Intel Core i7 has unlocked memory multiplier, no voltage limits?

Posted on Monday, October 20 2008 @ 18:55 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
FUD Zilla claims the rumours about memory overclocking on the Core i7 aren't true as memory will run in a separate bus to the CPU:
This means that those that already have expensive DDR3 memory kits have nothing to worry about, as they'll get the most out of their current modules.

In other words, you can overclock and underclock your memory to fit whatever "bus" speed you'll run the CPU at, although we're not quite sure how the QPI will work when it comes to overclocking the Core i7 processors, as it's not quite like the traditional front side bus that Intel have been using to date.
Another rumour is that it will be possible to run unmatched memory modules in X58 motherboards, it won't be as fast as a matched pair but it will work:
The granularity is 64MB, in other words, the smallest size on one interleave would be 192MB, although it's unlikely that someone would end up with such a configuration, as the smallest DDR3 modules are 512MB. Again, this is good news for people planning to upgrade, as it's possible to run with unevenly configured memory, but according to Intel you get the best performance if you keep the same amount of memory in the same channel, although this doesn't mean the same size modules in each channel.
Furthermore, FUD Zilla also claims there's no voltage limitation on the Core i7 chips:
Despite everything we've heard so far, it seems like Intel hasn't implemented a Voltage limitation on the Core i7 processors, nor on the memory and the two aren't linked to each other. We've heard reports of some boards reaching 2.2 or even as much as 2.4V on the memory, so those of you out there with high-performance DDR3 memory have nothing to worry about.

Furthermore, it seems like the 1.65V limitations for the Core i7 CPUs is a safety precaution, as the CPUs are unlikely to die straight away if you go beyond this, but it will shorten the life span of the processors. Intel doesn't really seem to know at what Voltage the life span will be severely shortened and the 1.65V limit is a blanket safe zone so that people don't end up frying their processors.


About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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