If you set up a new Corei7 and X58 platform the same as you set up your current Penryn and X48 DDR3 PC, with 2.0V+ high performance RAM, you can expect to see that new Intel processor go off to the great silicon graveyard in a week, maybe less.  Before you start the wailing and gnashing of teeth phase let AnandTech tech tell you about why this is probably not a problem.  DDR3 is about to start coming with lower voltage requirements, while still retaining and continuing to increase it’s already high speeds.  X58 motherboards are supposedly going to provide less power to the DIMMs at default and still support 2000MHz and higher speeds.  We will have to wait for the first testing machines to see how true that is.


“Numerous articles and forum posts have been popping up recently about the potential of high VDimm settings damaging or destroying the upcoming i7 processor series. Will high VDimm cause damage? The answer to that question is not so simple actually. Unfortunately, due to the current NDA status, we cannot go into detail about this subject matter but can provide a general brief on it.

Our answer at this time is Yes and No. It sounds like we are straddling the fence but in actuality the correct answer depends on the available BIOS options, BIOS settings, memory selection, and final voltage settings. Intel’s stance is clear on this subject, run VDimm higher than their 1.50V~1.65V guidelines and you will affect the life span of the processor.”

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