DDR3 and DDR3L compatibility

[Speedbird]

Hello

Now that Skylake has launched, we are now 100% sure that it can use DDR3L and DDR4. However, I have already bought a 2x4GB kit of DDR3. I know this has been asked before, but I haven't found a good answer yet. Would DDR3 memory work in a memory controller designed for DDR3L? It seems that the only difference between the two is that L runs at 1.35V, while my DDR3 is 1.5V. I know that desktop boards can change memory voltage, so would it be possible to undervolt my memory to 1.35V and make it work? Also, would I have to undercooked the memory? It's 1866 MHz.

[FilipSebik]

Would enginge from porsche work in volkswagen?

[ADZ_123_!"£]

Would enginge from porsche work in volkswagen?

[Bob Jim]

Hello

Now that Skylake has launched, we are now 100% sure that it can use DDR3L and DDR4. However, I have already bought a 2x4GB kit of DDR3. I know this has been asked before, but I haven't found a good answer yet. Would DDR3 memory work in a memory controller designed for DDR3L? It seems that the only difference between the two is that L runs at 1.35V, while my DDR3 is 1.5V. I know that desktop boards can change memory voltage, so would it be possible to undervolt my memory to 1.35V and make it work? Also, would I have to undercooked the memory? It's 1866 MHz.

SKYLAKE LAUNCHED?!? AM I UNDER A ROCK?!? LINK PLEEASE

[ADZ_123_!"£]

SKYLAKE LAUNCHED?!? AM I UNDER A ROCK?!? LINK PLEEASE

It hasn't had a proper launch yet allthough sime people in Australia have managed to get there hands on it.

[Samfisher]

Would enginge from porsche work in volkswagen?

 

Why wouldn't it?  People transplant engines from other models all the time.

[Speedbird]

SKYLAKE LAUNCHED?!? AM I UNDER A ROCK?!? LINK PLEEASE

http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/423605-intel-skylake-launch-thread/

[Sakkura]

DDR3L is still DDR3, it's just running at 1.35V. Most kits rated at 1.5V would still run at 1.35V, just at slower clocks/timings. Also, the memory controller in the Skylake CPUs could very well deal with 1.5V okay, the same way Haswell (and earlier architectures) is generally okay with 1.65V DDR3.

[Nishizumi]

From what I think you can't. DDR3L was mostly meant for laptops where voltage needs to be lower. Skylake was designed to be running from DDR4 for desktop systems and DDR3L is for those really fat laptop workstations that utilize desktop-class CPUs or some of the small-factor PCs..

 

EDIT: Here's an article I found from KitGuru about Skylake and the memory types. 

http://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/anton-shilov/intel-bids-adieu-to-ddr3-majority-of-skylake-s-mainboards-will-use-ddr4/

 

Here's a quote from the article, "While DDR3 and DDR3L memory chips belong to the same JESD79-3 DDR3 memory device standard, use the same protocol, the same IC [integrated circuit] package and can both operate at 1.35V, formally they are still different. Therefore, memory controllers programmed to work only with DDR3L may not work with DDR3 once they detect the memory type (by reading it in the SPD chip on memory modules). Apparently, this is the case with desktop “Skylake-S” microprocessors. Manufacturers of mainboards will have to install either 288-pin slots for DDR4 DIMMs or 204-pin slots for DDR3L SO-DIMMs on their LGA1151 platforms, but not 240-pin slots for DDR3 memory modules. Keeping in mind that producers of motherboards tend to follow recommendations of chip designers, the majority of desktop platforms for “Skylake” will use DDR4 memory. Small form-factor systems will continue to use DDR3 SO-DIMMs, but high-performance PCs with Intel’s latest processors will all rely on DDR4."

[Norman_the_Owl]

Seeing as we're getting conflicting data, i'd wait a week or two until skylake actually properly launches and is in the hands of the community. Someone will test this almost immediatley