Memory Compatibility: How to tell and what to buy?

TheGameNerd

TheGameNerd

TheGameNerd

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31 Oct 2011
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Hey. After having what I believe to be heavy compatibility issues with my Gigabyte GA-Z87-D3HP motherboard and Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB RAM (2x4GB), I have decided to look into buying some new, compatible RAM. Before you ask, I cannot return my current RAM as it has been a fair few months since I bought it.

Now, my question is, how can I tell if something is compatible, using the Memory Compatibility List on the page for my mobo? For example, I'm looking at Corsair Vengeance Blue 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C9 1600MHz Dual Channel Kit and it has the Manufacturer Code CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9B. On the Compatibility List, is says that 4GB Corsair Memory at 1600mhz with the manufacturer code CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9 would be compatible. What's missing here is the B on the end of CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9. So, would this RAM still be compatible with my board?

I've had a look at other Corsair RAM and some of it, such as the Corsair Vengeance RED 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 PC3-17100C11 2133MHz Dual Channel Kit does not seem to have it's Manufacturer Code in the section for 2133mhz. It has a Code of CMZ8GX3M2A2133C11R, and only thing in the compatibility section for 2133mhz 4GB from Corsair is CMZ16GX3M4X2133C11R, which is different. Is my mobo still compatible with this RAM?

Also, when I'm looking at the compatibility chart, if I'm buying two sticks of 4GB, do I look at 4GB or 8GB in the respective section? This thing is so confusing, it boggles my mind.

Who would have thought that RAM compatibility was so confusing? All I know is that I won't be buying Crucial RAM from now on, as I've had so many compatibility issues with it and my Gigabyte motherboard.

Thanks.

The memory compatibility list: http://download.gigabyte.eu/FileList/Memory/mb_memory_ga-z87-d3hp.pdf
 
just swap it for an entire different brand,corsair/Kingston ect that's on the qvl list

I wouldn't even entertain crucial memory atm with a gigabyte board,
 
So just swap it to any other brand on the list? Okay. I'm thinking of buying Corsair Vengeance Blue 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C9 1600MHz Dual Channel Kit after I test with some other RAM that the compatibility issue is causing my BSODs.
 
The B on the end refers to the colour (Blue). No colour is Black and an R is Red. Think I saw a G too when I was looking (Dark Green....can't remember)
Either way, you will be fine.
 
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