PreSales Check CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9 in Asus P7P55D-E

[techstrider]

Would like to get some advice on this combination.

 

This is a newer version board in the Asus P7P55D-nnn line. It is the plain P7P55D-E with no extra designation like Deluxe or LE after the name. Just P7P55D-E.

( Newegg Item #N82E16813131620 )

Processor on this build will be an i7-870.

 

I am considering the CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9 set (Vengeance 1.5v, 2x4g=8G, 1.5v, c9).

 

I don't see your new Vengeance line in any of the recommended configurations for the various P7P55D-nnn motherboards. I can guess at two reasons: one: they just aren't going to work at 1.5v for 8G, or, two: the Vengeance line is not yet fully reflected in your configurator.

 

What would you suggest for an 8G, two panel, set? I would prefer to do 1.5v if possible.

 

One other issue is that I would really like this to work by using the BIOS SPD type setting, not using detail settings that the final in the field user will not have a clue about setting.

 

 

Thoughts? Do we have a way to meet all the needs?

 

Thanks

[trackrat]

All of the Vengeance RAM that is dual channel rated is Intel i7 compatible and will boot to the SPD values. See the "resources" tab at the link below for the RAM SPD latency and frequency all @ 1.5 V. To run the Vengeance RAM overclocked you can use the XMP profile or manually set BIOS options.

 

http://www.corsair.com/products/vengeance/default.aspx

[techstrider]

Thank you for the reply, Trackrat.

 

I have read everything on the website that I can find, including the specs list under the resources tab. I actually am one of the few who RTFM regularly.

 

I am trying to avoid the problem we see on these tech support forums all the time that end with "if only I had asked first". I will not proceed without the direct answer.

 

Yes, the RAM in question is supposed to be i7 compatible, but it is quite conspicuously NOT in the list that the configurator gives when you look up the particular motherboard (or even any of its siblings in the model line). So, as I noted, there are still two possible reasons for that: either it will NOT work and the configurator is up to date and correct, or, it will work and the configurator simply does not have the Vengeance product line in it yet.

 

I am looking for some entity from Corsair to weigh in on this. That way, if I have issues, I can legitimately ask for help rather than get the usual lecture on check first.

 

Again, thanks for the help.

 

Question still open. Word from someone at Corsair?

[trackrat]

Corsair can weigh in but what I can tell you is:

 

1. The RAM configurator lists only RAM that Corsair has tested on a specific mobo. There is a lot of RAM they haven't had time to test on the hundreds of mobo models available and there are new mobo models with the same baisc chipset/CPU popping up daily.

 

2. All RAM that Corsair has tested CPU compatible should work on any properly designed/produced mobo built for that CPU series. Mobo designs are based on a specific CPU/chipset so RAM that is qualified compatible works on all of the various models with the same chipset/CPU even if the mobo makers vary some features. Basically the mobo must meet the CPU makers requirements to function properly.

[techstrider]

Thanks again Trackrat.

 

I understand your point about the configurator. However, the listings for the 8G sets for the motherboard family have only got 1.5 volt for slower (1333) memory OR for faster, they are all 1.65v.

 

This means that there is either something magical in the new Vengeance line and that something makes the lower voltage possible and still be 8G and 1.5v, OR, it isn't going to work because someone knows that they do need 1.65v for faster 8G sets. (Yes, it could mean that when they were testing that series of boards they only had 1.65v sets of RAM to work with, ergo no 1.5v results. With the intro of a new line of 1.5v product, I would hope that they revisited the compatibility with existing motherboard families.)

 

A blanket statement that the properly designed widget should work with something else is what leads to lots of hair pulling as evidenced by a substantial part of the traffic on these forums.

 

All that aside, to be clear, I appreciate your suggestions and help.

[trackrat]

No problem. Just trying to clarify the RAM configurator/website is not always up to date because there are so many options.

 

Most speed rated RAM runs at higher voltages than the default industry voltage which for DDR3 is 1.5 V. Some Intel CPUs/mobos don't like higher RAM voltages even though AMD mobos run just fine with 1.65 V RAM voltages.

 

By using ICs that will run at higher than OE frequencies @ 1.5 V Corsair eliminates any hassles with Intel CPUs/mobos that don't like higher than 1.5 V RAM voltages.

[Wired]

Yes, the RAM in question is supposed to be i7 compatible, but it is quite conspicuously NOT in the list that the configurator gives when you look up the particular motherboard (or even any of its siblings in the model line). So, as I noted, there are still two possible reasons for that: either it will NOT work and the configurator is up to date and correct, or, it will work and the configurator simply does not have the Vengeance product line in it yet.

The Vengeance series only went live 2 weeks ago, so it'll be a bit before you see it in the configurator. However, since they have it listed on the website, AND they all support Intel XMP, it's safe to say it's compatible with Intel CPU based systems.

 

 

This means that there is either something magical in the new Vengeance line and that something makes the lower voltage possible and still be 8G and 1.5v, OR, it isn't going to work because someone knows that they do need 1.65v for faster 8G sets.

Not magic, just sufficently advanced technology :) In otherwords, they're probably just at the natural stage of development where they can do it now. A couple of years ago you needed 1.8v for DDR3 memory.

[techstrider]

Pleased to report that the memory / motherboard match work correctly. On default boot, as if the system had lost any custom BIOS settings, the RAM comes up on the SPD settings and is identified as DDR3-1333 and passes 2 full runs of MemTest.

Once the BIOS is set to use XMP, it comes up as DDR3-1600 and has now run 8 full runs of MemTest.

Very Good. How nice.

 

The issue of how will it all work in the field, when someone who does not know how to interpret the POST messages has the machines in their hands, is something that is often overlooked. I am pleased with how this configuration straddles both requirements: meeting intended speed settings and 'what if' type concerns.