n00b RAM question. What speed will RAM run at by default? Mobo settings?

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Hi there

Am going to be building myself a new computer in the next few weeks, only done it once before. Have been browsing OCUK shop deciding what bit's i'm going to go for and have got stuck at RAM selection.

I understand that i should choose RAM from the QVL which i've been looking at for the particular Mobo i fancy, but there are different speeds the RAM can run at, which is where i am getting confused.

Am planning on a micro-ATX Mobo, this one in particular: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-098-AK&groupid=701&catid=1903&subcat=2399

In the product description it states "Supports DDR3 2400+(OC)/2133(OC)/1866/1600/1333/1066/800 non-ECC, un-buffered memory"

OK, but what determines what actual speed the RAM will run at? Mobo settings? Not talking about overclocking here but just what default speed i should be looking at? I could look at 1866, 1600 and 1333 etc but why should i choose one particular speed over the other? If i buy 1866 RAM will it automatically run at 1866? or do i need to set the Mobo up for that?

System i intend to build will be for a media playing type PC (movies/music) and for general web-browsing and email etc. Also i intend to install Ubuntu on an SSD for my OS, not Windows.

any help much appreciated, thanks
 
The motherboard sets the RAM speed. The RAM itself will have a profile setting which the board can use to automate everything.

Just go for 1600MHz memory if it's cheaper, it's fine.
 
Not all RAM will be on the QVL list as they cant possibly test every kit available on the market.

Pretty much any DDR3 from a good reputable brand will do.

AMD APU's rely on RAM speed (especially if you decide to play a game) so get the fastest you can afford.

Something like these will do nicely,

YOUR BASKET
1 x Patriot Viper "Black Mamba" Generation 3 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 PC3-17000C11 2133MHz Dual CHannel Kit (PV38G213C1K) £65.99
1 x Patriot Venom Red 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 PC3-14900C9 1866MHz Dual Channel Memory Kit (PV38G186C9KRD) £65.99
Total : £140.68 (includes shipping : £7.25).




Or if the APU's memory controller can cope with it,

YOUR BASKET
1 x TeamGroup Xtreem LV 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 PC3-21300C11 2666MHz Dual Channel Kit (TXD38G2666HC11CDC01) £65.99
Total : £74.69 (includes shipping : £7.25).




Those are epic for the price, but remember you can run them slower if you need to such as 2133 or 2400Mhz by selecting a different memory multiplier.
 
Last edited:
I bought the Patriot 2133MHz myself for my APU. For gaming (especially with Richland) there's a big benefit; not really anything for general desktop stuff and media playback though.
 
Yeah, my 6800K couldn't cope with 2133MHz so I sent it back to AMD after their tech support said to (and now it seems RM has lost it, sigh).

There'll be some gains, it's just not worth any significant amount extra if it's for desktop stuff and media. For gaming, sure.
 
I say the OP should be buying 1866/2133MHz RAM, no one should really be buying 1600MHz RAM for an APU.
 
My view's that if it's within a few pounds (or it's going to include 3d gaming), get the faster memory, otherwise stick to 1600MHz with tighter timings.
 
Brilliant, thanks for all the quick response's folks. I'll digst and respond properly when i get home from work.
 
stulid said:
Not all RAM will be on the QVL list as they cant possibly test every kit available on the market.

Pretty much any DDR3 from a good reputable brand will do.

AMD APU's rely on RAM speed (especially if you decide to play a game) so get the fastest you can afford.


Something like these will do nicely,

YOUR BASKET
1 x Patriot Viper "Black Mamba" Generation 3 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 PC3-17000C11 2133MHz Dual CHannel Kit (PV38G213C1K) £65.99
1 x Patriot Venom Red 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 PC3-14900C9 1866MHz Dual Channel Memory Kit (PV38G186C9KRD) £65.99
Total : £140.68 (includes shipping : £7.25).




Or if the APU's memory controller can cope with it,

YOUR BASKET
1 x TeamGroup Xtreem LV 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 PC3-21300C11 2666MHz Dual Channel Kit (TXD38G2666HC11CDC01) £65.99
Total : £74.69 (includes shipping : £7.25).




Those are epic for the price, but remember you can run them slower if you need to such as 2133 or 2400Mhz by selecting a different memory multiplier.
Click to expand...

OK, thanks stulid, think i'll go with the Patriot Black Mamba then. I like the sound of the Black Mamba but i also like the sound of a lifetime guarantee.

As it happens i was looking at the AMD A10-5800K Black Edition 3.80GHz, good price for a fast processor and good graphics on the one chip.

I'm glad you piped up to say i should only need to look for a good brand set of RAM. the ones it was directing me to were more expensive than what you suggest so a little bonus there, i'll spend those pennies on something else now.
 
Also wondering about power consumption and RAM. Can't seem to find a rating for that pair.

Was going to select every piece of hardware i wanted then add up the max power consumption and then look for a PSU.

What should i consider the RAM to use on full load? i know they use quite small voltages like 1.5v but what about power consumption? guess it can't be too much though.
 
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