Motherboard/RAM Compatibility

[StormChaser83]

I was wondering if you could tell me if the following RAM is compatible with this Asus M5A97 Socket AM3+/ AMD 970/ Quad CrossFireX SATA3&USB3.0 ATX Motherboard MB
Asus M5A97 Socket AM3+/ AMD 970/ Quad CrossFireX SATA3&USB3.0 ATX Motherboard



16GB RAM

32GB RAM

The reason i ask is because the RAM's website [ RipjawsZ ] F3-12800CL10Q-32GBZL (8Gx4)does not list this motherboard on their Qualified list. Will both sets of RAM still fit, and work perfectly with the Asus M5A97 Motherboard even though it's not listed on the qualified list?


Asus M5A97 Socket AM3+/ AMD 970/ Quad CrossFireX SATA3&USB3.0 ATX Motherboard MB


I will be getting this Processor: AMD Phenom II X6 1045T Thuban 2.7GHz Socket AM3 95W Six-Core Desktop Processor

[Tradesman]

With the CPU you have picked out you might be able to run 16GB of 1600 sticks, maybe something like F3-12800CL9Q-16GBSR Snipers, but even if you went high end to an FX-8150 you wouldn't be able to run the sets you mention, maybe the 2133 16GB set if you downclocked them to 1866 and were willing to play the timings and voltages for a while...even then it's a maybe, as to the 32 GB set, possibly down at 1333 but more likely at 1066 . If you want to run 2133/16GB or about any 32GB set you'll want to go to Intel. AMD MCs (Memory Controllers) just aren't up to fast or large amounts of DRAM, The 8150 can run 2 sticks of 1866 and occasionally 4 sticks (16GB), again if you put some time in it and have good ventilations and HSs to take care of the heat from the high voltages needed

[StormChaser83]

With the CPU you have picked out you might be able to run 16GB of 1600 sticks, maybe something like F3-12800CL9Q-16GBSR Snipers, but even if you went high end to an FX-8150 you wouldn't be able to run the sets you mention, maybe the 2133 16GB set if you downclocked them to 1866 and were willing to play the timings and voltages for a while...even then it's a maybe, as to the 32 GB set, possibly down at 1333 but more likely at 1066 . If you want to run 2133/16GB or about any 32GB set you'll want to go to Intel. AMD MCs (Memory Controllers) just aren't up to fast or large amounts of DRAM, The 8150 can run 2 sticks of 1866 and occasionally 4 sticks (16GB), again if you put some time in it and have good ventilations and HSs to take care of the heat from the high voltages needed

ok, so what CPU would you recommend? I'd like to have at least a Quad-Six Core

[StormChaser83]

I cannot afford a 200-300 dollar Motherboard. . There's no way. . lol

[Tradesman]

It's more CPU than mobo, If you want to run AMD the FX-8150 is their best, and can comfortably run 8GB of 1866, for less money you can go Intel 2500K (about $30 less and it can run circles around the FX-8150), it can also run about any DRAM you want fairly easily to 2133/32GB and pair it with a $100 + P67 mobo. I've got my 2500K at 4.93 GHz and 16GB of 2133 (1866 Snipers at 2133) and have run 32GB of 2133, Ripjaws Z on a Fatal1ty Performance (about $125)

[StormChaser83]

I've had a few people tell me that the Asus M5A97 Mobo will run the 16/32GB RAM sticks, along with the AMD 6-Core Processor. . . . . Now, your telling me different. . LOL. . I'm not sure what to do. I'm running a Quad-Core in my computer now (I don't have the M5A97 yet). . . . . . . . . I will have about $550.00 to spend when i get money in a week or 2. . . . . . I want a 6-Core Processor, 32GB of RAM, and a good Mobo to run all of that (without having to mess with my BIOS Settings). . . . . . Can you name the parts I need that will keep me within my budget?

Also, the Asus M5A97 says that it is capable of running up to 32GB of RAM. Why would it say that, if it won't?


I have pretty good ventilation. . . I'm running one of these: Ultra ChillTec Black Overclocking CPU Cooler

[Tradesman]

It can run 32GB, (as mentioned earlier prob no more than 1333), but check around, they never mention 32GB of WHAT or with WHAT CPU. I got one of the first FX-8150s (8core, and has their best memory controller), with a good mobo, and got it to run 16/1866 but it took a lot of voltage (heat) and couldn't run the sticks any faster. Also, I've seen very, very few AMDs running 32GB. And, again, as mentioned, the 8150 (8 cores) gets outrun/outperformed by a cheaper 2500K, and the 8150 is their most powerful CPU. If you want a killer system take a look at 2500K ($225), Snipers 16GB/2133 F3-17000CL9Q-16GBSR ($160) and maybe something in a P67 like the Fatal1ty, or ASUS P8P67-M PRO, or GB or ASRock Extreme (all under $!65, so within your budget)

[Tradesman]

Got to run, will be out and about Mon, got to get a couple rigs started on stress testing and upgrade another.

[StormChaser83]

It can run 32GB, (as mentioned earlier prob no more than 1333), but check around, they never mention 32GB of WHAT or with WHAT CPU. I got one of the first FX-8150s (8core, and has their best memory controller), with a good mobo, and got it to run 16/1866 but it took a lot of voltage (heat) and couldn't run the sticks any faster. Also, I've seen very, very few AMDs running 32GB. And, again, as mentioned, the 8150 (8 cores) gets outrun/outperformed by a cheaper 2500K, and the 8150 is their most powerful CPU. If you want a killer system take a look at 2500K ($225), Snipers 16GB/2133 F3-17000CL9Q-16GBSR ($160) and maybe something in a P67 like the Fatal1ty, or ASUS P8P67-M PRO, or GB or ASRock Extreme (all under $!65, so within your budget)

ok so:

Intel Core i5 2500K - 3.3 GHz Quad-Core (BX80623I52500K) Processor

G.SKILL Sniper Gaming Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 2133 (PC3 17000) Desktop Memory Model F3-17000CL9Q-16GBSR

ASUS P8P67-M PRO (REV 3.0) LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard

[Tradesman]

First two yes and the 3rd will work (had one out here) but since looking at the Egg, take a look at the other P67/Z68 mobos (1155 socket), this is a micro mobo, may want full size, there's a number available depending on if you are planning SLI or CrossFire or if you have any other specific needs (and the (as listed) 2500K you show, is unlocked so should be no problem once all set up to OC up to 4GHz or better, though will want to look at an aftermarket CPU cooler (good ones available $30-40 and up)

[StormChaser83]

First two yes and the 3rd will work (had one out here) but since looking at the Egg, take a look at the other P67/Z68 mobos (1155 socket), this is a micro mobo, may want full size, there's a number available depending on if you are planning SLI or CrossFire or if you have any other specific needs (and the (as listed) 2500K you show, is unlocked so should be no problem once all set up to OC up to 4GHz or better, though will want to look at an aftermarket CPU cooler (good ones available $30-40 and up)

I have one of these coolers. It works awesome, too. I don't think it will fit an Intel though.

Ultra ChillTec Black Overclocking CPU Cooler

[Tradesman]

Should fit, believe set it up as shown for 775 mounting

[StormChaser83]

Should fit, believe set it up as shown for 775 mounting

Well, i guess i'm set then . . . . You did say that the Asus M5A97 Mobo would run 32GB though, right? (The reason i'm asking is just in case something happens, where i won't be able to get an Intel board or processor.

[Catscratch]

Ahem.

2133 ddr3 vs 1600 ddr3: the difference is in 0.x % No need for them.

I'd get

Gskills sniper gaming series 16gb 1600mhz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231534
89$

Asrock z68 Extreme3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813157271
130$

Intel I7 2600k
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115070
330$

Exactly 550$, dunno after any rebates. With HT it's an 4 core 8 threads cpu, z68 motherboard can use the gpu inside the cpu incase it's needed plus it has debug code for troubleshooting. Or you can get the 2133 mhz ram + asrock mobo + 2500k + a good cooler of your choosing and focus on overclocking. Might yield better performance in the end. Not in the encoding/transcoding area thou, but in games.

[GSKILL TECH]

Technically, it's ~33.00%.

Especially with Intel CPUs, even more so with the new ones, they can support high frequency, so DDR3-2133 can be a significant improvement in overall bandwidth. Considering you have such a computer, you can test for yourself with a memory benchmark test. In other cases where the CPU is not as good, then it will not make much of a difference. But with 2500K 2600K 3930K, etc., you can be certain high performance memory makes a huge difference.

Thank you
GSKILL TECH