G.Skill Memory compatibility with ASRock Z75 Pro 3

Zyxer22 · Dec 20, 2013

Hi, a friend of mine was just trying to finalize a computer build and I'm worried about the compatibility of their memory. They have an ASRock Z75 Pro 3 -- the one recommended here.

My question is whether memory compatibility is an issue. They're getting G.SKILL DDR3 SDRAM F3-2133C9D-8GXL. I was checking ASRocks spec sheet and the module number isn't listed. Will this cause an issue?

RAM --> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231689
M/B --> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157304
M/B Specs --> http://www.asrock.com/mb/memory.us.asp?Model=Z75%20Pro3

smorizio · Dec 20, 2013

the 2133 mod should work he may have to use one dimm and update his bios for the newer ram to work. if he does not want to pull his hair out tell him to pick up standard 1600/1866 1.5v ram.

Onus · Dec 20, 2013

^Agree. I would stick to 1.5V RAM; that is the JEDEC standard. Higher voltages are possible, but can stress the Intel IMC. Voltages over 1.65 in particular can kill his CPU.

Zyxer22 · Dec 20, 2013

So far, it sounds like it'll work, but it's a hassle and (maybe) not safe.
He already ordered the item - it's on route for shipping now. And he asked me to help put it together for him since I'd built mine.
I was /hoping/ to avoid having to send it back and wait for an RMA. But, if it's unsafe, do you think it's still worth it?

Onus · Dec 20, 2013

The RAM will likely run on 1.5V, but at a lower speed (possibly DDR3-1333). That would be fine.

photonboy · Dec 20, 2013

Zyxer22 :

There is unlikely to be a problem.
I don't know what the other guys are even talking about. The CPU voltage has nothing to do with the DDR3 memory. When a motherboard says it supports 1.65Volts for DDR3 memory then it simply does. Unless you went in and manually tried to change the DDR3 memory voltage it wouldn't be affected (stick with the default settings).

Updating the BIOS also doesn't require you to use only one stick. Read the motherboard manual for exactly WHICH slots to use with two sticks.

So:
1. Install the memory sticks
2. Go into the BIOS and click "XMP" to apply the default CPU and RAM profile (verify the RAM frequency is correct, i.e. 2133MHz) then SAVE the settings.

3. Update the motherboard BIOS first chance you get (reset XMP if needed)
4. run MEMTEST for at least a full pass on your memory www.memtest.org

Zyxer22 · Dec 20, 2013

From what I'm seeing, it should be simple for me just to update his BIOS for him and make sure the memory is clocked right. If there's an issue later, I can just underclock it back down to 1600/1333?

This seems in line with everything I'm reading.

Onus · Dec 20, 2013

CPU voltage and RAM voltage are indeed different. The integrated memory controller (IMC) in Intel CPUs is designed for JEDEC standard voltage (1.5V). Anything higher, is technically an overclock using excess voltage, and will stress and possibly kill the IMC (hence the entire CPU, if its IMC is dead).

Zyxer22 · Dec 20, 2013

Onus :

Alright, so I think that my main question is pretty much answered. And, I appreciate the help on the rest. As far as the RAM goes, I think he's fine with the ones coming and I can spend the time to clock the RAM correctly.

I should safely be able to run
RAM : 1333mhz/1.50v/8-8-8-24

And, I doubt he'll notice a difference. I'm going to leave the thread open for a few more minutes to make sure there's no last minute changes, but barring any difficulties, I think I'm set. Thanks everyone!

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G.Skill Memory compatibility with ASRock Z75 Pro 3

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