Processor Maximum RAM speed issue

[SaltyBarcode]

I've been going through threads on this site for years now but I've never had to make a post until now. It might be a bit of a long read but any help is appreciated! Please do tell me if I've been misinformed at any point. Anyway, here goes:

I'm building a new computer and I had pretty much settled on which components I was going to get, most importantly an Intel Core i5 4690K Processor and 2x8GB 2400MHz DDR3 RAM. This was fine, and I had found a motherboard which could take both, but after more research I found out that the 4690k only accepts RAM up to 1600MHz, and that any higher RAM speeds won't be used. I read some more threads here from what I've gathered the CPU can be changed in the BIOS, but this technically counts as overclocking. I am adverse to overclocking as it supposedly significantly shortens the lifespan of the components and I'm looking to futureproof this PC as much as possible in my budget (and I am splashing out), but there was some debate in the threads as whether changing the settings in the BIOS actually counted as overclocking.

If doing this won't negatively affect my computer in anyway then that's fine, my problem ends there and I can walk away a happy man.

However, if this is overclocking my CPU and will shorten the lifespan/make it overheat etc. etc. then I'd rather a different way to get the most out of my 2400MHz RAM.

I then found a new processor, a 6th gen Core i5-6600K which (from the website I'm buying from's description) says that the memory controller accepts 2400MHz DDR3 RAM. It's a bit pricier, but performs a bit better anyway and being newer it'll hopefully last longer (citation needed). However, I have been searching for quite a while now and cannot find a single motherboard that both has an LGA 1151 socket for the CPU and accepts 2400MHz DDR3 RAM.

Ultimately, it would be easiest if the 4690k does work with 2400MHz RAM without consequences, but if it doesn't then I desperately need advice.

Thanks in advance!

EDIT: OK I just found out that the 6600k has a memory compatibility of only up to 1600MHz RAM, just like the 4690k. My question still remains though, will changing it to run at 2400MHz be harmful to it, or will it even be necessary?

 

[RealBeast]

Overclocking the memory up to its rated speed is now the job of the motherboard. You do not need to overclock the CPU to run the memory at 2400MHz if the motherboard model supports it, and it is just a simple bios change.

Think of overclocking the CPU and memory as independent of one another as that is how it is done.

 

[Tradesman1]

Your CPU is rated to 1600, most 4690K can support up to 2133 and some 2400 with no additional changes - however, if you have a weaker CPU (MC (memory controller)), it may require an OC of the CPU to run at full 2400. The CPU/MC is the determining factor in how high and how much DRAM you can run. The mobo used to be the determing factor back when the MC was in a chipset on the mobo, but that went by the wayside with the end of the 775 mobos 5-6 years ago

 

[synphul]

I think you're better off with setting the xmp profile for your ram with the 4690k than trying to run skylake with ddr3. Intel warns against using regular higher voltage ddr3 even if the z170 motherboard claims to support it. It's intended for lower voltage ddr4 or ddr3L (low voltage ddr3, not standard ddr3).

Many people run ram faster than 1600 with the 4690k. Anything over 1600 is technically 'overclocked' ram so intel makes no guarantees and only 'officially' supports 1333/1600. Much like the k series cpu's which are capable of overclocking but come with no promise from intel that it will reach a particular overclock.

 

[Tradesman1]

For Haswell and even Ivy Bridge, Intel has been publishing list for DRAM that is certified to run much higher than 1600, up through 2800 and higher in some cases for quite some time now