Memory Memory - 1.50V vs 1.65V (and scan ratings)

[TraumaticHug]

So while choosing between 4GB of DDR3 1600MHz memory I came across 2 seemingly identical memory modules. The only difference being one runs at 1.65V and is £20, while the other (dubbed "Classic") runs at 1.50V and is £22.

CMX4GX3M2A1600C9 1.65V
CMX4GX3M2B1600C9 1.50V


I would have thought that the 1.50V would have been the better of the two as at runs at the same "recommended" voltage as most of the processors I have been looking at, or is the voltage what it can easily handle, not what it runs at, and therefore the 1.65V is better for overclocking?

Scan gave the 1.50V 2/3 stars while the 1.65V got 3/3 stars, and I can't figure out why.

Do scan ratings really count for much?

[Blogins]

The lower the voltage the better, generally speaking. Haven't a clue as far as AMD go however.

I have a 1.25v kit myself and it's nice and cool in a Sandy Bridge rig!

[bulldogjeff]

Nothing to do with CPU voltage, basically lower voltage means less power consumption and lower running temps. With AMD mobos always go for the higher voltage stuff as some can pull a lot of voltage. One of my old mobos used to want to draw 1.9v when left of auto settings. That said good ram will take about 2.1v going through it.

[modd1uk]

Originally Posted by Blogins

The lower the voltage the better, generally speaking. Haven't a clue as far as AMD go however.

I have a 1.25v kit myself and it's nice and cool in a Sandy Bridge rig!

That the G.Skill Sniper stuff ?

[noizdaemon666]

If it's a Sandy Bridge(E) setup you're going for, get the 1.5V stuff. That's the highest recommended memory voltage by Intel. Using 1.65V memory would work but might cause long term damage to the CPU's memory controller.

Oh and 1.5/1.65V is the voltage that they run at when running at stated speed. And Scan ratings mean bugger all really lol

[YEHBABY]

Originally Posted by noizdaemon666

If it's a Sandy Bridge(E) setup you're going for, get the 1.5V stuff. That's the highest recommended memory voltage by Intel. Using 1.65V memory would work but might cause long term damage to the CPU's memory controller.

Oh and 1.5/1.65V is the voltage that they run at when running at stated speed. And Scan ratings mean bugger all really lol

This.

Get 1.5v and take no notice of scan's ratings.

Also memory so cheap why not get the 8GB?

[Blogins]

Originally Posted by modd1uk

That the G.Skill Sniper stuff ?

That's it, as in my sig!

[TraumaticHug]

Just to quickly check before putting it in tomorrow (as I bought both with a view to returning the unused modules):

Using lower voltage memory won't damage anything?

So AMD Phenom II 975BE would be fine with 1.50V memory?




The motherboard's (Asus M5A97) memory compatibility list has the 1.65V Corsair XMS3 4GB, but not the 1.50V.. ut could be that they just didn't test the 1.50V.

[sb1991]

Originally Posted by TraumaticHug

Just to quickly check before putting it in tomorrow (as I bought both with a view to returning the unused modules):

Using lower voltage memory won't damage anything?

So AMD Phenom II 975BE would be fine with 1.50V memory?




The motherboard's (Asus M5A97) memory compatibility list has the 1.65V Corsair XMS3 4GB, but not the 1.50V.. ut could be that they just didn't test the 1.50V.

Using the lower voltage memory won't cause any damage, no. The memory will almost certainly run fine at 1.5V, if it's unstable for any reason you can always raise the voltage to 1.65... it takes a lot more to cause damage to the memory: the rated voltage is really a minimum - basically, the better RAM can be run at a lower voltage, but it'll all handle more. In general, the maximum voltage will be limited by the CPU/memory controller, rather than the RAM itself. In the case of an AMD system, the memory controller will handle rather high voltages, but it's always nice to have the option of using your memory in another system, and the newer Intel CPUs are best kept at or below 1.5V here.

The fact that the memory isn't listed by Asus probably just means that it hasn't been tested, yes. If there are other 1.5V modules listed, it'll almost certainly be fine. Otherwise, you might need to raise the voltage (but probably won't).

[Roskoken]

Surely everyone should just go for 1.35v then like the rather choice arctic white corsair vengeance modules.

[Bindibadgi]

Originally Posted by TraumaticHug

Just to quickly check before putting it in tomorrow (as I bought both with a view to returning the unused modules):

Using lower voltage memory won't damage anything?

So AMD Phenom II 975BE would be fine with 1.50V memory?




The motherboard's (Asus M5A97) memory compatibility list has the 1.65V Corsair XMS3 4GB, but not the 1.50V.. ut could be that they just didn't test the 1.50V.

The difference between memory and IMC voltage must generally be within 0.5V for it to remain healthy, and as AMD 975BE runs higher voltages than the equivalent Intel, then 1.65V is fine.

[tonpal]

Originally Posted by TraumaticHug

The motherboard's (Asus M5A97) memory compatibility list has the 1.65V Corsair XMS3 4GB, but not the 1.50V.. ut could be that they just didn't test the 1.50V.

If you want to be reassured about compatibility, I would suggest checking the memory configurator tool on the Corsair site. Memory manufacturers have a more comprehesive compatibilty list for their products than motherboard manufacturers.

[TraumaticHug]

Excellent, thanks guys!


It feels like building a PC was easier when I knew less



I should be helping him build it tonight.. I think everything but the CPU and monitor will arrive today. Hopefully I won't be too anal about the cable management or I'll be there all night