1.35V Memory support

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hwmartin
Posts: 49
Joined: Thu Dec 05, 2013 12:42 am

1.35V Memory support

Post by hwmartin »

Hello,

I bought a MintBox2, and according to the Intel i5-3337U CPU specification DDR3L is supported ( http://ark.intel.com/products/72055/Int ... o-2_70-GHz )

I purchased a 1.35V memory kit for the MintBox2, however there are many memory errors when I install it. While researching why this may be happening, I found out on this forum that only 1.5V memory is supported.

I know other vendor's (e.g. Gigabyte, Asus) UEFI implementations allow for changing the memory voltage. Is there any particular reason why Compulab's UEFI implementation doesn't? The CPU supports 1.35V memory, but since there is no way to set the memory voltage I cannot use the 1.35V memory I purchased. :(

DDR3L (1.35V) memory is very attractive as it draws less power, and as such will generate less heat in the MintBox2.

Edit: I should mention that the memory I purchased tests fine in my MacBook Pro, so I know the errors are not due to the memory itself. Similarly, 1.5V memory tests fine in the MintBox2. This leads me to believe the errors are due to incorrect voltage. There is also no way to set the memory frequency in the MintBox2 UEFI configuration. This would be very nice to have!

Edit2: In case anyone is wondering, this is RAM I purchased which appears to be incompatible: G.SKILL F3-1600C9S-8GRSL

mbirger

Re: 1.35V Memory support

Post by mbirger »

Correct,
Intense PC HW support 1.5V DDR3 SDRAM memories only.

hwmartin
Posts: 49
Joined: Thu Dec 05, 2013 12:42 am

Re: 1.35V Memory support

Post by hwmartin »

mbirger wrote:Correct,
Intense PC HW support 1.5V DDR3 SDRAM memories only.
I see, well that's rather disappointing.

The only place I have found this mentioned is on the forums, not in any of the MintBox2 documentation, which is why I assumed since the CPU supported both the MintBox2 did as well.

Would it be possible to update the documentation and product features page to clearly indicate to other potential buyers the limitation that only 1.5V memory can be used?

mbirger

Re: 1.35V Memory support

Post by mbirger »

It is clearly stated in the specs:
http://www.fit-pc.com/web/products/comp ... FM4U-BMint

Mentioned only DDR3, not DDR3L memory.

hwmartin
Posts: 49
Joined: Thu Dec 05, 2013 12:42 am

Re: 1.35V Memory support

Post by hwmartin »

mbirger wrote:It is clearly stated in the specs:
http://www.fit-pc.com/web/products/comp ... FM4U-BMint

Mentioned only DDR3, not DDR3L memory.
You are correct. Also, after further research it appears that JDEC mandates all DDR3L modules must be compatible with 1.5V memory controllers.

While it would be really nice to have 1.35V memory support for the lower power consumption and heat generation, it does not appear to be a requirement to use DDR3L modules.

Thanks for your assistance.

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