Choosing RAM for ASRock 880GMH-LE/USB3 MB

I apologise if this question has already been asked (there are >800 pages in this sub-forum).

How can I tell if I can fit a given brand/model of RAM to my ASRock 880GMH-LE/USB3 MB?

I currently have:

4 GB DDR3 1333 G-Skill (F3-10600CL9-2GBNT, 2x2 GB)

This RAM isn't listed in the manufacturer's data sheet, but it works properly.

According to the handbook the ASRock 880GMH-LE/USB3 MB can take 8 GB of RAM.
The manufacturer's data sheet only lists one brand/model of RAM (GEIL - GET316GB1333C9QC), which isn't sold by my supplier.

Can I safely install G-Skill F3-10666CL8D-4GBXM (2x4 GB) in my MB (G-Skill info says yes)?

Thanks in advance. :)

Yes. The motherboard manufacturer usually tests a wide variety of RAM modules to ensure that they work with the board, however this list isn't exhaustive and just because a particular brand isn't listed it doesn't mean that it won't work.

Is there a sure-fire way of telling?
For example, can I just check the timing sequence, socket and voltage?

I don't want to spend money on RAM, only to discover it won't work in my PC.
My supplier gets "stroppy", if things have been removed from the original packaging.

So long as the memory fits the socket, i.e. DDR3 (or whatever memory socket you have on your m/b), you should be fine. The BIOS should pick up the necessary timings/voltage rating from the SPD present on each module. If necessary, you can enter the correct values manually.

theoretically there is a risk that it won't work. I've seen Sabertooths refuse to use perfectly fine RAM.
Point is, the risk is low, and there is no other way other than googling and seeing if someone with your mobo and that RAM did post somewhere saying it had problems.

When I was doing my Networking course at TAFE, one person tried to upgrade their laptop memory, so that they could run VMs.
One of the instructors helped them choose the memory (after some research).
The laptop wouldn't boot with the new memory.

I'm always "strapped for cash", so I don't want to blow $40.
I could use that cash to buy something else (e.g. put it towards a SSD or another HDD).

I used to work as an electronic repair technician.
It seems strange to me that there isn't a sure-fire way of working out what component to buy.

As I said the risk is low.

Anyway, whenever I can I tend to buy used from Ebay, and if it doesn't work on that build I resell the item. It's (far) cheaper and can be easily sold again for a similar price.
Also the boards where people around you sell their used stuff are a good place, cheaper and more often than not you can try before buy. (Ebay.it has a section for this)

bobafetthotmail said:

theoretically there is a risk that it won't work. I've seen Sabertooths refuse to use perfectly fine RAM.
Point is, the risk is low, and there is no other way other than googling and seeing if someone with your mobo and that RAM did post somewhere saying it had problems.

I would have to agree with this but then again there is the QVL if you don't go by that the Ram I would suggest be Corsair brands Vengeance seems to work for all builds all i did was add more ram to the original 8 and it fired up fine and overclocked great

Don't worry about the supplier having a fit it is his job to fix unsatisfied customers if he doesn't like it he should get out of the business

I was in customer service for over 12 years the customer is what makes the business not the other way around next time they give you a heep over a return simply let them know if they want your business to go elsewhere you will that should straighten them up usually

lehnerus2000,
You should have no issues with the G.Skill's and of course there are other great brands as well such as Corsair and Crucial.The G.Skills tend to be a great bang for the buck. I just added 16 gb of Crucial Ballistix Tracer series ram and I'm very happy with the performance and added bling !

Crucial's

G.Skill's

Corsair's

What the heck your Ram lights up ?