ASUS P8Z68-M PRO RAM question

[alan mcsheehy]

Hello,
I have just bought the ASUS P8Z68-M PRO motherboard and now want to buy 32GB of Ram but the Qualified Vendors List does not show any 8gb sticks!
There are 4 Dimm slots on this board.
Please help / explain.

 

[jaquith]

Welcome to Tom's Forum!

It's very rare to see 4x8GB kits on ANY QVL; explained simply. Footnote, if this is a new system and the 'plan' is to add an Ivy Bridge CPU then just know ahead the BIOS must be at minimum to support the 22nm CPU's -- often it's not and the IB will FAIL to post until the BIOS is updated which requires a Sandy Bridge CPU or a PC Shop or an RMA to ASUS...consider the ASUS P8Z77-M PRO.

My picks in order are:
$219 Mushkin Enhanced Blackline 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR3 1600 (10-10-10-27 @ 1.50v) Model 994055
$255 Mushkin Enhanced Blackline 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR3 1600 (9-9-9-24 @ 1.60v) Model 994050
Following can me incompatible with some aftermarket HSF due to height:
$260 CORSAIR DOMINATOR 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR3 1600 (10-10-10-27 @ 1.50v) Model CMP32GX3M4X1600C10
$260 CORSAIR Vengeance 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR3 1600 (9-9-9-24 @ 1.50v) Model CMZ32GX3M4A1600C9

 

[alan mcsheehy]

Thanks,

So do I not need to worry about buying the exact ram from the QVL list? Matching the Part number exactly!

 

[jaquith]

QVL is a very tiny list relative to what's compatible, and is often never updated once published. Typically, about the only time I really pay attention to a QVL is on a Server/WS MOBO and then only if I know other RAM solutions aren't available. Compatability issues were more prevalent in prior AM3 and pre Sandy Bridge CPUs.

Most 4x8GB kits are rated for Quad Channel which is fine since Dual Channel allows for faster CAS options. I see no reason the four kits listed won't work, unless there's a bad stick, and I would recommend using the AI Overclock Tuner -> XMP option in the BIOS.