RAM compatibility question

[anirudh1]

I am gonna get

i5-3450
gigabyte ga-h77-ds3h
HIS IceQ X 7850
Gskill ripjaws X 8GB (4+4) GB model : F3-12800CL9'D'-16GBXL

one doubt. in my mobo's RAM compatibility list it says that g.skill F3-12800CL9'Q'-16GBXL is supported. if i buy F3-12800CL9'D'-16GBXL or F3-12800CL9'S'-16GBXL will it be supported ? all are ripjawsX 4gb 1600mhz

and will F3-12800CL9'D'-16GBXL and 12800CL9'S'-16GBXL work together in dual channel ?

"Memory modules listed below are for reference only. Due to massive memory models on the market, we can only verify some of them."

^ ^ This is mentioned on the top of the list

Thanks

 

[jaquith]

The only DDR3-1600 4x4GB kit I can think of is the F3-12800CL9Q-16GBXL, and the 'D' is the F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL kit.

The F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL in 2 kits of 2x4GB has had issues with several MOBO's in that the 'mix' results in the Rated per kit frequency & CAS is not obtainable.

Therefore, I would recommend the F3-12800CL9Q-16GBXL for best results. Ripjaws X are best suited in Dual Channel systems such as LGA 1155 (P67, Z68, Z77 which allows OC) and Ripjaws Z in Quad Channel systems running off the LGA 2011 socket. The H77 also allows up to DDR3-1600 with the Ivy Bridge CPU, the Intel i5-3450 is an Ivy Bridge with native support to DDR3-1600; see - http://ark.intel.com/products/65511/Intel-Core-i5-3450-Processor-(6M-Cache-up-to-3_50-GHz) (Memory Types DDR3-1333/1600).

 

[geekapproved]

In theory they will all work, it's pretty rare that you need one on the QVL list.

Asus mobo's are particularly picky when it comes to ram.

 

[anirudh1]

The only DDR3-1600 4x4GB kit I can think of is the F3-12800CL9Q-16GBXL, and the 'D' is the F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL kit.

i need (4+4) not (4*4) .. or u can say i need 2x4GB sticks. sorry for the wierd notation. So, im safe getting a 'D' or 'S' ?

And one more thing. the list shows that it supports 2GB vengeance and 8Gb vengeance. will it work if i get CMZ4GX3M1A1600C9 or CMZ4GX3M1A1600C9B? is it a big issue? this ram compatibility thing ?

and can u please tell me if 1 stick of CMZ4GX3M1A1600C9 and 1 stick of CMZ4GX3M1A1600C9B

or

1 stick of F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL and 1 stick of 12800CL9'S'-16GBXL will work together in dual channel ? thanks

 

[jaquith]

It's not a good idea to purchase individual sticks:
CMZ4GX3M1A1600C9 1x4GB
CMZ4GX3M1A1600C9B 1x4GB

IF mixing Capacity then the RAM should be in pairs (2x_GB + 2x_GB), have the same IC's, and must have the same: Frequency, CAS Timings (CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS-CMD), and Voltage. Generally not a great idea.

Instead purchased a match and Rated 2x4GB Set:
CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233144
CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9B - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145345
F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL (not in 2 * 2x4GB/16GB) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231428

RAM is DIRT CHEAP and saving $5-$15 is CrAzY to otherwise cost you HOURS of potential aggravation including: Corruption, Boot Failure, Incompatibility, not to mention the hard costs of Shipping the stuff back! Penny Wise and Dollar Foolish! I'm cheap, I have plenty of money, but I don't do foolish things nor stuff halfa$$.

 

[anirudh1]

if i already have CMZ4GX3M1A1600C9 1x4GB
can i get another CMZ4GX3M1A1600C9 1x4GB and run in dual channel mode? that would be ok right ?

 

[jaquith]

Yes, but set the RAM manually in the BIOS i.e. don't use XMP which will complicate the problems if any.

DIMM Installation:
Use the White DIMM slots
CPU: | blank | 4GB | blank | 4GB |

BIOS: (refer to pages 36-40)
System Memory Multiplier -> 16*100MHz = DDR3-1600
DRAM Timing Selectable -> Quick
Channel A/B Timing Settings
CAS Latency -> 9
tRCD -> 9
tRP -> 9
tRAS -> 24 ; problems from Memtest i.e. errors use (27)
-
Command Rate -> 2
Advanced Voltage Settings
DRAM Voltage -> 1.50v~1.55v ; +0.05v if needed and as a mix not a bad idea to use

Save & Exit = Yes

Then at minimum 4 Full Passes, best overnight, run Memstest86+; see - http://www.memtest.org/#downiso ; also newly available is the USB Flash Drive version.

Create a bootable CD/DVD using the latest ISO/zip file, extract and double click the ISO which should place a copy to the ODD (DVD/BR) burner then burn the copy; otherwise make a USB version. Boot pressing F8 and boot from the ODD and let her run.

 

[anirudh1]

Best answer selected by anirudh1.

 

[anirudh1]

i really dint understand the memtest part. what is "4 passes"? and what does memtest do ?

 

[jaquith]

Memtest86+ is a bootable application outside of Windows (OS) to aide in Validation (Testing) of your RAM to make sure you don't have problems as I described above; Corruption, BSOD, etc. If Memtest86+ tests for the period of time I specified then your chances of a problem from RAM are minimized. Also, what's the point of installing 'garbage' corrupted OS on your SSD/HDD?

On any new Build I recommend: 1. Memtest minimum of 4-passes prior to installing the OS (reduces the risks of a corrupted OS installation), 2. AIDA64 Extreme - http://www.aida64.com/downloads running for 24 hours after installing the OS but before installing ANY applications with the Stress test and ALL options selected.

AIDA64 is to validate the integrity of the entire system and that all components are functional and error free. Typically if a component is going to fail, I prefer it is ASAP than dragged-out and/or having to deal with unexpected system failure.

Think of it this way, if I built a $5K+ system for you wouldn't you want me to test it before shipping it to you?? Well YOU are the System Builder...

Once you run Memtest you'll know exactly what I'm referring to, each 'Pass' is a series of 11 tests. For more information see - http://www.memtest86.com/tech.html

 

[anirudh1]

oh okay. will be getting my PC on july last week. my cousin will buy parts now. but i live in india, so will be getting them only july last week. Will do as u told.. i'll start a new thread asking for help later thank u so much

 

[jaquith]

Good Luck!

 

[anirudh1]

sure thanks buddy

 

[anirudh1]

also, can u find me links to some good video tutorial of "how to assemble a PC" ? i dont even know the basics. just have a rough idea of what goes where. please?

 

[jaquith]

Part 2 of 3 part guide - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_56kyib-Ls