TWIN3X2048-1333C9 G memory with Supermicro C2BSX motherboard

[bra1n]

Greetings,

 

I'm trying to pair TWIN3X2048-1333C9 G memory with Supermicro C2BSX motherboard and a Intel E6850 3.0Ghz core 2 duo proc. The processor has a FSB of 1333Mhz and the motherboard supports DDR3 memory at 1333Mhz, so I chose the Corsair memory to keep the speeds consistent. In CPU-Z the memory reports as single channel and operating at 532Mhz. From what I've read on this forum, the memory SPD reports only 1066Mhz as the top speed. The motherboard's BIOS does not allow manually setting memory speed/latencies. So I have a few questions.

 

1) What reasons would CPU-Z have for reporting the memory is single channel.

2) Is the fact that CPU-Z shows single channel also the reason that the memory speed reports as 532Mhz (as opposed to 532*2 = 1066Mhz).

3) If the memory wont report 1333Mhz to the motherboard, and I can't set the speed in the motherboard BIOS, am I out of options?

 

Thanks in advance for any help or ideas.

[RAM GUY]

Dual channel is a function of the motherboard, as long as you have a matched pair of memory installed in the correct slots, the board should automatically detect this and operate in dual channel. CPU-Z shows you 533MHz because that is the actual frequency of the memory, since this is DDR (double data rate) memory the effective frequency is 1066MHz. These modules are tested at 1333MHz however they are tested at a memory voltage of 1.7v and if you are unable to set this in the BIOS, these modules would not be recommended for your system and may not be stable.

[bra1n]

The processor is definitely a 1333Mhz FSB unit (Intel E6850 3.0Ghz core 2 duo). I'll double check the slots I have the memory in, but I'm pretty sure I have them slotted correctly. If this memory should not be run at 1066Mhz and Supermicro cannot provide a means to change the voltage, is there anything that Corsair can do to return/exchange the memory for something more suitable or am I stuck dealing with my reseller?

[bra1n]

Now looking at the MB specs, it indicates that the memory voltage is "1.5V" only. Is it normal to have to run DDR3 1333Mhz memory at 1.7V?

[RAM GUY]

I would try and up the voltage max is 2.0 Volts and DDR1066 would be normal for that CPU.

DDR2/3 Memory runs at:

DDR2-533 = 266 Clock Frequency 2 X 266 = DDR2 533

DDR2-667 = 333 Clock Frequency 2 X 333 = DDR2 667

DDR2-800 = 400 Clock Frequency 2 X 400 = DDR2 800

DDR2/3-1066 = 533Clock Frequency 2 X 533 = DDR2 1066

DDR3-1333 = 667Clock Frequency 2 X 667 = DDR 1333

DDR3-1600 = 800Clock Frequency 2 X 800 = DDR 1600

 

 

Intel CPU:

400 MHz = 100 MHz Clock Freq. 100 X 4 = 400 FSB

533 MHz = 133 MHz Clock Freq. 133 X 4 = 533 FSB

800 MHz = 200 MHz Clock Freq. 200 X 4 = 800 FSB

1066 MHz = 266 MHz Clock Freq. 266 x 4 = 1066 FSB

1333 MHz = 333 MHz Clock Freq. 333 X 4 = 1333 FSB.

1600 MHz = 400 MHz Clock Freq. 400 x 4 = 1600 FSB.

[bra1n]

I would try and up the voltage max is 2.0 Volts and

 

The issue is that the motherboard only supports 1.5V. If the memory requires 1.7V, I am left with no solution. Who can I speak with to try to resolve this issue?

[RAM GUY]

That is correct and why I stated this:

these modules would not be recommended for your system and may not be stable.

[bra1n]

Then my last question is, what can Corsair do for me? The RAM is advertised as DDR3 1333Mhz, but does not properly identify itself to the motherboard making it unusable in my situation.

[RAM GUY]

I am sorry but you would need to use a different MB or use different memory with that MB. I would suggest asking Super Micro for a list of compatible memory. Sorry but that is all we can do.

[bra1n]

Does Corsair make any memory that should be compatible.

[RAM GUY]

Not at a this time sorry. We might as DDR3 memory goes to full production, but I would not expect it till later this summer or fall.

[bra1n]

OK, my next "last" question. What are the ramifications of running this memory at 1.5V for extended periods of time (or forever).

[RAM GUY]

I just did some more checking and there are a few modules that will run in that MB as long as you do not need ECC.

But first the modules you have would be a Corsair Classic part or in other words its one that was developed before the Speed grad was adopted as an official JEDEC speed grade and the module would be set to JEDEC defined Values for DDR1066 DDR3.

 

Our DDR3 XMS3-1067C7DHX and DDR3 XM3S-1333C9DHX both have their SPD set the the defined Values and would run at 1.5 Volts, But the module you have the tested settings and Voltage would need to be manually set.

OK, my next "last" question. What are the ramifications of running this memory at 1.5V for extended periods of time (or forever).

If you want to keep what you have with that MB they will run fine but not at the tested settings. IE DDR1066 Cas 9.