3000mhz memory on an i3 6100?

[xeth0709]

Hi guys!

I'm currently using an i3 6100. I was planning to buy a pair of 3000mhz memory sticks, but I checked my processor specs first and saw that i3 6100 supports up to 2133 mhz. Would it be okay to use the 3000mhz ones on the i3 6100? Will they work as is or will the sticks be downclocked or something? Or should I not use them with the i3?

There is the fact though that I'm planning to build an overclockable setup by the end of the year or early next year, prolly going for an i5 K model, if not an i7.

Thanks!

 

[Rogue Leader]

If you do not have a Z170 motherboard you cannot run the RAM any higher than 2133mhz. With a Z170 yes it is compatible however you may be pushing it a bit. You need to just enable XMP in the BIOS and make sure its stable.

If you don't have a Z170 but are planning to upgrade the 3000mhz ram works fine at 2133 until you do.

 

[mcnumpty23]

i have 3000mhz ram to be honest if i run it down to 2400mhz i cant even tell the difference

it might show a little more in a benchmark but its not make or break stuff to get 3000mhz ram unless its as cheap as 2400/2666mhz stuff

just my opinion though

 

[xeth0709]

I don't have a z170 yet, using an Asus H110M-D in my budget build at the moment. So it's okay to use the 3000mhz sticks on my i3 6100 then? They're gonna get downclocked to 2133mhz is that correct? My local store has both 2400mhz and 3000mhz but at the same price that's why I was wondering if I can shoot for the 3000mhz for future upgrading.

Thanks for the responses guys!

 

[Rogue Leader]

I don't have a z170 yet, using an Asus H110M-D in my budget build at the moment. So it's okay to use the 3000mhz sticks on my i3 6100 then? They're gonna get downclocked to 2133mhz is that correct? My local store has both 2400mhz and 3000mhz but at the same price that's why I was wondering if I can shoot for the 3000mhz for future upgrading.

Thanks for the responses guys!

Yes if you buy 3000mhz memory now it will just run at 2133mhz on that board. When you get a Z170 board you can enable XMP and run it up to 3000.

 

[mcnumpty23]

I don't have a z170 yet, using an Asus H110M-D in my budget build at the moment. So it's okay to use the 3000mhz sticks on my i3 6100 then? They're gonna get downclocked to 2133mhz is that correct?

yes as rogue leader said they should down clock

my point was just if the 3000mhz ram is much more expensive it may not be worth the extra cost for performanced gained

if the cost is similar to lower speed ram fair enough just dont expect that 3000mhz will be hugely faster in real life use over 2400/2666mhz

 

[Rogue Leader]

Right gaming wise it makes minimal difference. Its when you get into streaming, encoding, etc that it can make a difference.

 

[xeth0709]

Thank you guys! Guess I'll go for it as I'll be upgrading to more expensive stuff. Last question though, when using the 3000mhz on the i3, do I need to change some BIOS settings for the ram to be downclocked? Or will it go down to 2133 automatically?

 

[Rogue Leader]

Thank you guys! Guess I'll go for it as I'll be upgrading to more expensive stuff. Last question though, when using the 3000mhz on the i3, do I need to change some BIOS settings for the ram to be downclocked? Or will it go down to 2133 automatically?

Its automatic. Generally for your memory to run any faster than 2133mhz you have to change settings in the BIOS (to XMP). However your current motherboard's BIOS doesn't have that option, the Z170's does.

 

[Tradesman1]

With an i3 6100, I would guess the best you'd be able to run is maybe 2666, seen a couple run 2800 with extra voltage - have to keep in mind it's not the mobo and XMP that 'allow' for faster DRAM - it comes down to the MC (memory controller) in the CPU that is the defining factor. Many K model CPUs (which are stronger i5s and i7s) even need an OC to run 3000 sticks. Though in more and more games, DRAM freq/data rates do help, i.e. Fallout 4

http://wccftech.com/fallout-4-performance-heavily-influenced-by-ram-speed-according-to-report/

 

[xeth0709]

Alright, thank you for all the information guys! Much appreciated! I'm not realy that techy, all the computer stuff I know are from experience, self-study/research and from other people. This place has always been a good source of knowledge for me. Thank you!