Haswell RAM Voltage Question

[MrTomnus]

Hey, I just had a question I though somebody might be able to answer here on the forum. Hopefully I'll be doing a build in the near future and I was getting parts together on pcpartpicker. I noticed that when I chose the RAM, a compatibility message came up saying:

 

"Kingston Black Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory operating voltage of 1.65V exceeds the Intel Haswell CPU recommended maximum of 1.5V+5% (1.575V). This memory module may run at a reduced clock rate to meet the 1.5V voltage recommendation, or may require running at a voltage greater than the Intel recommended maximum."

 

I've never built a PC before so I don't quite know what to do. This RAM is good value for money where I am right now so I'd rather not pick another set. I want the RAM to run at 1600MHz too. What would I need to do this? I read something about having to change the XMP profiles in the BIOS, but I've never done anything like that before and I don't want to mess it up, so some advice would really be appreciated! I'll be using an AsRock Z87 Pro3 motherboard and an i5 (4670k) if that helps.

 

Also, will this affect the longevity of these three components?

 

Thanks

[Mooshi]

Unless you are doing some hardcore overclocking, a 1.65v kit these days is a bad idea. You should look into a Mushkin Blackline kit. There is one that I believe is Cas9 1600mhz @ 1.35v

[Artem]

I've been running my memory at 1.6v on ivy bridge with no problems.

 

If you want to run at 1600Mhz, there are a ton of other options that run at 1600Mhz at 1.5v.

 

XMP is really easy, you just find it in your bios, then click profile 1 and you're done.

 

I suggest finding a kit that runs at 1.5v if that bothers you.

[MrTomnus]

Unless you are doing some hardcore overclocking, a 1.65v kit these days is a bad idea. You should look into a Mushkin Blackline kit. There is one that I believe is Cas9 1600mhz @ 1.35v

Awesome, thank you

 

I've been running my memory at 1.6v on ivy bridge with no problems.

 

If you want to run at 1600Mhz, there are a ton of other options that run at 1600Mhz at 1.5v.

 

XMP is really easy, you just find it in your bios, then click profile 1 and you're done.

 

I suggest finding a kit that runs at 1.5v if that bothers you.

Okay, if it is that simple I can manage that. Like I said though, would running at a higher voltage affect lifespan? Just curious.

[Artem]

Awesome, thank you

 

Okay, if it is that simple I can manage that. Like I said though, would running at a higher voltage affect lifespan? Just curious.

Running anything out of recommenced spec diminishes lifespan. But is it something you should worry about? I don't know. It might be something like from 10 years of life to 6, which doesn't really matter because by that time you shouldn't be using the same cpu. 

[MrTomnus]

Running anything out of recommenced spec diminishes lifespan. But is it something you should worry about? I don't know. It might be something like from 10 years of life to 6, which doesn't really matter because by that time you shouldn't be using the same cpu. 

So nothing to worry too much about then! I just found some Corsair RAM with the same specs that runs at 1.5v, and is cheaper than the Kingston and Mushkin memory, so I'll be getting that! Thank you both for your help

[Artem]

You're welcome