Windows 7: RAM Voltage

Hey peeps,

Just building my new system and was reading in the manual for the board that Intel says not use RAM over 1.65v.

Problem is my RAM is rated to run at 1.85v.

I checked in the BIOS and it looks like the system is undervolting but obviously when i start gaming that will volt-up.

Question is - Will i need to buy new ram as well?



Thanks for the advice

Lucky

EDIT: I have left everything on auto

Buying new RAM would be a wise choice. It's likely the warning is there because too much voltage to the RAM could damage other components, such as the memory controller.

My RAM is rated to run at the higher voltage 1.85v. to be at the rated 1600MHz.
I set mine on Auto in the bios and it works fine. No overvoltage that way. It runs at idle 1.5 volts. It runs under load at 1.55 volts.
It will take it to the default limits set in the bios.
So I get about 1450MHz under heavy load not the 1600 rating but it is quite safe and works great on all games with no extra stress on the CPU.

ASUS boards do a good job of this.

Mike

Hey peeps,

As an update,

I don't know if it was the memory or the board but when i ran memtest86 over the weekend, the ram came up with errors.

So in light of my original post, i ordered some more more Ram this morning for tomorrow.

OCZ HTP Edition PC3-12800 6GB kit.

Still gonna be an immense setup in my eyes i tell ya.

I will update again tomorrow when i am up and running.

Lucky

FYI for in the future I always DL the Boards PDF Manual file and check the QML (Qualified Memory List). Before I purchase Ram. Even though I don't use it to make my final decision I use it to become more familiar with what is recommended and their voltages.
I'll then go to my favorite Overclockers forum and look up what others are using with that board and how it is working out for them.

This list contains Ram Modules that have been tested and qualified to run at the rated speeds and voltages for that particular board.

You can either download the user manual from here ASUSTeK Computer Inc.-Support-

Or I uploaded the zip file and scanned it with MSE (No viruses found) to RapidShare you'll find the QVL on Chapter 2 of the manual.

http://***************/files/42956524...eme_manual.zip
My 2cents worth.
Fabe

Hello fabe,

Thanks for the reply.

I did actually read the Asus Memory QVL and it was very confusing.

When i looked through the list, some of the ram required voltages of 1.65 and above which kinda contradicts Intel's advise of staying below that.

Other wise yes i would have paid more attention to it.

Also, the other reason why i did'nt take a lot of notice to it was because, the ram i have the moment (the ram being replaced) was used with the Striker ii Extreme which did'nt state a single thing about my ram, by the way, i am talking about the OCZ Reaper-X 1333mhz ram.

Lucky

Your welcome. Some people don't know about the QVL, so that is why I posted it.
Fabe

This is very true.

I should think most people just believe that because the board says DDR2, DDR3 etc etc. They can then just buy any ol DDR2, DDR3 etc etc.

But either way though, thanks for posting your information.

Lucky

Hey hey,

Well i finally got the Ram, as per specs below.

My PC is running fantasticly good, busted over 18300 3D Mark Vantage points as well.

Thanks for the help in this thread.

Lucky