Question Running an i5 13600K with 2x16 GB DDR5 6400Mhz CL32 RAM

[Eddie Mitza]

I've ordered a bunch of new PC parts to upgrade my PC, among which an i5 13600k CPU and Corsair Vengeance, 32GB(2 x 16GB) DDR5, 6400Mhz, CL32 RAM sticks.

The problem is I haven't payed enough attention and only now I've noticed that the CPU may not be compatible with the RAM. In the CPU's memory specifications (https://www.intel.com/content/www/u...-24m-cache-up-to-5-10-ghz/specifications.html) it says that it supports DDR5 memory of up to 5600 MT/s.

Does the 6400 Mhz on my RAM sticks mean they won't be compatible/stable with the 13600k CPU? Also, MT/s translates into the same amount of Mhz?

EDIT: In case they're not compatible, could I lower the RAM clocks to 5600 in the BIOS to make them compatible? I've also ordered a z790 UD mobo.

 

[Nighthawk117]

That's just the official support, that does not mean that you can't run 6400Mhz. MT/s and Mhz are used interchangeably. Likelihood is it will probably be fine, others seem to have 6400Mhz running fine on Intel 13th gen. I would be more concerned with running a high IMC voltage, but I've got not idea what the recommended max is for Intel's 13 gen CPU's.

 

[Eddie Mitza]

That's just the official support, that does not mean that you can't run 6400Mhz. MT/s and Mhz are used interchangeably. Likelihood is it will probably be fine, others seem to have 6400Mhz running fine on Intel 13th gen. I would be more concerned with running a high IMC voltage, but I've got not idea what the recommended max is for Intel's 13 gen CPU's.

Well, the RAM in question run at 1.4 volts, idk about the CPU's max, tho. Can the RAM voltage be lowered?

 

[Nighthawk117]

Well, the RAM in question run at 1.4 volts, idk about the CPU's max, tho. Can the RAM voltage be lowered?

The RAM voltage can be lowered yes but you'd also have to lower the clock speed as well otherwise it would be unstable.

Intel used to recommend no more than 1.35v for the IMC on Skylake based CPU's. I have seen no recommendations for 12th and 13th gen CPU's however.

 

[Eddie Mitza]

The RAM voltage can be lowered yes but you'd also have to lower the clock speed as well otherwise it would be unstable.

Intel used to recommend no more than 1.35v for the IMC on Skylake based CPU's. I have seen no recommendations for 12th and 13th gen CPU's however.

I see, thanks for the info.

 

[Nighthawk117]

I see, thanks for the info.

1.4v seems to be ok for newer CPU's. I don't think you will have compatibility problems though. If you did and didn't want to swap it for whatever reason. You can manually configure clock speeds, voltages and timings.