Do Gigabyte z170 motherboards require a DDR4 Ram stick or is DDR3 fine?

ethankillafellows · Dec 4, 2017

I am upgrading my motherboard and CPU to a Gigabyte z170 and a 6600k, I know nothing about PC's other than these aren't bad specs but I was wondering if I had to buy a ram stick that is DDR4 (whatever that means) in order to use it... I am so confused because I look on forums and they go off on rants with words that don't seem real I just want a simple yes or no and if yes then I need some reccomendations on which ram for a low price as I am not financially able to spend a huge amount on the ram

Satan-IR · Dec 4, 2017

DDR4 is the name.

Dark Lord of Tech · Dec 4, 2017

Dual Channel DDR4 is best , 2x4 or 2x8.

ethankillafellows · Dec 5, 2017

But does the motherboard require a DDR4 stick of ram or is the DDR3 sticks that I have now work with it?

Dark Lord of Tech · Dec 5, 2017

You need DDR4 , does not accept DDR3...Sorry.

ethankillafellows · Dec 5, 2017

I have 2 sticks of DDR3 4GB

Dark Lord of Tech · Dec 5, 2017

ethankillafellows :

You need DDR4 , board does not accept DDR3...Sorry.

ethankillafellows · Dec 5, 2017

Could you recommend a motherboard that does that will also fit the intel processors?

ethankillafellows · Dec 5, 2017

For the same price if not cheaper?

Chad_40 · Dec 5, 2017

https://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&IsNodeId=1&N=100007627%20600567584%20600036387

Found these, not worth the price though.

Olle P · Dec 7, 2017

ethankillafellows :

I agree. At that price you get a decent motherboard and a kit of DDR4!
You should look for low cost motherboards with Z170 or Z270.
If money is very tight right now you can get by with a single stick of 8GB 2400MHz DDR4, and add a second stick of same make and model later, otherwise 2x4GB is a better option.

ethankillafellows · Dec 7, 2017

Olle P :

The main thing I need to upgrade is my CPU, it's a * AMD processor that can't keep up with my GPU but I can't find a CPU that is equivalent to an intel 6600k to fit my motherboard, if I could then all my problems would be fixed, I just can't find one that isn't extortionate in price!

USAFRet · Dec 7, 2017

ethankillafellows :

The easiest way forward here is to state a budget, and what exact parts you need.
People here will come up with a parts list, if possible.

For instance:
"I have $300. I need a motherboard, CPU, and RAM. Preferably Intel, preferably Gen 6 or later."

(oh, and watch the language. Thanks)

ethankillafellows · Dec 7, 2017

USAFRet :

ethankillafellows :

The easiest way forward here is to state a budget, and what exact parts you need.
People here will come up with a parts list, if possible.

For instance:
"I have $300. I need a motherboard, CPU, and RAM. Preferably Intel, preferably Gen 6 or later."

(oh, and watch the language. Thanks)

So, I NEED a CPU preferably i5, like a 4690 but I also need a motherboard that either supports DDR3 or that is cheap enough for me to buy a single stick of DDR4 (I have around £300 if not less to spend) I think the i5-4960 is perfect, but if the motherboard is "cheap" then I can buy a single stick.
(and sorry for the language)

USAFRet · Dec 7, 2017

ethankillafellows :

Well, just as a starting point:
i5-7500
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Intel-i5-7500-Frequency-Cache-Processor/dp/B01MZZJ1P0
£165.73

GIGABYTE GA-B250M-DS3H
https://www.amazon.co.uk/GIGABYTE-GA-B250M-DS3H-Chipset-Intel-Processor/dp/B01MQWCNA6
£58.98

Corsair CMK8GX4M1A2400C14 Vengeance LPX 8 GB (1x8 GB) DDR4 2400
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-CMK8GX4M1A2400C14-Vengeance-Performance-Desktop/dp/B00UVN2C8O
£90.63

£315 total

ethankillafellows · Dec 7, 2017

Is there a way to make the motherboard a bit lower, even it out to £300? The CPU and RAM look great so I will try and keep that in the budget.

USAFRet · Dec 7, 2017

ethankillafellows :

"around £300"
I guess you could ask gigabyte to carve off a couple of components to lower that below £59.

I just put that in as a starting point.
What others have you looked at?

Olle P · Dec 8, 2017

My alternative:
Ryzen 5 1400, £138 (will perform much like an i5 when overclocked)
MSI B350M Bazooka, £71. Will allow overclocking and accept CPUs released by AMD until 2020 or even later...
Crucial Ballistix Tactical 2x4GB 3000 MHz, £89. (Don't expect it to reach the full 3000MHz though, but at least 2666MHz.)
Total: £298, and somewhat future proofed!

Do Gigabyte z170 motherboards require a DDR4 Ram stick or is DDR3 fine?

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