Intel Core i7 Extreme 3960x - Cant support 64gb Corsair Dominator Platnum due to volatage issues? Can anyone confirm?

[kingthomas_23]

I have read that because the ram runs at "Corsair Dominator Platinum 64GB (8 x 8GB) DDR3-2133 Memory operating voltage of 1.65V exceeds the Intel Sandy Bridge-E CPU recommended maximum of 1.5V+5% (1.575V). This memory module may run at a reduced clock rate to meet the 1.5V voltage recommendation, or may require running at a voltage greater than the Intel recommended maximum."

Can anyone confirm or deny?

Processor I just ordered: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116491

Ram I just ordered: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233363

Motherboard I am using them on: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132053 (Asus Rampage IV Black Edition)


Thanks!

 

[Drew010]

That is true. With intel CPUs, it is recommended that you don't run 1.65v because the memory controller is inside the CPU die and will reduce its life. You can try running at 1866 1.5v

 

[kingthomas_23]

Thank you!

 

[Pinhedd]

I have read that because the ram runs at "Corsair Dominator Platinum 64GB (8 x 8GB) DDR3-2133 Memory operating voltage of 1.65V exceeds the Intel Sandy Bridge-E CPU recommended maximum of 1.5V+5% (1.575V). This memory module may run at a reduced clock rate to meet the 1.5V voltage recommendation, or may require running at a voltage greater than the Intel recommended maximum."

Can anyone confirm or deny?

Processor I just ordered: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116491

Ram I just ordered: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233363

Motherboard I am using them on: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132053 (Asus Rampage IV Black Edition)


Thanks!

The 1.5 volt recommendation is based on the JEDEC DDR3 standard specification and SSTL_15 (Stub Series Terminated Logic 1.5 volts) signalling specification which is used for DDR3. Intel recommends that the DRAM signal voltage be adhered to whenever data integrity is desired. JEDEC requires that all DDR3 DRAM integrated circuits tolerate 1.9 volts supply before incurring permanent damage, and Intel rates the memory controller to supply ~1.8 volts (Sandybridge-E, but other families are more or less the same) before incurring permanent damage.

Memory that requires a higher voltage or runs at a non-standard speed and timing specification will usually still work without issue but these modules are not thoroughly considered when designing the memory controller's physical interface and data integrity may suffer as a result.

There is no evidence linking 1.65 volt DDR3 to a reduced CPU lifespan. I have been running 8x4GiB of Mushkin Redline DDR3-2133 9-11-10-28 @ 1.65 volts on my 3960x for the past two years without any issues at all. Getting the DRAM to run stable at such settings may require additional tweaking beyond simply enabling the XMP profile such as boosting the IMC, System Agent, and PLL supply voltages as necessary. XMP is an Intel trademark and vendor submitted modules must pass Intel's validation process in order to use the trademark. If such modules had a tendency to toast the CPU, they would not be validated.

What you should be aware of though are some brands that take low quality DRAM ICs that would normally be thrown out and either boost the voltage or loosen the timings in order to bring them back in line so that they can be sold at a reduced price rather than thrown out entirely. Corsair's XMS3 brand is a good example of this.