DDR 3 1600 question

[westlake_a]

Hi people,

I'm new to all this forum stuff... so excuse any questions that you might think are 'stupid'

I have 2 x 4GB PC3-12800 (1600Mhz) Team Elite DDR3 Sticks...

I assume that these sticks would run at 1600Mhz (at the lowest) so I'm a bit confused witht the readings I'v gotten off CPU-Z, I'll attempt to add pictures...

So firstly,

It shows in the 'SPD' that slots 3 & 4 'max bandwidth' as PC3-12800 (800 MHz) <--- why is this saying 1600MHz as the max bandwidth as they are 1600MHz Sticks?

secondly,

In the 'memory' tab it shows the 'NB Frequency' as 2008.8 MHz? <---- what does this mean exactly?

and finally, in the 'Timings tab' DRAM Frequency is reading 803.5 MHz again not 1600 MHz?

So I'm really confused as to what speed my ram is actually running at, I don't know if its running at the speed it should be or if its under clocking my ram.

Anyways if someone could help me out, I'd really appreciate your feedback and help with my query.

Have a good day people, Thanks! 😀

 

[bignastyid]

Whay you are seeing is normal for Double Data Ram. DDR3 1600 runs at 800Mhz with an effective data rate of 1600.

 

[westlake_a]

oh great, that was a quick reply! So everything running as it should, thats always good to know.

Is the ram worth overclocking or best left as it is?

Thanks for your help!

 

[bignastyid]

I've never had much luck overclocking ram so I usually just buy the speed I want to run at. Usually there isn't much to be gained unless you are using the igpu on an apu.

 

[provino]

the technology of DDR (Double Data Rate) 1600Mhz is 800Mhz x 2
2400Mhz is 1200
etc

NB frequency is north bridge is more like uncore frequency
you can change it on BIOS if needed (help stability when overclocking)

DDR double data rate means double 800mhz
you have to learn more about DDR tech here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_data_rate