RAM: choosing a not listed QVL type


  1. Posts : 42
    win7 x64
       #1

    RAM: choosing a not listed QVL type


    I've already checked the QVL of memory list for my H170 Pro Board and I still have some concerns.

    According to part picker, I've selected
    HyperX Savage Black 16GB DDR4 2133MHz CL13 Dual Channel
    HX421C13SBK2/16
    •JEDEC: DDR4-2133 CL15-15-15 @1.2V
    •XMP Profile #1: DDR4-2133 CL13-13-13 @1.2V

    According to RAM manufacurer I've selcted:
    FURY Memory Black - 16GB DDR4 2133MHz CL14 Dual Channel Kit
    Version 1 HX421C14FB2K2/16 tRFCmin 350ns(min.)
    • JEDEC/PnP: DDR4-2133 CL14-14-14 @1.2V
    • XMP Profile #1: DDR4-2133 CL14-14-14 @1.2V

    Version 2 HX421C14FBK2/16 tRFCmin 260ns(min.)
    • JEDEC/PnP: DDR4-2133 CL14-14-14 @1.2V
    • XMP Profile #1: DDR4-2133 CL14-14-14 @1.2V

    As far as I've read they don't have to be necessarily listed on mobo's QVL but, the first one CL13, not so sure why, it's not even recommended by memory manufacturer selector if we choose H170 Pro motherboard.

    Which one should I choose? Thanks
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 2,047
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64-BIT
       #2

    I'd pick the one that is listed on the compatibility list for the motherboard.

    The reason is because DDR4 RAM is still too young and there are many more DDR4 memory chips to expect. A future BIOS update will surely have a wider choice of compatible products for that motherboard.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 42
    win7 x64
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Unfortunately on Mobo's OVL there is a single 16GB (2x8GB ) listed, that's why I am searching on RAM manufacturers. According to Kingston selection tool, there are some tested RAM modules but I am not so sure why CL13 is not listed and as I've said which one should I choose between the recommended CL14 Modules.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 3,487
    Win 7 Pro x64/Win 10 Pro x64 dual boot
       #4

    I'm not interested in suggesting which RAM to buy, mostly because I don't need the liability, but I can give you some information which may help with your choice:

    - The version 2 RAM, with its lower tRFCmin (260ns) will read faster than version 1.
    - The version 1 RAM will be more stable than the version 2 because of the longer tRFCmin (350ns)
    - The CL13 RAM may not be qualified for your board (or may not be tested to run at that CL rate by Kingston) due to its short latency. A CAS latency of 13 might be more than your motherboard can support with its current BIOS (like Roastermen said, a new BIOS may increase the amount of RAM modules available). There is nothing saying that you can't buy the CL13 RAM, but it may not be stable at CL13, so you may not be able to use the XMP profile. It will probably still work at the JEDEC settings, however.

    Keep in mind that buying RAM that is not on the manufacturer's QVL is often a gamble, unless the memory manufacturer has tested the product with your model of board. Often not buying QVL RAM is enough for a manufacturer to deny a warranty claim (if they want to be jerks about it).

    I personally never buy QVL RAM because I can get better RAM that outperforms the tested stuff, but that's just my experience. I may have been lucky. YMMV.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 42
    win7 x64
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Thank you very much for your complete answer, make sense. Meanwhile I've bought the version 2 (260ns), and cross my fingers to be stable enough :) Best regards,
      My Computer


 

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