole lot about this proc yet. Intel's site claims it runs with 800/1066/1333 and supports ECC. The Smackover supports 1066/1333/1600 with no mention of ECC.

So I'm currently looking at the following memory:
Patriot 1333, Cas 7
Patriot Viper 1333: Cas 9
OCZ Platinum 1600: Cas 7

I assume I would want Cas 7. But would the OCZ running at 1600 be perfectly fine paired with this proc? Yes, I will likely do a mild OC until I can get a better HSF and totally crank the mofo. Thx.
 

imported_Shaq

Senior member
Sep 24, 2004
731
0
0
If that is the 965 equivalent then the multiplier is unlocked and it will be easy to use any speed memory with it. You could use 2000 memory easily. There are many CPU and memory multipliers so you only need to raise the bclk a little bit for 1600 or higher memory. It works fine, but you don't need ECC memory for a dektop computer. The people here will help you set it up.

Oh BTW, if your family member needs a place to stay in my area tell him he can stay at my house. LOL