Ivy Bridge 1.35v or 1.5v RAM?

[Strebs]

Hi, I plan on getting 8Gb low profile vengeance for my new build (3570k & Asus P8Z77-V), but the sticks are available as 1.5v and 1.35v.

For a few extra pounds less power consumption and less heat seems a sensible choice.

Is there any disadvantage in using the 1.35v RAM?

Thank you

 

[jaquith]

Welcome to Tom's Forums!

I prefer the DDR3L 1.35v RAM, it's easier on the CPU, no temp issues, newer tech IC's, less problems, and frankly 1.35v is dual voltage (1.50v and 1.35v).

Disadvantages are none. Some kits are a tad more expensive.

I have 32GB of 8x4GB DDR3L-1600 @ 1.35v and love them.

 

[Strebs]

Great, thank you.

A fiver difference so i'll go for the 1.35v, cheers!

 

[r1chard_77]

I'd imagine this is too late, but for completeness in this thread, Intel have informed me that 1.35v is not supported on IvyBridge:

http://communities.intel.com/thread/30930

Unfortunately I can't actually find this anywhere in the mainboard or RAM compatibility charts.

 

[jaquith]

@Luis_Intel is DEAD WRONG and not affiliated with Intel, and DDR3 (1.50v), DDR3L (1.35v), and DDR3U (1.25v) is supported on the SB, SB-E and IB CPUs. Read the last comment.

Instead @Luis_Intel is a 'Forum Member' and apparently not a knowledgeable one at that, so ignore that link.

I'm running DDR3L and it's great!

 

[r1chard_77]

Thanks for the update. I wasn't sure you had IB.

Also have confirmed voltage is not the issue since running at 1.5v gives exactly the same errors.

 

[jaquith]

If you're having errors then try (1) stick at a time. Those two low voltage kits are actually Dual Voltage (1.25v or 1.35v) BUT work @ 1.50v. Also make sure the RAM is installed from a kit and the sticks are in the same colored DIMM slots.

IF for some reason you purchase a ECC kit then they'll only work on the Xeon CPUs with a supporting MOBO.

Q - What MOBO, IB CPU?
Q - What RAM? Provide a link to the kit

 

[r1chard_77]

No offense, but if anyone else tells me to "try one stick at a time" I'm going to scream ;-)

I've tried every possible combination of one or two sticks in all of the slots, at 1.35v and 1.5v, single channel or dual channel, and in every case one stick is fine and two sticks give memtest errors and instability.

I even tried disabling all bar one CPU core and reducing memory speed to ensure stability, made no difference.

Off to the shop this evening with the whole machine to see if they can try some different RAM combinations and confirm one way or the other.

 

[jaquith]

Again...

Q - What MOBO, IB CPU?
Q - What RAM? Provide a link to the kit

 

[r1chard_77]

I have now confirmed that the problem was with compatibility.

It appears that the Corsair 4GB Vengeance 1.35v v8.16 sticks are not compatible with this setup when used in pairs, and alternative Corsair Vengeance 1.5v RAM works fine.

Thanks for the help and advice. For reference my full setup was detailed on the Intel site: http://communities.intel.com/thread/30930

 

[jaquith]

I have now confirmed that the problem was with compatibility.

It appears that the Corsair 4GB Vengeance 1.35v v8.16 sticks are not compatible with this setup when used in pairs, and alternative Corsair Vengeance 1.5v RAM works fine.

Thanks for the help and advice. For reference my full setup was detailed on the Intel site: http://communities.intel.com/thread/30930

Your making your own conclusions, statements and arguments. IF you take a 'SINGLE 1x_GB stick' and either Enable XMP or use the Rated specs as a pseudo kit i.e. 2, 3, 4 etc of the 'SINGLE 1x_GB stick' then DUH there's NO Rating i.e. NO Guarantee that (together) they will yield Rated 'SINGLE 1x_GB stick' performance. Simple raise the CAS Timings e.g. 8-8-8-24 -> 9-9-9-27.

There are hundreds of posts just from me not to mention the 100's of thousands from other stating DO NOT MIX-MATCH RAM, Kit(s) 'plural' or worst individual sticks together. And if you do then don't be surprised with failures.

What part of that is unclear to you?!

CPU: i7-3770
MOBO: ASRock Z77 Pro3
RAM: So lets GUESS the CML8GX3M2A1600C9W

1. Update the BIOS to version 1.50 via Instant Flash -> http://www.asrock.com/feature/InstantFlash/index.asp ; never via OS!
2. DIMM Slots ; CPU: | DDR3_A1 | Empty | DDR3_B1 | Empty |
3. BIOS
Press F9 ; Load optimal default
OC Tweaker:
DRAM Timing Configuration
Load XMP Setting -> Profile 1
VCCSA Voltage -> 1.20v ; the XMP should load 1.20v but if it doesn't then manually change to 1.20v
Press F10 ; Save & Exit = Yes

IF you are still having problems then and the RAM works @ 1.50v then report the issue to ASRock; it's the MOBO's BIOS and not the 1.35v kit.

Mine at this moment i7-3930K with 2 sets of CMZ16GX3M4X1600C9G using XMP @ 1.35 8x4GB:

 

[r1chard_77]

Why are you so aggressive and unpleasant, particularly when you have no idea of my knowledge in this area or otherwise?

I have already done everything you suggest since it's standard testing procedure, and am not "mixing and matching" it is a two stick kit.

I have tested this RAM in conjunction with another technical expert, compared it to RAM which does work to ensure no CPU or MB faults, and am simply reporting the facts in my specific case to help others. I have also reported it to Corsair, who's response has been unfailingly polite.

This is my last reply to this thread.

 

[jaquith]

Simple - First you tell me I'm wrong then I ask a question - you ignore it, but continue make statements that are totally incorrect.

Luis_Intel: response 1 = "the i7-3770 was designed to support memory at 1.5V only."
Luis_Intel: response 2 = "Besides that, checking the data sheet of the processor family it seems to support that memory even at 1.35V with no issues."

Conclusion 1. Luis_Intel doesn't have a clue, 2. 1.35v RAM works, 3. Don't argue.

 

[InvalidError]

Disadvantages are none. Some kits are a tad more expensive.

Last time I checked, DDR3L also had the disadvantage of no 8GB DIMMs yet, which is somewhat of a downer for people who want 16GB now with an option for 32GB later.

 

[jaquith]

Last time I checked, DDR3L also had the disadvantage of no 8GB DIMMs yet, which is somewhat of a downer for people who want 16GB now with an option for 32GB later.

You need to check again and be happy Mushkin offers 4 kits of DDR3L (non-ECC) @ 1.35v with 8GB/stick density, the Models for sale right now are: 32GB 4x8GB 994072 & 994073 or 16GB 2x8GB 997072 & 997073.