1.65v RAM on Sandy Bridge?

[McLaren__F1]

Can you use RAM that is 1.65v on the sandy bridge? If so is it safe?

I notice everyone is using 1.5v kits

[deaffob]

It'd be whatever your ram's spec is. Even if it's 1.8v, you should put 1.8.

[bro20000]

1.65v memory is fine!

[danielkza]

It'd be whatever your ram's spec is. Even if it's 1.8v, you should put 1.8.

Did you miss the whole 'DRAM voltage must not exceed 0.5V over uncore voltage' deal on Nehalems? If the same is true for Sandy Bridge, 1.8V is way beyond safe.

[OC Nub]

Intel says 1.575vDram is the max.

I havent heard anything about keeping Dram and QPI/VTT within .5v of each other on SB, was wondering if that is still the case. If this still holds true with SB, it will be impossible to run 1.65v mem, stay within Intel spec on VTT, and not exceed a .50v difference between the two.

[Johnny87au]

Did you miss the whole 'DRAM voltage must not exceed 0.5V over uncore voltage' deal on Nehalems? If the same is true for Sandy Bridge, 1.8V is way beyond safe.

been confirmed already not like 1366 where u need to keep dram in range with vtt

[KGB7]

1.65v is safe, but Asus mobo over volts ram. Even if you manually set it to 1.65, mobo will over volt it to as high as 1.71v.

[PiLsY]

been confirmed already not like 1366 where u need to keep dram in range with vtt

Is that definite dude? Why not just raise vtt anyway? Or are we saying vtt needs to stay within specs these days?

[Johnny87au]

Is that definite dude? Why not just raise vtt anyway? Or are we saying vtt needs to stay within specs these days?

Well i've read a review and seems to be correct, Also seen people using ECO Dimms which means undervolting so vtt/dram is way off and never had any problems.. Thing is tho most people cant even surpass 1.24 vtt but some can get paid 1.4.. kinda puzzled..

[PiLsY]

Dunno. There was never a problem with undervolting memory in relation to vtt so I wouldn't take that as an indicator that the difference shouldn't be greater than 0.5v. I think its a bit soon to be sure? If you look at the voltages then they do stick to a 0.5v difference at vmax for both vtt and vddr according to the intel spec sheet. This doesnt necessarily mean anything of course...

I'd say if you want to play it safe that more time is needed before we can be sure you dont need to obey the <0.5v rule.

[Johnny87au]

Well yeah would be good if it was 100% officially tested just to be on the same side, Some people really pushing some VTT using easytune but having troubles in bios.. Lets just wait it out but in all honestly i think its safe.. Emailing intel as we speak..

[dctokyo]

It'd be whatever your ram's spec is. Even if it's 1.8v, you should put 1.8.

No....... not if your takling about SB
Memory - Intel recommend 1.50v plus/minus 5% which means 1.60v is the ideal safe maximum, Sandy Bridge does not demand only 1.5v modules, 1.65v modules will work but 1.8 is not safe

[Sam_oslo]

No....... not if your takling about SB
Memory - Intel recommend 1.50v plus/minus 5% which means 1.60v is the ideal safe maximum, Sandy Bridge does not demand only 1.5v modules, 1.65v modules will work but 1.8 is not safe

Yep. Intel recommends 1.5v for 24/7 and 1.575 as max vDimm.

It may be safe to break these limits, and many systems has been surviving 1.65v (at least for now), but this is a new platform and we don't know the long-term impact on IMC/CPU yet.

High vDimm seams to be OK for benching, but it's a good idea to be careful with pushing too much for 24/7 until we know more about this new IMC.

[Johnny87au]

Yep. Intel recommends 1.5v for 24/7 and 1.575 as max vDimm.

It may be safe to break these limits, and many systems has been surviving 1.65v (at least for now), but this is a new platform and we don't know the long-term impact on IMC/CPU yet.

High vDimm seams to be OK for benching, but it's a good idea to be careful with pushing too much for 24/7 until we know more about this new IMC.

I dont see why intel recommends 1.5, when most dimms require 1.65 1.75 to run @ there rated speeds, doesnt even make sense

[Sam_oslo]

I dont see why intel recommends 1.5, when most dimms require 1.65 1.75 to run @ there rated speeds, doesnt even make sense

Some companies are re-branding those "old" 1.65v as SB-kits. Probably trying to get rid of the "old crap" in this early stage and confusions-time-zone.

I think it's a good idea to buy low-volt kits, those 1.35v can come handy now, but I've seen several new 1.5v SB kits too. So I guess more companies will follow when they run out of "old" crap".

[Johnny87au]

well that makese sense, If higher DRAM is bad for SB then the company's who sell these "1.65 1.75" rated kits would be reponsible.. Maby they are revamping all the kits so they run @ lower voltages not sure yet though..

[Sam_oslo]

I don't see how they can be responsible legally, because Intel's recommendations is clear. But they would stand responsible morally by re-branding old crap, for sure.

You as a OCer have to pay attention what you stick in your "new babe", LOL, and how much you push it.

[Johnny87au]

I don't see how they can be responsible legally, because Intel's recommendations is clear. But they would stand responsible morally by re-branding old crap, for sure.

You as a OCer have to pay attention what you stick in your "new babe", LOL, and how much you push it.

I'll stick it in as far as i can till i see fireworks

[kg4icg]

Hey people, most dimms coming out these days happen to be of the 1.5v or less variety. The 3x4gb kitt of G.Skill Ripjaws I picked up last month is 1.5V even for the XMP profile.