Sandy Bridge Memory Scaling: Choosing the Best DDR3
by Jared Bell on July 25, 2011 1:55 AM ESTTest Configuration and Settings
For our testing, we used the following system.
| Memory Benchmarking System Configuration | |
| CPU | Intel Core i7-2600K (Stock with Turbo Boost enabled: 3.5GHz - 3.8GHz) |
| Motherboard | ASUS P8P67 Pro - BIOS version 1502 |
| Memory | Patriot Viper Extreme Division 2 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3-2133 Kit |
| Graphics | MSI GTX 580 Lightning - Stock clocks (832MHz/1050MHz) |
| SSD | OCZ Agility 2 120GB |
| PSU | Corsair HX850 Power Supply |
| OS | Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit |
You’ll notice that we list only one specific set of memory; I don't have specifically rated modules for each of the memory speeds tested. Instead, I used a pair of DDR3-2133 modules that worked flawlessly at all of the lower speeds. Thanks to Patriot for supplying the DDR3-2133 4GB kit used for today's testing. To ensure my results weren't skewed, I tested a pair of DDR3-1600 CL9 modules against the DDR3-2133 CL9 modules running at the lower DDR3-1600 CL9 speed. The results of this test were identical. There may be minor variations between memory brands, but as a baseline measurement of what to expect our testing will be sufficient. We then used the following clock speeds and timings:
| Tested Memory Speeds | |
| DDR3-1333 | 7-7-7-18-2T |
| 8-8-8-18-2T | |
| 9-9-9-18-2T | |
| DDR3-1600 | 7-8-7-21-2T |
| 8-8-8-21-2T | |
| 9-9-9-21-2T | |
| DDR3-1866 | 8-9-8-24-2T |
| 9-9-9-24-2T | |
| DDR3-2133 | 9-11-9-27-2T |
Testing Procedures
Each of the tests were performed three times with the average of those three runs used for the final results. However, there were a few exceptions to this. First, PCMark 7 was only ran once because it loops three times before providing its score. Second, the x264 HD Benchmark was only ran once because it looped four times in a single run. Third and finally, the LINPACK Benchmark was looped twenty-five times because it was also used to test for stability. And with that out of the way, let’s get to the test results.
Facebook
Twitter
RSS
76 Comments
View All Comments
Rick83 - Monday, July 25, 2011 - link
Do they take into account, that we should be using 1.5V DIMMs for Sandy Bridge?The addition of that requirement usually limits choice quite a bit.
compudaze - Monday, July 25, 2011 - link
The SNB datasheet does suggest that the max memory voltage is 1.575V, however, many motherboard and memory manufactures state that they haven't had any problems with memory running at 1.65V on SNB.compudaze - Monday, July 25, 2011 - link
Also, if you stick to the spec sheet, you shouldn't be running faster than DDR3-1333 memory.Taft12 - Monday, July 25, 2011 - link
You should be using 1.5V DIMMs anyway - if a memory OEM needs 1.65V to achieve the same speed and timings another vendor does at 1.5V, it's inferior memory.jdogi - Monday, July 25, 2011 - link
Just as your daily driver vehicle is likely inferior to a Mercedes or Ferrari. You should get a new car. You should not make any attempt to balance cost with the value. Just get the best. It's the only way to go. What's best for Taft is best for all.;-)
Iketh - Tuesday, July 26, 2011 - link
you didn't understand the logicMrSpadge - Wednesday, July 27, 2011 - link
I'm sure he did. What Taft failed to mention was that "at the same price, you should be using the memory spec'ed for less voltage". However, if some memory needs a little more voltage, but is way cheaper - balance cost and value.MrS
Rick83 - Wednesday, July 27, 2011 - link
Actually, the higher voltage is out of spec for the CPU memory controller and may wel impact longevity.So it's like buying the Ferrari, and running it on Biofuel with too much Ethanol that eats right through the tubing, but is marginally cheaper.
jfelano - Tuesday, July 26, 2011 - link
Not inferior, just older. All 1600mhz memory was 1.65v when it debuted. Then they came out with 1.5v, now even 1.35v.cervantesmx - Thursday, July 28, 2011 - link
That is correct indeed. Just purchased 8GB at 1600mhz running on 1.25v. $59.99. Free shipping.