Intel Core i7 CPUs and DDR3 Memories

Intel Core i7 CPUs and DDR3 Memories

Instead of having the memory controllers on the motherboard via the northbridge, Intel has now put the memory controller directly in the CPU.  This now means that what memory you can use and at what speeds is now controlled by the CPU you select.

The following lists what memory is compatible for each CPU.  Please be aware that we can reach higher speeds by overclocking.

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  Intel 920 - DDR3 memories up to 1066 MHz



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  Intel 940 - DDR3 memories up to 1066 MHz



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  Intel 965 - DDR3 memories up to 1600 MHz

Link for official statement on this http://compare.intel.com/pcc/showchart.aspx?mmID=38497,37586,37582&familyID=1&culture=en-US

Intel also recommends using only a single DIMM per channel when using 1600+ MHz or Intel XMP memories.  Using more than 1 DIMM (6+ GB) can cause the system to be unstable.  This is accordance with the Intel XMP spec documentation found here.