RAM running at 2666 on i7 processor - help?

Question

Thank you for any clarity you can offer around this issue.

My system is running an i7-11700K. Came with 16GB RAM which ran at 2933.

I just sprang for some cheap RAM - Silicon Power Gaming Series DDR4 32GB (16GBx2) rated at 3200MHz:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B095HTC9S6?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

I pulled the old RAM out and installed the two new sticks in the same slots as the old RAM. After boot, the system reported the new memory running at 2666 instead of 2966. I powered down and installed the memory in the other paired slots - exact same result.

Any advice or guidance? Is this a compatibility issue with this vendor's memory?

I appreciate your insights!

Vic384 · Accepted Answer

@joshbreindel The specs of your Silicon Power RAM are not detailed enough to know for sure, but my guess is that the speed (3200 MHz) is the XMP (EXtreme Memory Profile) speed but Dell motherboards are not capable of using XMP. Dell motherboards depend upon the SPD (Serial Presence Detect) speed and that speed for your RAM is most likely 2666 MHz. Many RAM manufacturers advertise the XMP speed because it is higher; you should look for the SPD speed. Crucial memory usually advertises the SPD speed.

joshbreindel · Answer

Drat - I figured it was something like that.  So much for trying to get optimal solutions on the cheap.  Crucian RAM it is, then.   Thank you for the speedy reply.

ispalten · Answer

At least you can return the RAM to Amazon easily.

I bought these, "Crucial RAM 16GB DDR4 3200MHz CL22 (or 2933MHz or 2666MHz) Desktop Memory CT16G4DFD832A", works fine, get the 3200 speed ones though in a pair.

joshbreindel · Answer

Thanks for your recommendation. Could you please advise on a related point?

I was looking at similar RAM: CT2K16G4DFRA32A

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08C4LXXCJ/ref=ewc_pr_img_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&th=1

Any thoughts on the advantages of one over the other? I see yours is listed as dual rank and mine is...ambiguous? Single rank is better, right?

Thanks for your guidance!

ispalten · Answer

OK, no problem.

The links basically ARE the same.

Yes, why the links different then, well, if you look at them, and the RAM type, "CT16G4DFD832A" doesn't totally match your link you found, which had "CT2K16G4DFRA32A" and note the '2K' in the link you posted on the page.

If you followed my comment of "get the 3200 speed ones though in a pair" the page would have changed to be what you found

By the way. I used the Crucial Scanner (HERE) to run the RAM checker and it pointed me to the proper DIMM to get. You DO have to look at them ALL, they slower speed ones appear first.

They do have a sale on now too:

I'd still get them @ Amazon if a Prime member though. It probably would come faster and returns if they don't work are free and easy.

By the way, I did run the Update program and bought the FIRST I saw, and it didn't run at 2933 either. Realized the error, returned them to Amazon and got the ones that do.

Check it CPU-Z

Oh, yes, Dual Rank is BEST.

joshbreindel · Answer

Thanks very much - makes a lot of sense.  Yes, I'll go through Amazon, if only for the peace of mind on returns. Cheers!

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RAM running at 2666 on i7 processor - help?

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