Max memory speed spec

[ubuysa]

All Core CPU specs define a maximum memory speed (in MT/s). The i9-14900K for example, specifies 5600MT/s for DDR5 memory. How rigid are these speed limits? Can I safely run 6000MHz (MT/s) RAM with an i9-14900K for example? If so, what are these speed limits for?

[JeanetteC_Intel]

Hello ubuysa,

Thank you for posting in Intel Communities.

The CPU can only access the memory at the speed it was designed to do so. The memory can only be accessed as quickly as it was designed. If you use faster memory than the CPU supports the speed is limited by the CPU. However, if both the memory and motherboard support Intel XMP, and your motherboard supports the maximum speed of the memory used, then it would still work.

For instance, the maximum memory capacity supported by the Intel® Core™ i9 processor is 14900K is 5600, the RAM you have is 6000 (supports XMP) and your motherboard is PRIME Z690-P, which supports XMP, and 6000MHz is listed as the supported RAM speed (OC), then it may still utilize the max RAM frequency.

You may read more about the Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (Intel® XMP) from the article link below:

What Is Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (Intel® XMP)?

Let me know if the information I shared helps.

Best regards,

Jeanette C.

Intel® Customer Support Technician

[ubuysa]

Very many thanks for that detailed answer.

The topic can now be closed.