1866mhz does it have any real advantage?

[DopplerY]

So i've read that memory speed doesn't matter very much after 1600mhz for gaming and that anything faster runs at better speeds because its overclocking itself. So what I though was, if I buy a 1866mhz RAM module and stick it to my motherboard will the memory overclck itself to 1866mhz automatically? and if so does that affect significantly the general lifetime of the product? also I if I don't see the exact model of lets say a Vengence memory in the motherboard compatibility list can I easily use them in most Z97 boards?

And last question why it would be better to get a higher speed memory if it has the same price as the others? is it just for possible future use?

[79wjd]

In gaming, there will be no performance difference. And no, it will not affect its lifespan. 

 

You usually need to activate the XMP profile -- which is done with the click of a button. 

 

It wouldn't be better. Get whatevers cheaper/looks better. It literally makes no difference (unless you're using an APU or running some memory intensive programs -- such as rendering).

[Decon]

So i've read that memory speed doesn't matter very much after 1600mhz for gaming and that anything faster runs at better speeds because its overclocking itself. So what I though was, if I buy a 1866mhz RAM module and stick it to my motherboard will the memory overclck itself to 1866mhz automatically? and if so does that affect significantly the general lifetime of the product? also I if I don't see the exact model of lets say a Vengence memory in the motherboard compatibility list can I easily use them in most Z97 boards?

And last question why it would be better to get a higher speed memory if it has the same price as the others? is it just for possible future use?

no

[rmac52]

I have never had a stick of ram die from old age.  Only time I have lost ram was catastrophic failure.

[thekeemo]

if you have an APU it does

[Faceman]

E-Peen.  Straight up E-Peen.

 

Feast your eyes on my 2400Mhz greatness.

[-rascal-]

IN terms of gaming, you may get a few extra frame rates here than there, but it's not something huge.

The extra 1 - 5FPS can be easily obtained, and surpassed, by even just applying a light overclock on  your graphics card.

 

If you are spending a significant amount of money going from 1600MHz to 1866MHz+, then it's better to use that money to upgrade...say your graphics card up one level (i.e. GTX 750Ti --> GTX 760).

 

Some CPU (particularly Intel at the moment) only officially supports 1333MHz or 1600MHz. Anything beyond will require overclocking of the Integrated Memory Controller (IMC) inside the Processor. It has been said again and again, how far you can overclock will depend on your luck.

 

The FX-6300 Processor and SABERTOOTH 990FX motherboard officially supports up to 1866MHz without overclocking.

[EvilWiffles]

It only matters in rendering and with APU's. High frequency and lower CAS latency is what you should ever look for though.

RAM gotten much cheaper in terms of frequency, so it's not a big deal. I'd much prefer 1600MHz @ CL 7-8 rather than 1600 @ CL 10-11. 1600MHz @ CL 9 is the standard, so stick with that being the minimum.

 

I need a RAM upgrade, I'm using two different RAM sticks .

[Hieb]

RAM speed only really affects CPU-intensive applications. You see minor benefits in video encoding & editing, file compression/expansion, etc. In games it makes a small difference except when the game is becoming relatively CPU bound. In any GPU bound scenario your system RAM makes a minute difference.

 

Also your motherboard needs to support the memory frequency. If it does, then you will need to activate XMP profile in the BIOS and it should run at correct speed (sometimes there are a few XMP profiles and you'll have to try a couple to get the advertised frequency). Your RAM won't run at 1866MHz on any H97, B85 etc. motherboards. Must be on a Z68, Z77, Z87, Z97, X79, X99 or A78, A88X, 970 or 990X/FX board to have the option for higher speeds. And even then it varies from one board to another.