Understanding memory w.r.t. Intel G965 / P965 / Q965

[Gerald Dalley]

I have a few questions relating to memory and the Intel 965 series
chipsets...

From what I read, the chipsets require 1.8v memory, but most memory I

see being sold has either a range of voltages (e.g. 1.8-2.1v) or has a
higher voltage listed (e.g. 2.2v). If the memory is listed at a
higher voltage than 1.8v, is there a risk that it won't work on an
Intel mobo?

I'm assuming that tighter timings are just a bonus, so if memory is
listed as 4-4-4-12, then at worst the mobo will just loosen timings to
5-5-5-15 or whatever.

The 965 chipset supports a FSB at 1066 MHz, but dual-channel memory at
800 MHz. Does it do any good to use anything faster than dual-channel
533 MHz (since 533*2=1066)?

 

[Dave]

I have a few questions relating to memory and the Intel 965 series
chipsets...

see being sold has either a range of voltages (e.g. 1.8-2.1v) or has a
higher voltage listed (e.g. 2.2v). If the memory is listed at a
higher voltage than 1.8v, is there a risk that it won't work on an
Intel mobo?
Definitely

I'm assuming that tighter timings are just a bonus, so if memory is
listed as 4-4-4-12, then at worst the mobo will just loosen timings to
5-5-5-15 or whatever.

Wrong assumption. The motherboard should attempt to run RAM at default
timings, ACCORDING TO THE RAM. This could have unpredictable results if the
RAM timings are more aggressive than the motherboard chipset can fully
support. Now it's POSSIBLE that you could buy higher quality RAM and set
the timings MANUALLY to match what the mainboard chipset is happy with. But
unless you know someone who has used the same mainboard/RAM combination,
that's a heckuva risk to take. Better to buy RAM that perfectly matches the
mainboard.

The 965 chipset supports a FSB at 1066 MHz, but dual-channel memory at
800 MHz. Does it do any good to use anything faster than dual-channel
533 MHz (since 533*2=1066)?

Yes, it is a good idea to buy the fastest RAM that your motherboard
supports. RAM has been running asynchronously with other system timings for
many years now. Trying to match other system timings by buying slower RAM
is shooting yourself in the foot, performance wise. Not that you'll notice
much difference anyway, but 800 RAM will be faster. -Dave