(PC3 12800). what does the 12800 mean?

[dansandiego]

I read ?What all is in the Model number of GSkill DRAM??and am still confused
I believe the correct base ram for I7 3770K, Asus P8z77 WS is DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800). what is the 12800? [1600=/= 12800??

[Tradesman]

See my info thread on the model # question

http://www.gskill.us/forum/showthread.php?t=10564

[Britton30]

The 3770K natively supports 1600 RAM, that is any RAM installed that is 1600 or better will operate at 1600. With a good Z77 board you can run 2800 memory.
Your ASUS board is a good one.
12800
8 = 1600