Core i7 motherboard sticker threatens overclockers

A RAM slot sticker threatens permanent CPU damage.

(Credit: XFastest.com)

Both the Inquirer and CustomPC have confirmed with Asus that Intel has recommended motherboard vendors warn people off from overclocking the memory on motherboards using Intel's new, Nehalem/Core i7-supporting X58 chipset. The consequences, warn the sticker, include permanent CPU damage.

The issue came to light when a poster at the XFastest forums (link currently broken), posted an image of Asus' soon-to-be-released P6T Deluxe motherboard bearing a sticker over the RAM slots advising users not to clock the memory beyond 1.65 volts.

Overclocking memory voltage is similar in concept to overclocking CPU frequency, and memory vendors such as Corsair and have sold RAM sticks specifically designed for overclocking. While most desktop customers may shrug at this news, this is a blow to enthusiasts and especially to boutique PC vendors, who have a very serious interest in getting the most out of a PC's hardware.

(Via Slashdot)

[thE_iyE]

I wouldn't say it has killed us, but it is unfortunate. I most likely won't buy this board since it is the first of its generation, so if they get cheaper and get more stable, I'll go with it, but I'm sure the i7 (iI ihope iIntel ihasn't igot ithe iidea iof iusing ithe i iin ifront itoo) is a hopefull, maybe it will bring core2 Extremes down?

[mmntech]

It's not saying you can't overclock the memory, just not to up the voltage. Upping the voltage and overclocking are not one in the same. Higher voltages can allow RAM to sustain higher clock speeds while maintaining stability. Raising the voltage itself won't affect performance, thus saying that raising memory voltage is the same as overclocking CPU frequency is incorrect. I've managed to push no-name RAM up quite far on stock voltage. Pushing voltages up too high can cause permanent damage. Every overclocker knows that.

That said, this is odd since memory and CPU voltages are usually managed by separate controllers. If it's that big of an issue, then the RAM voltage settings should be locked in the BIOS to prevent noobs from messing with it.

[JACK4888]

Do any other MB vendors warn of Over voltage of memory??? I have found a bunch of MSI model boards for i7 core but didn't think that this warning message is attached on production boards.

[lensPirate]

Very old news. The voltage limitation for memory on the X58/I7 Mother boards is well known. Memory makers have been making memory parts that run fine at high clock speeds at or below this voltage limits since the introduction of this product!

There is absolutely no issue with overclocking memory and staying under the voltage limit. I can't help but wonder if the author of this article even understands the difference between voltage and clock speed.... it sure reads like he does not.