If my motherboard only supports DDR3-1066, can DDR3-1600 work on it?

I'm wondering if all DDR3 1600 sodimms have 1066 spd timings. Also would DDR3-L work if the motherboard can only support 1.5 volt memory?

 

1. Yes, they do.
2. I guess it depends on the module. 1.35V = 1.5V - 10% -> not a great difference. Maybe yes, maybe no.

 

Typically I think if your machine is Sandy Bridge or older it won't run 1.35v memory at 1.35v.

 

Arrandale/Clarksfield takes 1.5V RAM, that much is for sure and that is what I'd use if possible.

 

1. Yes it will simply downclock to 1066 and run the SPD timings at that speed.
2. Yes for the most part, since the vast majority of DDR3L modules are actually rated for both DDR3 and DDR3L.

 

Yes in theory. Real life might yield very different results. A lot will depend on which specific machine we're discussing here.

See above.

 

My HyperX 1600 DDR3L works in my old Toshiba Satellite that's running a 740QM but BIOS locked to 1066 ram. It downclocks to 1066 with the correct SPD timings. Wish I'd tested this out on my mom's old C2D laptop.

If using Kingston HyperX ram, then supposedl they're guaranteed to work at 1.5V, since the spec sheets clearly indicate operating voltages to be 1.35V AND 1.5V.

 

This is for two Montevina platform laptops, ie 2nd generation Core 2 Duo. Lenovo T400 and Lenovo T500. The only reason I ask here is because these laptops are very finicky when it comes to RAM.

 

I wouldn't play with anything but standard 8500 on those.

Even if they end up booting, they are not likely to be stable.

 

Yeah, that was what I was afraid of. I have a few 4GB DDR3 1333 sticks which work perfectly fine in other similar computers, but either won't boot or run unstably in those two computers. Everyone seemed to suggest that Crucial/Micron memory worked perfectly fine in these Lenovos, so since I can buy Micron DDR3L-1600 for the same price as lower modules I figured why not.

 

IIRC, you need Ivy Bridge or later to run 1.35V (it needs the LoVo memory controller logic). Most DDR3L sticks have JEDEC timings for 1.5V so I don't think that should be an issue.

In your case its actually more complicated since the Memory Controller is off-die and thus could be hard-coded/hardware limited to 1066 timings. This adds another layer of compatibility ambiguity. I can't honestly say if any brands are better since I've never had the misfortune of having to upgrade a machine without a CPU integrated Memory Controller.

 

I just wanted to confirm that everything works perfectly fine. I bought a 4GB stick of Micron DDR3L-1600 that is 2Rx8 and it runs perfectly fine at 7-7-7-20 1066Mhz 1.5v.