Ram - MOBO compatibility, how to be sure

[SirGrunt]

Hello,

 

I'm deciding on parts for my first PC (linked on the bottom) but i'm having issues figuring out if my RAM is compatible with my motherboard.

 

I will use my MOBO as an example but an anwser that is more general and relates to any MOBO is also more than welcome.

 

The motherboard i'm currenlty using is the gigabyte B450M DS3H linked here 

After advise here on the LTT forum I would pare this motherboard with the current 2*8GB  3000mHz ramsticks (CMK16GX4M2B3000C15 )  supplier linked here

Another option would be 2*8Gb 3200 mHz ramsticks ( CMK16GX4M2B3200C16 ) supplier linked here

 

This is where the issue arrives, according the the MOBO website it has "Support for DDR4 3200(O.C.)/2933/2667/2400/2133 MHz memory modules" so the 1st module should not be supported while the second one should have support.

 

After asking on this forum i got told about QVL lists and that i should check the list for my motherboard to see if the specific ramstick ID's are on it to ensure its compatible linked here

According to the QVL list i should buy the first set since that is on the list while the second one isnt.

 

This means that i now have 2 seperate resources telling me to do the opposite!

 

What is the right pick, how do i know for sure its the right pick, is the QVL list even true, will modules work at their listed capacity (3000 and 3200) or will they be tuned down. I really dont know what do to and its frustrating since this is my first PC build and i dont want to get stuck with or risk incompatible parts.

 

Full PC layout linked here for those that are interested 

[LukeSavenije]

qvl just means it's tested, you can also look the qvl list of the ram you listed

 

i personally wouldn't use that mobo btw

[SirGrunt]

@LukeSavenije 

 

1. If the QVL list means its tested then the 3000 mHz will be guaranteed to work and the 3200 mHz stick will be a gamble even tho its 3200 which is listed on MOBO website as compatible??
2. Is a QVL list the only way to make sure it will be guaranteed to work
3. why would you not use that MOBO? i dont need a full size ATX because i dont need the extra slots and this is a whole lot cheaper then a full sized atx

[LukeSavenije]

2 minutes ago, SirGrunt said:

@LukeSavenije 

 

1. If the QVL list means its tested then the 3000 mHz will be guaranteed to work and the 3200 mHz stick will be a gamble even tho its 3200 which is listed on MOBO website as compatible??
2. Is a QVL list the only way to make sure it will be guaranteed to work
3. why would you not use that MOBO? i dont need a full size ATX because i dont need the extra slots and this is a whole lot cheaper then a full sized atx

1. it should, but look up the qvl of the memory sticks too

 

2. afaik yes

 

3. no vrm shield, better alternatives, things like that

 

look at the pro4 for example

[SirGrunt]

@LukeSavenije

first of all thanks for the quick respons, i'm new at this so i might ask stupid questions

1. do you mean the ram sticks have a separate QVL list? or are you just telling me to check the qvl list of the MOBO (which i did, its not on it)
2. what is the purpose of a VRM shield?
3. I tried looking for a b450M pro 4 and got to the one linked here is the VRM shield the metal looking plates above what is labelled "usb3.1 gen2" in the middle left of the board? What is the advantage of this board compared to the gigabyte one?

[LukeSavenije]

3 minutes ago, SirGrunt said:

do you mean the ram sticks have a separate QVL list? or are you just telling me to check the qvl list of the MOBO (which i did, its not on it)

yes, some do. only for gskill I'm sure

 

3 minutes ago, SirGrunt said:

what is the purpose of a VRM shield?

to cool the vrms, which do the power delivery to the cpu

 

4 minutes ago, SirGrunt said:

tried looking for a b450M pro 4 and got to the one linked here is the VRM shield the metal looking plates above what is labelled "usb3.1 gen2" in the middle left of the board? What is the advantage of this board compared to the gigabyte one?

yep, and the one above

 

better vrm cooling, better build quality, things like that

[Vejnemojnen]

You can run a 3000 MHz ram with 2933MHz, or even 3200 with some extra voltage. 

 

And b450m Pro4 by asrock is pretty good for the price (at least here they are regarded as a best value budget board) 

[SirGrunt]

Thanks for all the feedback, i will go with B450M pro4 by asrock as you both suggested, i might have question tomorrow tho when i have issues finding compatible ram

[Vejnemojnen]

Are patriot units available /? Patriot viper4 2*8 GB 3000MHz units work with that board @2933 mhzMHz. Not on qvl afaik, but they definitely work

 

Another good option would be gskill aegis 2*8 GB 3000MHz, clocked to 2933