CMSX8GX3M2A1866C10 on a Thinkpad X220 runs at 1333 MHz

[silencer51]

So I've been reading how faster memory (>1333Mhz) improves graphics performance with Sandy Bridge's HD3000 GPU.

I have been running 2x4GB 1333MHz sticks on my Thinkpad X220. Today I got myself a pair of 1866MHz Corsair sticks only to find they run at 1333Mhz too.. :(

This laptop supports 1866MHz ram (the ******** set from ******** works fine at the rated speed). Is there any way to force the laptop to run the sticks at higher speeds or am I stuck at 1333MHz?

Thanks in advance

[Turbonerfs101e]

Hi silencer51
Where did you see that Thinkpad X220 could andle overclock memory?( please Give link)
Lenovo spec ore
8GB max7 / PC3-10600 1333MHz DDR3, non-parity,
dual-channel capable, two 204-pin SO-DIMM sockets
http://www.lenovo.com/shop/americas/...tech_specs.pdf

But if your laptop could run OC memory they will be memory option in bios
Intel extrem edition motherboard run OC memory with a XMP option in bios
I don't now if you have this option in your laptop bios or even if you have the option to OC memory.
A other option to reach 1866 MHz on memory is to OC cpu
Memory will automaticly OC as CPU increase speed.

Cheak if ther is a bios update
As it improve compatibility and stability ove system

Hope this help
Sincerly yours

[silencer51]

On various forums (for example http://forum.notebookreview.com/leno...3000-x220.html) X220 owners with the i5 & i7 cpu have had success with using 1600MHz and 1866MHz RAM (this forum apparently won't let me post the rival memory maker's name and model, but its easy to figure out). The problem is, the Corsair kit is stuck at 1333Mhz for some reason..

[silencer51]

Also: there is no option to set memory timings anywhere in the bios. I'm running the latest version.

With one brand of 1866MHz RAM, the system automatically sets the highest speed available. With Corsair's Vengeance kit, its stuck at 1333Mhz.

[RAM GUY]

Then I am sorry but your system may not support over clocking and will not run above DDR1333. It would be best to speak with the NB manufacturer to verify that!

[peanutz94]

I read that article and some of it is misleading . It does say the LP detects the memory correctly and it should because that info is programed into the module itself, but the memory actually does not run at that speed. It only runs at the max supported speed of 1333mhz that Lenovo specs which is 1333mhz.

Quote from that article:

this link is misleading
WEI Memory 5.9 vs 7.x is due to adding a second stick, not the ram itself. It is just reading the TYPE of memory,not the speed it's running at.
same went for my T420 and T520 and E420

I doubt 1866 is utilized at all

ThinkVantage Toolbox says my Memory Type is "DDR3-SDRAM (1778 MHz)".

Which would be correc as this information is progrmed into the memory module itself.

Cpu-z reports 664Mhz, timing 9-9-9-24.

Which is roughly 1333mhz.

I also read through the users manual and could find no mention of any memory speeds higher than 1333mhz.

If you believe this is erroneous, i would contact lenovo and see if they can use faster memory

[silencer51]

Update: it seems Lenovo silently removed high speed memory support on newer BIOS revisions for the Thinkpad X220.

Rolling back to BIOS 1.28 solved the problem, now the memory runs at 1866MHz :)

[peanutz94]

Cool, glad you found out where the problem was and your memory is running at rated specs.