Memory to use with ASRock 770 Extreme3 mobo? (are 4gb DIMMs possible??)

[Harrison]

Howdy,

I'm trying to put together my first new build in about ten years, and am having trouble selecting memory for it. I decided on the ASRock 770 Extreme3 motherboard for Linux compatibility and price/features. Memory is supposed to be good for 16GB, and it handles DDR3 1600 without overclocking.

Somehow I managed to download ASRock's memory "QVL" list for the mobo off their website. It is dated 8/24/2010. The problem is, the mobo is supposed to be good for up to 16MB, but they only list a single 4GB DIMM as being compatible (by Samsung) -- and it's only at 1066, not at 1600!

(1) Has anyone had any luck with 4GB DIMMs in this thing?
(2) Do you have to use really slow memory when increasing the amount per stick?

If I'm stuck with 2GB DIMMs, the only manufacturer's that I've found on Newegg were by GSKILL. Although the "QVL" sheet lists a whole bunch, most seem to have been discontinued. I can only find the F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ, which is a CL9. The sheet lists two CL7 DIMMs, but these don't exist on Newegg's system.

(3) Is CL7 really worth searching for, when compared against CL9, when both run at 1600?
(4) Can I substitute one of the other CL7 DIMMs by GSKILL?

And some overall questions,

(5) Do you have this motherboard, and if so, what do you think of it?
(6) Should I just give up and buy a Dell?

Thanks,

Harry

 

[stargazr]

(6) Should I just give up and buy a Dell?

Yes.

I took your post seriously until I read this. You have built computers in the past, but are overwhelmed and ready to give up because of choosing RAM?

 

[Harrison]

I took your post seriously until I read this. You have built computers in the past, but are overwhelmed and ready to give up because of choosing RAM?

What's getting to me is that out of the entire three pages of RAM choices on the QVL list, I've now managed to find exactly two of them. Newegg shows 194 possible choices for PC1600 DRAM, and TWO of the choices on the ASRock list actually exist in their stock selection.

TWO.

Maybe other vendors sell the tested-compatible memory, but if so, Google isn't finding them. More likely, they're just out of production.

Likewise, the motherboard's CPU compatibility list doesn't have the CPU I'd expected to be buying. It's still an AMD Callisto Phenom II at 3.2GHz, but it's the "C3 revision" instead of whatever the only Callisto 3.2GHz is on ASRock's compatibility list, so the part number doesn't match. Will it work? Hell if I know. Do I contact Kazakhstan to see if any of their computer shops have older stock still sitting around with the right part number? Maybe I should try Botswana?

It was a lot damn simpler ten years ago. You wanted a 128MB stick of DRAM, you ordered one, stuck it into the slot, and it worked. You didn't have to deal with 194 different DRAM choices, only two of which have tested as compatible with your motherboard.

It's getting to be a lot like the buying-a-mattress game in the U.S. Oh, sure, they'll price-match other furniture stores, but only on the exact same model number -- and the manufacturer makes up different model numbers for every furniture store so that it is guaranteed impossible to find a match.

So how about it? Got answers to any of the other questions, or would I be better off asking for help on /b/? :-/

 

[stargazr]

CPU compatibility is determined by socket type, which is AM3 for your chosen components. I don't think that CPU will support 1600 speed RAM, I would get this (1333) if it was me:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-417-_-Product

It's nice if you can be 100% sure by following the QVL, but they become outdated. They only test so many samples. When looking for comparable RAM know that the last few digits of the p/n are often only for module sizes and model style - heat spreaders etc. Find something with the similar timings and voltage as one of the recommended sticks. I would stay with 1.5 volts. If there is one 4GB stick on the QVL then 4GB sticks should work, all other things being equal. Latency will not matter if you aren't a serious overclocker.


Maybe someone with your desired components can verify. Also what are you doing that requires 16GB of RAM?

 

[Harrison]

Much appreciated. Mostly I'll be doing word processing, with occasional forays into web browsing. Oh, and CAD. Lots and lots of AutoCAD and SolidWorks. I can probably get away with 8GB for a while, but eventually I'll need the memory. ASRock's manual states that all four DIMMs must be identical, not just in pairs but all four, so I may as well get the memory now and not have to buy a new set in a year.

 

[stargazr]

Much appreciated. Mostly I'll be doing word processing, with occasional forays into web browsing. Oh, and CAD. Lots and lots of AutoCAD and SolidWorks. I can probably get away with 8GB for a while, but eventually I'll need the memory. ASRock's manual states that all four DIMMs must be identical, not just in pairs but all four, so I may as well get the memory now and not have to buy a new set in a year.

Agreed, you will need the 4GB sticks. It's cheap now so go for the full 16GB.

Really with any motherboard it's a good idea to use the exact same DIMM's, especially for dual-channel.

Do you think the CPU will be sufficient for AutoCad?