DDR4 memory selection for z170 system

bloodandsoil

Member
Jan 5, 2007
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Hello, it's been a while since I built my last computer and now I'm researching a new build. This topic is a question about DDR4 memory selection.

So far I have selected the Asus Z170-PRO motherboard and an i7-6700K CPU. I think it's correct (if I'm wrong please let me know) that this bus operates at 2133 Mhz, but depending on the parts you pick it has the potential to be overclocked to higher speeds.

In the past, I've always used the compatibility tool at the crucial.com website and when I do this it gives me Crucial Ballistix Sport DDR4-2400 16-16-16. I'll be getting 32GB (16x2) by the way.

So, is that considered any good? My budget for system memory is no more than $250 and my primary use will be for gaming.

Looking on newegg.com I see some memory that have better specs but I'm unsure about compatibility. For example, the G.SKILL TridentZ DDR4 3200 14-14-14-34.

One thing I'm really concerned with is memory stability and I'm not sure how aggressive 3200 Mhz is and whether I should go down to 3000 Mhz or even 2800 Mhz. For example, G.SKILL TridentZ DDR 2800 with 14-14-14-35 timings.

Thanks!
 
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Dasa2

Senior member
Nov 22, 2014
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2x16 3200 c14 can be a tough speed to run especially for cheaper mb but that one should handle it
thats no guarantee that the xmp profile will work it may need some tweaks and possibly some extra vtt

im guessing you have a use outside of gaming that can make use of the 32g ram? as games barely make use of 8g so going over 16g will do nothing for them
 

UsandThem

Elite Member
May 4, 2000
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In the past, I've always used the compatibility tool at the crucial.com website and when I do this it gives me Crucial Ballistix Sport DDR4-2400 16-16-16. I'll be getting 32GB (16x2) by the way.

Looking on newegg.com I see some memory that have better specs but I'm unsure about compatibility. For example, the G.SKILL TridentZ DDR4 3200 14-14-14-34.

One thing I'm really concerned with is memory stability and I'm not sure how aggressive 3200 Mhz is and whether I should go down to 3000 Mhz or even 2800 Mhz. For example, G.SKILL TridentZ DDR 2800 with 14-14-14-35 timings.

Thanks!

Go to your motherboard manufacturer's website and see what RAM has been tested to work on your motherboard.

Since motherboard manufacturers don't test all the different RAM out there, you can also go the memory manufacturer's websites, and use their memory finder.

http://www.gskill.com/en/configurator

And you are probably better off buying 8 GB stick; faster timings and less money.
 

BonzaiDuck

Lifer
Jun 30, 2004
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I've said this before: You can extrapolate a RAM choice from the QVL list, with candidates in the same model-line with the model listed in the QVL.

And I might recuse myself of recommending RAM, since I'm a longstanding G.SKILL customer, but they'd always been good for producing low-voltage RAM with tight timings.

Crucial may also have a similar feature at their web-site, which I might have used but need to verify. But G.SKILL has a "Configurator" link at their web-site which allows you to choose the motherboard model with a result of compatible G.SKILL RAM singles or RAM kits.
 

bloodandsoil

Member
Jan 5, 2007
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BonzaiDuck and UsandThem, I looked at the configurator from G.SKILL but unfortunately it does not include the Asus Z170-Pro.

Dasa2, I really have no use for memory other than for gaming. I thought perhaps 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) would future-proof my system for several years, since I guess games and other applications will be using more in the future. Other than price, is there a reason not to get 32 GB?

MTDEW, I looked at the Asus Z170-Pro QVL list and I found the G.SKILL TridentZ in 3200 Mhz and 3000 Mhz, but only the versions with timings of 15-15-15-35. I was hoping for the version with lower timings of 14-14-14-34. For example:

G.SKILL TridentZ 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR4 3200 Timing 14-14-14-34 Cas Latency 14

G.SKILL TridentZ 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR4 3000 Timing 14-14-14-34 Cas Latency 14

G.SKILL TridentZ 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR4 2800 Timing 14-14-14-35 Cas Latency 14
 

UsandThem

Elite Member
May 4, 2000
16,068
7,383
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BonzaiDuck and UsandThem, I looked at the configurator from G.SKILL but unfortunately it does not include the Asus Z170-Pro.

Dasa2, I really have no use for memory other than for gaming. I thought perhaps 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) would future-proof my system for several years, since I guess games and other applications will be using more in the future. Other than price, is there a reason not to get 32 GB?

MTDEW, I looked at the Asus Z170-Pro QVL list and I found the G.SKILL TridentZ in 3200 Mhz and 3000 Mhz, but only the versions with timings of 15-15-15-35. I was hoping for the version with lower timings of 14-14-14-34. For example:

G.SKILL TridentZ 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR4 3200 Timing 14-14-14-34 Cas Latency 14

G.SKILL TridentZ 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR4 3000 Timing 14-14-14-34 Cas Latency 14

G.SKILL TridentZ 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR4 2800 Timing 14-14-14-35 Cas Latency 14

You won't even use 16 GB for gaming, so if you get 32 GB it really just be unused.

As far as the tighter timing ram, you can:

1. Send a email to G Skill support, they might be able to advise you if it will work. They have pretty good customer service/support.

2. Buy it and see if it will work. If not, just return it for different RAM.
 

UsandThem

Elite Member
May 4, 2000
16,068
7,383
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In that case, would I want a 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) or (4 x 4 GB)?

On a z170 board, 2 x 8 Gb is best. I have a Gigabyte z170 board, and low latency RAM in all four memory slots can cause stability issues.

You would only want to do 4 x 4 GB on x99 boards and the like.
 
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