I7 2630M question

[desmaiado]

guys... i am looking to buy a m18x but i saw on the web that the core i7 2630M do not accept 1600MHZ
memory and i was looking to buy a hyperx 8gb (2x4) 1600.... is this true that the i7 2630 do not accept 1600mhz memory kits? and another question... worth the upgrade form the i7 2630 to the i7 2820? in gaming what will be the diference? and in all others ways what will be the direfence? is this diference too big to worth $300?
thank for the space
and i will be gladful to the one who answer me

 

[IntelEnthusiast]

The issue is that the memory controller is located on the processor sets the speed at which the memory can run at. The memory controller on the Intel® Core™ i7-2630QM is set to except only DDR3 1066/1333 if you use DDR3 1600 it will only slow it down to run at 1333. Now the Intel Core i7-2820 does have a faster Max Memory Bandwidth allowing it to accept DDR3 1600 memory. You can see how both of them stack up here http://ark.intel.com/Compare.aspx?ids=52219,52227. The biggest difference is that the Intel Core i7-2820 has a clock speed 300MHz faster and 2MB more Cache. Where these differences are enough to make up the $300 price difference is something that only you can answer.

Christian Wood
Intel Enthusiast Team

 

[desmaiado]

The issue is that the memory controller is located on the processor sets the speed at which the memory can run at. The memory controller on the Intel® Core™ i7-2630QM is set to except only DDR3 1066/1333 if you use DDR3 1600 it will only slow it down to run at 1333. Now the Intel Core i7-2820 does have a faster Max Memory Bandwidth allowing it to accept DDR3 1600 memory. You can see how both of them stack up here http://ark.intel.com/Compare.aspx?ids=52219,52227. The biggest difference is that the Intel Core i7-2820 has a clock speed 300MHz faster and 2MB more Cache. Where these differences are enough to make up the $300 price difference is something that only you can answer.

Christian Wood
Intel Enthusiast Team

but in gaming at ultra high details? or watching a movie at full hd resolution... it will make any diference?
the game will flow normaly? or it can flow slow on the i7 2630? and the diference between 1333 and 1600mhz memory is that great? what is the direference in means of speed? in what it will be fasters and how faster? thank you

 

[desmaiado]

Best answer selected by desmaiado.

 

[NuckinFutz]

I bought the M17xR3 and had the same exact question about DDR3 1600 Memory with the i72630M. My research determined that you can infact use DDR3 1600 or even DDR3 1866 Kingston HyperX Memory with the 2630M, BUT... it will default down to the DDR3 1333 Speed settings. This has its advantages though with a couple of ways.

1. Dell is way overpriced for 16GB of Memory. They want $360, but New Egg is as low as $200 so you save money.
2. The Kingston HyperX Series comes with Heat Shields
3. Having 16GB of DDR3 1600 or 1866 Memory in your Alienware now, means if you ever come across a good deal for the i72820 or better later down the road, then you already have compatable memory in place.

I talked with several Dell Reps and Alienware Techs, the majority of them are stupid with in depth tech knowledge. But sometimes you get someone that actually games or builds PC's and they will tell you exactly the type of Ram they prefer.

Dell by no means makes their own memory!!! But the Lame operators will tell you that you can only use "DELL BRANDED" memory or you will void your warranty, NOT TRUE!!!!

The Memory slot located near the Hard Drive Bays are user upgradable, meaning that you can upgrade them anytime you want too as long as you use the recommended specs by Dell. The Memory slots that require you to remove screws to get under the keyboard however will VOID your warranty if you remove them. I was also told the so called "DELL BRANDED" memory is actually "SAMSUNG" by one of Alienwares custom builders in the Tier3 Tech support.

So bottom line. If you order an M17xR3 or an M18x with 4GB min of their memory, it will be 2 x 2GB of Samsung 1333. Then go to NewEgg.com and buy 8GB KingstonX sets of DDR3 1600 memory from $94 to $110 each set. You save over $150 by not getting is pre configured by Dell.