how to tell what ram i will need?

[Not a guru]

I'm going to build a new computer and i'm not sure what ram i will need. Does it matter what ram i get or not? So can i get any type of ram?

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

If you haven't bought your motherboard yet, find and download the manual for the motherboard you want to get. Usually, the motherboard manufacturer QVL (Qualified Vendor List) will be in there. Occasionally, the QVL is a separate download. Both can usually be found on the manufacturer's website.

Since QVLs contain only RAM that the motherboard manufacturer has actually tested (and are often out of date), if you don't like what you see in the QVL, check with the websites of several RAM manufacturers. Most of a RAM or memory finder that should tell you which of their products will work with the board you have chosen (really old or really new boards may not be listed).

If you aren't in a huge hurry to do your build, you might want to wait a monto or so to see what motherboards, etc. may be available for the new Haswell CPUs. They're due out in June and the MOBOs, coolers, etc. will be hot on they're virtual heels.

 

[Layback Bear]

The first thing I would recommend doing is choosing your cpu and motherboard first.
Using there manuals with proper spec sheets do research on what ram to use.

To answer your question; YES it matters what ram is to be used.

 

[bobafetthotmail]

The CPU and motherboard limit your choice of RAM. If you cannot find info about it in the motherboard's manual (usually available in the manufacturer's site), tell your motherboard and CPU and someone will help you.

 

[TVeblen]

Just to add to what everyone else has said, when you look at that QVL list you will see all the specifications you need to buy any other RAM:

• Ram type : most likely DDR3
• Ram Speed (PCxxxxx): All speeds listed should work.
• Timings (ex: 9-9-9-24): note the range of timings that apply to each RAM speed and try to stay in that range
• Voltage : note the voltages and only use RAM with the same voltages. Voltage is the most important spec and the least likely to be listed in ads.

 

[Not a guru]

i thinking of getting Intel Core i5 3570 3.40GHz Socket 1155 6MB L3 Cache and Asus P8Z77-M Z77 Socket 1155 8 Channel HD Audio mATX Motherboard.

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

What are you going to use the new machine for? This will help to determine how much RAM you need.

Is there a particular reason you are considering a microATX board?

 

[AddRAM]

Get a full size ATX motherboard with at least 2 pci-express x16 slots.

 

[Not a guru]

ok. ill get atx

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

ok. ill get atx

Whoa, slow down. There is nothing wrong with microATX boards, depending what they are used for, which is why I asked why you chose one. Again, it would really be helpful if you would tell us what you want to do with your new machine. Internet surfing? Gaming? HTPC?