Would I notice much of a difference between DDR3 1600 Mhz vs. 2000Mhz?

[soarwitheagles]

Hey guys,

Local store has a killer deal on DDR3 RAM:

Corsair XMS3 4 GB : 2 x 2 GB Memory - DIMM 240-pin - 2000 MHz

It's only $30 for the pair.

Ok, my big question:

Would I notice much of a difference between DDR3 1600 Mhz vs. 2000Mhz?

Soar

[Wonderwrench]

I take it we are talking about your Intel system as the AMD system should be run at 1333. What speed are you running the memory at on your Intel system now? Normally the faster the memory the higher the latency so performance stays about the same. In most cases faster memory really only comes into play at really high CPU overclocks. Here is some interesting testing done a while back on a X58 platform that I would guess should still hold water even though SandyBridge is only dual channel. http://www.anandtech.com/show/2792

Bill

[Dark Mantis]

What Bill says is right. The only benefit from faster memory is the ability to not be limited by the memory speed when overclocking to big levels. It is usually the memory that limits overclocking more than the CPU.

[Aussie Allan]

 Bills right , ... as is Mantus (as usual).......The only thing I can add is more bang for buck can be achieved by tightening latency and timings then going up the Mhz ladder.

  Much like getting a good CPU memory can be the same......some except tight timings, some don't.......But the chances of getting memory that will except tighter timings increases with the higher rated memory run at lower clocks/Mhz with faster timings......any system will better utilize tighter timing over raw Mhz speed..............1600Mhz memory with custom tight timings can and will out-perform 2000Mhz memory at stock settings.

 Aussie Allan

[soarwitheagles]

Thanks guys!  Wow, you leave no room for doubt, and that is exactly what I needed.

Bill, I was thinking about installing this in my Intel.  My AMD RAM is running at 2000Mhz already, so I do not need it on that system [Thud...and everyone gasps loudly as they hear Absic as he passes out and hits the ground with a loud THUD]!

Ok, I was only joking about my AMD running at 2000Mhz...I wanted to see/hear Absic pass out and hit the ground.

Both systems are running at 1333Mhz even though each is using 1600Mhz RAM.

I have never attempted to run the AMD higher simply because several nice friends here said "NO!"  And I am happy with that!

Now the Intel is perhaps a different story...

I was hoping to get 1600 Mhz out of the RAM but I simply do not know how.

My only concern with the Intel rig is the Northbridge chip seems to be running a bit hot [my temp. sensor shows it is running at 37c whereas the CPU is only at 26c [Southbridge is at 31c and the RAM is at 29c].

Can someone kindly tell me how to bump the RAM up to 1600Mhz please?

Thank you,

Soar  

PS I have posted pics of my RAM info.  Hope this helps!

[Aussie Allan]

  Soar

 Out of curiosity.....those 2 billion Mhz Modules........What brand/spec/timming are they mate ? 

 Aussie Allan

[soarwitheagles]

  Soar

 Out of curiosity.....those 2 billion Mhz Modules........What brand/spec/timming are they mate ?  

 Aussie Allan

Allan,

Here's the website:

http://www.frys.com/product/6552693#detailed

They appear to be CMX4GX3M2B2000C9.

And here is New Egg's take on it:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145334&Tpk=CMX4GX3M2B2000C9

Soar

PS I found the last of the 3 reviews interesting:

Pros: I have these running at 1600mhz @ 7-7-7-19 @ 1.58v. I have these on a P67 MB with an i7 2600 CPU. No complaints at all. Much better than other brands as I had no trouble getting these to run at specified speeds and timings (and greater). I bought these specifically to run @ 1600mhz with tight timings as I wanted voltage lower than 1.60v (per Intel).

Cons: Price was a little higher than other 1600mhz memory, but these are not 1600mhz chips.

Other Thoughts: Works on multiple Gigabyte P55 and P67 boards.

[Dark Mantis]

Hi Soar,

If I am not mistaken these modules don't come with an XMP attached do they ? If I am right you would have to enter the upgraded timings and voltage manually in the BIOS. The only problem with that is that if you are to stick ridgidly to Intel's spec then it is out of spec for the 1.65v voltage that you would have to use. There are many people running at this level of volts but it could kill the CPU and warranty in a worst case scenario.

[soarwitheagles]

Hi Soar,

If I am not mistaken these modules don't come with an XMP attached do they ? If I am right you would have to enter the upgraded timings and voltage manually in the BIOS. The only problem with that is that if you are to stick ridgidly to Intel's spec then it is out of spec for the 1.65v voltage that you would have to use. There are many people running at this level of volts but it could kill the CPU and warranty in a worst case scenario.

DM,

I think they do come with the XMP!  Please see my screen shots at the bottom.

How can I over clock to 1600Mhz?

Soar

[soarwitheagles]

DM,

I went into the BIOS and I think it is showing the RAM is running at 1600 Mhz.  So, maybe I should leave it that way?

But, it is also showing 1.65 volts.

Any suggestions anyone?

Also, do people enable SMART drive or no?  And what is SMART drive?

Last, anyone have any suggestions for tweaking the BIOS?

Soar

[Dark Mantis]

Well Soar

My wife always tell me "Smart drive" is when I hand over the keys to her!

I don't use it as it is just another of those bundled programs as far as I am concerned.

As for the memory speed if it shows that in the BIOS then the XMP is already enabled. It should say under the MIT section that the XMP is enabled and set to Profile 1

[soarwitheagles]

Well Soar

My wife always tell me "Smart drive" is when I hand over the keys to her!

I don't use it as it is just another of those bundled programs as far as I am concerned.

As for the memory speed if it shows that in the BIOS then the XMP is already enabled. It should say under the MIT section that the XMP is enabled and set to Profile 1

Yes, you are 100% correct again DM [as usual].

Thanks!

Yes, I did notice XMP was enabled before I upgraded the BIOS [after upgrading BIOS from v2 to v4, the system BSOD'd every time I attempted to start].  

The solution was to turn newly altered BIOS setting from IDE back to ACHI.  All was sweet then.  While I was in the BIOS, I enabled XMP again.

Yes, the XMP is now enabled and it is set at Profile 1.  Hope this is safe.  I do not need any speed, but like to have everything optimized for best results.

Ok, a couple of more questions:

Is it ok to run my RAM in XMP mode with the 1.65 volts?  Should I lower the volts?  Is there all that much difference between 1333Mhz and 1600Mhz?

Finally, how do I enable that fast charge feature on the USB ports, and which USB port will give the extra juice?

Hope I haven't overwhelmed you DM with all my Q's!

Thanks,

Soar

[absic]

Thanks guys!  Wow, you leave no room for doubt, and that is exactly what I needed.

Bill, I was thinking about installing this in my Intel.  My AMD RAM is running at 2000Mhz already, so I do not need it on that system [Thud...and everyone gasps loudly as they hear Absic as he passes out and hits the ground with a loud THUD]!

Ok, I was only joking about my AMD running at 2000Mhz...I wanted to see/hear Absic pass out and hit the ground.

OK, I'll let you into a little secret now Soar, I didn't pass out but you might because......

 I have actually had 2 of my 1600MHz sticks pushed to very near that with my Phenom ii 1090T processor. I didn't do it for long and it was before I realised the problems with the memory controller. 

At that price I would be tempted to buy a couple of sets and keep them on the back burner, especially for when the new AM3+ Processors come along as they will, according to the info that I have gathered, be able to run those babies without too much of a problem!

[soarwitheagles]

Absic!

Long time no talk with you!

How are you and how is life on that dark side of AMD?

And yes, I too keep hearing about that promised Bulldozer...still waiting!

I have followed your instructions to the "T" and never gone above the 1333Mhz with my 1055T.  Thanks again for helping me understand how to optimize my system without placing it at risk!

Starting this week, I am switching from the 1055T as my main rig to the 2500k.  I hope to save some electricity with this switch and it is nice to finally have a system in a HAF 932.  I feel as if I am in computer heaven!

Have a wonderful day Absic!!!

Soar

[absic]

Long time no talk with you!

Well, as you know, I always believe in quality not quantity and I am the strong silent type!  

How are you and how is life on that dark side of AMD?

Much the same as always things are progressing as one would expect. My rig is functioning well and for some reason, I never seem to encounter the issues that other members face.  

And yes, I too keep hearing about that promised Bulldozer...still waiting!

Will be a little while longer before these chips come along, if the lack of information is anything to go by!  

I have followed your instructions to the "T" and never gone above the 1333Mhz with my 1055T.  Thanks again for helping me understand how to optimize my system without placing it at risk!

Pleased that my advice has helped especially after the problems you had with your previous rig.

Starting this week, I am switching from the 1055T as my main rig to the 2500k.  I hope to save some electricity with this switch and it is nice to finally have a system in a HAF 932.  I feel as if I am in computer heaven!

Must be so nice, being rich and having a choice of two PC's!  

Have a wonderful day Absic!!!

I will thanks and hopefully so will you!