My intention was to place four Kingston DDR3 ValueRAM 4 GB 1.5V Modules at 1333MHz/CL9 on my new H170 (Skylake) motherboard, which officially supports memory running up to 1.65V. However, apparently using voltages higher than 1.35V can damage the integrated memory controller of Skylake CPU's. I'm debating on whether to
- return my motherboard in exchange for a DDR4 motherboard (and also buy DDR4 memory),
- reduce the DDR3 voltage from 1.5V to 1.35V without changing the frequency,
- or to just take the gamble and run the DDR3 DIMM's at 1.5V (which I feel very reluctant about).
And that would mean the following:
This option would probably be the easiest, but because of my budget I'm reluctant to buy 16GB of RAM all over again.
Since 1333MHz is the frequency of the RAM and the minimum supported frequency by the board, I was wondering if I could reduce the voltage from 1.5V to 1.35V without reducing the frequency. How stable is a 1333MHz DDR3 voltage reduction from 1.5V to 1.35V without underclocking?
Is it likely that the Asus motherboard supplies additional voltage to the DIMM's (on top of the voltage supplied by the IMC)? EDIT: I just called Asus and they said no.
Which of the three options do you recommend and why?