Hi Folks,

I will like to try upgrading my DDR3 and I was looking for info but I am confused with the following:
- Ubuntu 22.04.3 LTS, Linux 6.2.0-26-generic: memtest86 (or memtest86+) reports 1600 MHz and dmidecode reports Speed: 1333MT/s
- Windows10 and CPU-Z reports Speed: 1333MT/s

From Notebook Specification:
The issue that I am confused is that dmidecode, Windows10 and CPU-Z reports Speed: 1333 MT/s, MEMTEST86 and physical memory stick label shows 1600 MHz

AFAIK:
MHz measures RAM speed by how many times it can switch voltage per second, while MT/s measures RAM speed by how much data it can transfer per second.
1600MHz will actually mean 3200 MT/s (dmidecode reports of my DDR only 1333 MT/s) because the data rate is double the frequency or clock speed in DDR RAM.

Installed DDRL is a single-rank module 1Rx8 and PC3-12800S Low Voltage (1.35V). By far 1.35V should not be a concern as nowadays the sticks are dual-voltage (1.35/1.5V).

So the main question is why 1333 MT/s is reported?
I attached some info for your review. Thanks so much!

Attached Thumbnails

   

Attached Files

	hp.txt (12.4 KB, 31 views)
	ZIKAW10HOME.txt (53.4 KB, 7 views)

Usually the ram stick with the slowest speed is used as far as use and reporting goes.

You have just one slot you say?

what does

Say about your ram slots and sticks.

So, you have DDR3L 1600 physically installed. However, the platform is only capable of 1333 MHz, thus it downclocks and runs at 1333. That's why memtest (which is reading the spd information directly from the DIMMs) show 1600, but everything shows it running at 1333.

End result, get whichever DDR3L you can find a reputable brand cheapest, it'll work just fine, but don't pay more for DDR3 1600 because it'll just downclock to 1333 once installed. Do endeavor to get DDR3L though, as this might be important as some chipsets ended support for the higher voltage DDR3.

1 members found this post helpful.

Yes, only one slot.
There were file attached (see hp.txt). Thanks

Great, that makes a lot of sense. 'the platform' means motherboard?

I am not sure if I am allow to post these, but it looks to me the opposite: 1333MHz are more expensive than 1600MHz. Maybe because the timings are smaller for 1333MHz?! IDK.
for 1333MHz $18.99:
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B014E29FE6/ref=emc_b_5_t?th=1
and 1600MHz $13.99:
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01...5LOJUVSEP&th=1

However I tried the 4GB DDR3L 1600MHz on other laptop which has 2 slots each with 2GB DDR3 1066MHz and memetest freeze after 2 seconds (no other errors). Is that because motherboard feeds DDR3 1066MHz with 1.8V? I was perhaps lucky it did not fried my stick.

Is that External clock: 83MHz correct?
and 0.9 V?



Thanks so much!

In modern systems, the platform means the CPU. However, in this age, the max frequency for the RAM would have been specified by the chipset.

1 members found this post helpful.

I bought 8Gb @ 1333MT/s, 1.5V and surprisingly it didn't work.

Now I am waiting for another 8Gb @ 1600MT/s order.

Yup, that's why I said to make sure to get DDR3L. DDR3=1.5v, DDR3L=1.35v. DDR3L will be ok to function in older devices that expect 1.5v, but DDR3 CANNOT function on the newer chipsets that can ONLY send 1.35v to memory.

I agree with you but I am still confused. Doesn't my chipset send 1.5V? I assumed that because 1333Mhz and being an older chipset (1.5V).

Don't know, but if it had DDR3L from the factory, it probably only supports DDR3L.

It looks like that indeed. Just to summarize: the chispset 1333MT/s at 1.5V to the original MT 4Gb module 1600MT/s (dual 1.35V/1.5V) BUT can't accept 8Gb 1333MT/s at 1.5V. Weird enough.

DDR or DDRL?



so your bet was DDRL (1600) (1) or (2) not klaar what you wanted to say.

Yes, I meant get DDR3L regardless of which speed you get. Speed doesn't matter, only being DDR3L matters.

1 members found this post helpful.

I got the 8Gb DDRL 1.35V, 1600MHz installed and memtest OK. The only thing I found weird it can't wake up from standby and it loops reboot.

Not nice