AMD FX 8150 Max Memory Speed footnote definition

[guard052]

Hello,

I would like to know if anyone knows what the footnote means on the AMD website where it says that the max memory speed for the 8150 is 1866 but with a footnote reading exactly this, "1866 supported with 1 DPC (DIMM per Channel) in single memory slot motherboard designs." I would like to know if I would purchase two 8 gb dual channel kits to make 16gb total, would it be ok to have the four dimms each in their own slot running at 1866 dual channel. If not what is the highest speed I can have in the aformentioned configuration. I would really appreciate clarity on this.

Thank You

Here is my motherboard model in case it is needed - Gigabyte - GA-990FXA-UD3 (rev. 1.0)

 

[popatim]

Typically AMD's have issues with memory clocked higher than 1333 if you populate all 4 banks. If you plan on overclocking the processor then get a 16gb kit (2x8gb) 1866. You can always downclock the memory to 1333 if you cant get it working at 1866.

 

[MU_Engineer]

Hello,

I would like to know if anyone knows what the footnote means on the AMD website where it says that the max memory speed for the 8150 is 1866 but with a footnote reading exactly this, "1866 supported with 1 DPC (DIMM per Channel) in single memory slot motherboard designs." I would like to know if I would purchase two 8 gb dual channel kits to make 16gb total, would it be ok to have the four dimms each in their own slot running at 1866 dual channel. If not what is the highest speed I can have in the aformentioned configuration. I would really appreciate clarity on this.

Thank You

Here is my motherboard model in case it is needed - Gigabyte - GA-990FXA-UD3 (rev. 1.0)

The CPU is guaranteed to be able to run one module per channel (one dual-channel kit) at 1866 speeds. If you run more than that, your CPU will automatically adjust the speed down to DDR3-1600 speeds. You can try to force the memory speed to 1866 and see what happens, the worst thing you will need to do is to reset your BIOS if it locks up.

Typically AMD's have issues with memory clocked higher than 1333 if you populate all 4 banks. If you plan on overclocking the processor then get a 16gb kit (2x8gb) 1866. You can always downclock the memory to 1333 if you cant get it working at 1866.

That was true of the Phenom II era chips, current Bulldozers are specced to run four modules in a dual-channel board at 1600 just fine.

 

[popatim]

thanks for the information! )

 

[guard052]

Ok so just for my understanding if I were to get 1600 i could use all four channels and not pay the extra money for 1866 and it would work just fine, also papatim I dont plan on overclocking so that is not an issue for me.

 

[MU_Engineer]

Ok so just for my understanding if I were to get 1600 i could use all four channels and not pay the extra money for 1866 and it would work just fine, also papatim I dont plan on overclocking so that is not an issue for me.

Correct, getting DDR3-1600 will work fine. However, you *may* need to go into the BIOS and set the memory to run at DDR3-1600 as most RAM capable of running at DDR3-1600 or faster actually defaults to running at DDR3-1333.

 

[guard052]

Best answer selected by guard052.

 

[guard052]

thanks for the info