RAM upgrade: mobo + cpu compatibility

[jellybutt]

Hello there,

 

I upgraded my setup a month ago after the advice given on this forum. These upgrades included a new GPU, PSU and mouse. I was planing on upgrading my RAM from 4GB to 16GB as well, but I'm currently unsure what to do.

 

My specs:

Case: Cooler Master Centurion RC-534-KKR5 Black

PSU: Cooler Master RM850

Mobo: Asus M4A87TD/USB3

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 965 (stock) with AMD (stock) cooler > going to be upgraded to a CM Hyper212 EVO (if it fits...)

GPU: Sapphire R9 290 Tri-X OC

RAM: GeIL DDR3-1333 4GB (2x2GB) (stock) (GE34GBB1333C9DC)

Storage: 1TB WD Green 5400 RPM and for boot a Samsung Pro 840 265GB

 

My uses:

I use programs like Photoshop, InDesign, Office products and SolidWorks quite often. From time to time I play games (since recently BF3). And of course some webbrowsing.

 

My question:

So in search of a nice RAM set, I came across things like the RAM frequency and compatibility. In my motherboard manual I was able to figure out that every DIMM-slot can only handle no more than 4GB, up to a total RAM value of 16GB. It also says that it can handle up to 1600Mhz or up to 2000Mhz O.C. Now, I don't know for sure, but I assume the O.C. stands for overclocked RAM? Does this mean that if I buy a 1866 4x4gb RAM set, I have to either downclock to 1600 Mhz or somehow figure out how to get it to 1866Mhz (which I don't know how to). Also, at none of the QVL mentioned RAM-sticks, it says 16GB. Just 12GB max. Does that mean anything?

 

The motherboard manual can be viewed online here: click

For a more recent QVL: click

 

Also, the CPU comes in to play. I don't know what my CPU can handle, but I've been reading in this topic (starting at post #26) that the CPU should be able to handle 1866Mhz. Also, that the C2 revision of my CPU can't handle 4 RAM-sticks and the C3 revision can.

The program 'Speccy' says that my CPU revision is: RB-C3, so according to that topic my CPU should be capable of handling 4 RAM-sticks.

 

As you might have noticed, I have no idea what to look - or look out for. I had the CMZ16GX3M4X1866C9 in mind, but that one is not mentioned in the QVL in the manual.

Can someone help me with selecting the right RAM that works with both my motherboard and my CPU, at 1866 frequency at 4X4GB? This might be a bit of work asking from you guys, but I'm not that confident with myself in picking out the right RAM.

 

Please note: I do know where to look in the BIOS for the RAM settings, but I've never overclocked anything, ever. If it turns out that I have to do a lot of manual tweaking in order to run the 1866Mhz properly, and the 1600Mhz does not require that, the option to go for the 1600Mhz is something I'm willing to do.

 

Thanks in advance,

jb

 

P.S. If this topic belongs in the 'CPUs, Motherboards, and Memory' section, I do apologize and shall delete this topic and re-thread it there.

[ciprian97pop]

Hello there,

 

I would say that you should go with a 4x4gb 1600mhz kit because if the 1866 kit won't work you will have to send it back and get a 1600mhz kit

also, the performance bump from 1600 to 1866 is so small that you won't probably feel it.

 

 

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gskill-memory-f312800cl9q16gbzl 

this is a nice ram kit

[jellybutt]

I would say that you should go with a 4x4gb 1600mhz kit because if the 1866 kit won't work you will have to send it back and get a 1600mhz kit

also, the performance bump from 1600 to 1866 is so small that you won't probably feel it.

 

 

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gskill-memory-f312800cl9q16gbzl 

this is a nice ram kit

 

Thanks for replying.

I guess you meant this kit: click (your link wasn't working, at least for me)

Well OK, I got that one in my selection list now (along with the X version of that kit). But I'd prefer if I got some more suggestions, maybe even a low profile if possible.

 

Problem is, I still don't know if it will cause any problems since it isn't on the QVL list. Or should I not worry about that too much?

Also, does it matter if the voltage is higher than the current RAM in my system?

[ciprian97pop]

Thanks for replying.

I guess you meant this kit: click (your link wasn't working, at least for me)

Well OK, I got that one in my selection list now (along with the X version of that kit). But I'd prefer if I got some more suggestions, maybe even a low profile if possible.

 

Problem is, I still don't know if it will cause any problems since it isn't on the QVL list. Or should I not worry about that too much?

Also, does it matter if the voltage is higher than the current RAM in my system?

you shouldn't worry

ram is ram

as long as you have the right quantities and frequency it will be fine