The Inquirer revealed that Intel is advising motherboard and RAM producers to abide to a strict 1.65 volts limit for Intel's new X58+Core i7 combo's RAM, and that otherwise the CPU might get fried.
DDR3 standard specs state that it should operate at 1.5 volts, but most memory vendors offer faster RAM kits that operate at higher volt levels. For example, OCZ Reaper PC3-14400 operates at 1.9V, Mushkin's XP Series uses 1.9-1.95V while Corsair's Dominator high-end takes you all the way up to 2.1V.
Mushkin's VP Steffen Eisenstein said that they are re-designing specifically for the X58/Core i7 combo, and that their kit should be out sometime next month. Other memory vendors refused to comment beyond stating that their kits are still under certification.
Intel still didn't explain why the memory's voltage affects the CPU, let alone burn it. In the meantime, if you buy a Core i7 -when it hits the market-, make sure you get a compatible RAM kit or you'll have to underclock it.
This story has been confirmed by Asus.
