Memory standard: Can I go below it?

[germs]

I'm getting this motherboard (P5E3 PREMIUM): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131276

And this memory (2x G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231178

I'm just curious: if the motherboards memory standards are DDR3 2000(OC)/1800(OC)/1600, does that mean DDR3 1333 won't run at its full potential (I understand my motherboard CAN support faster memory)?

 

[dark2099]

Yes it can, Newegg doesn't always list all the supported CPU's, FSB Speed, or Ram speeds that a motherboard supports, so I like to check the makers website to be sure, they generally give a better list.

 

[germs]

Thanks! I'm getting the Q9450 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115042), that is compatible, correct? (According to my research it is, but I could very well be wrong).

 

[dark2099]

The motherboard may need a BIOS update to support it, but it shouldn't have a problem after that.

 

[germs]

Thanks again. It wouldn't damage the CPU/mobo to try it before the update though, right?

 

[Mussels]

Thanks again. It wouldn't damage the CPU/mobo to try it before the update though, right?

generally it just gives an error (press F1 to continue) or something of the kind.

Most likely it just wont run at its full speed, and various options wont work properly (speedstep, sleep mode and such)

 

[germs]

Awesome. Info like that is always fun to know.

 

[imperialreign]

using the X38 version of that board here (P5E3 Deluxe), and it should run 1300 without a problem. In the BIOS there will be an option to strap the northbridge to the FSB, which will allow you to lock your DRAM speed to a lower frequency compared to what the FSB would clock it at if need be.

Not sure on the Premium board, though, but I know here that I was having DRAM OCing issues until the release of the most recent BIOS for this board; prior to this version, I was running into a lot of peculiar issues here and there. If you end up in the same predicament, defi check ASUS' site for BIOS updates, and check often. ASUS releases new BIOS version all the time . . .

. . . too bad they're never really descriptive with what the new version is addressing

 

[Mussels]

. . . too bad they're never really descriptive with what the new version is addressing

+10 on that
Bioses that claim to 'add new CPU support' for my LAN box, in reality fixed many bugs and added a lot of features. its best to find a thread about the BIOS through google, and see what actually changed.

 

[imperialreign]

+10 on that
Bioses that claim to 'add new CPU support' for my LAN box, in reality fixed many bugs and added a lot of features. its best to find a thread about the BIOS through google, and see what actually changed.

I agree - if you can even find the info on it.

I don't typically recommend updating the BIOS for no reason in particular, but with ASUS . . . sometimes it's a good idea, even if it seems like you're not having problems, or if you're having strange issues that mimic like 4 possible different hardware faults.

But, you know us enthusiasts will update a BIOS like we update hardware drivers

 

[noneed4me2]

I also have the X38 Deluxe. I am using 2x1gb Gskill 1333/10600. I am running FSB@333. It ran at 420 with no issues but I feel more comfortable not pushing my $300 board to much right now as it took awhile for me to complete this build. It was worth the wait; its rock stable and really is more horsepower than I need most of the time. I disabled C1 so I could keep it running at 3ghz 24/7. The Premium X48 has better pwr management on the Northbridge and 3 phase on the dimm slots. It has much more overclock potential. Unfortunately from the threads i have read it tends to be more finicky with add in hardware and picky on the ram. Heres a thread with more info http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=184503 . Congrats on your build.

 

[Hayder_Master]

maybe you not work perfect, so go for 1600