X58/Core i7 system won't go 1333 MHz

[Artas1984]

According to the MB specs it supports 1333 MHz DDR3 by default. Up to 2000+ MHz in OC mode actually...

According to the CPU specs it supports maximum frequency 1066 MHz DDR3.

According to the RAM specs it is rated 1600 MHz CL9 at 1.65 V.

We know, that Nehalem based Core i7 or Xeon processors have memory controllers integrated in them, unlike previous Core 2 Quad. So by default, my RAM runs at 1066 MHz when auto settings are enabled. If i set the memory manually from 1600 MHz to 1333 MHz even at the same timings and voltage, the PC won't even boot!!!

A natural question then: why the hell even bother to release an X58 motherboard with over 1333 MHz RAM support if the CPU only does 1066 MHz? In fact, is there any Nehalem based Core i7 that supports over 1066 MHz RAM?

Or perhaps this is wrong? Perhaps my CPU can run 1333 MHz, despite it officialy supporting 1066 MHz? I ask this because AMD Phenom II processors somehow can run RAM higher than their 1333 MHz integrated controller rating...

WTH is wrong with my X58 system?

 

[DRDNA]

I run no probs at 1600, there must be some other issue

 

[brandonwh64]

Did you set CAS timings as well with the correct voltage?

 

[ron732]

Have you tried enabling Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P) in the bios?

 

[Random Murderer]

If i set the memory manually from 1600 MHz to 1333 MHz even at the same timings and voltage, the PC won't even boot!!!

So it runs at 1600?

And I've seen x58 systems running DDR3 2000 speeds before, so it will run at 1333+. It'll just take some tweaking.

 

[Aquinus]

You adjusted the timings after setting it to 1600Mhz and you didn't just change the speed alone, right?

 

[Artas1984]

I have installed different temporary RAM (because my main 6X4 Gb RAM broke yesterday after BIOS update, they are in the warranty service now).

With this set of RAM, the system now boots at 1333 MHz indeed. It's a 3X2 Gb setup now.

Have you tried enabling Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P) in the bios?

The RAM has to have that profile as well, not just the motherboard. No, i did not, because i have no such RAM.

Did you set CAS timings as well with the correct voltage?

I have some experience with RAM you know, i do not miss things like adjusted timings and voltage...

 

[Artas1984]

So it runs at 1600?

And I've seen x58 systems running DDR3 2000 speeds before, so it will run at 1333+. It'll just take some tweaking.

You did not understand what i meant..
I meant - when selecting RAM speed in the BIOS from 1600 to 1333 MHz before applying it, not actually running it...

 

[Aquinus]

I have installed different temporary RAM (because my main 6X4 Gb RAM broke yesterday after BIOS update, they are in the warranty service now).

With this set of RAM, the system now boots at 1333 MHz indeed. It's a 3X2 Gb setup now.

If the memory you tested is being sent in for warranty and the memory you're using now is rated for 1333Mhz, how do you expect to test any recommendations that we make? I think the memory failing after a BIOS update was strictly co-incidence assuming the memory did fail and it wasn't bad BIOS settings.

Also I didn't think about this but your Xeon might need a bump on the VTT voltage to get higher memory clocks but keep in mind you're most likely limited by the memory you're using. 1600Mhz should be trivial for most X58 machines but I'm not sure about the IMC in the Xeon chips.

 

[Artas1984]

how do you expect to test any recommendations that we make?

After i get my original RAM back, i will test it again; this thread is not over. For now it is fine with these temporary RAM. I have other problems though and will address them in a separate thread.