Compatibility confirmation on RAM

[Mykdejesus]

Planning to build

Intel i5 4440
Gigabyte GA-B85M-HD3
Crucial Ballistix Tactical Tracer 2x4gb 1866 CL9

This mobo and procie only supports upto DDR3 1600. I know that I am able to use a 1866 ram on 1600 slot and it will downgrade the speed.

But I want to confirm if it is 100% compatible regardless of speed? Will dual channel and XMP feature still work?

I just read from other links (not sure if here) that only 1 DDR3-1866 will work properly. Plugging both DDR3-1866 will cause BSOD on 1600 slot.

Cost of DDR3-1866 is 22% lower than DDR3-1600 with same CL9.

 

[Bad_Kitty13]

you cannot use above 1600 ram in the b85 chipset boards, you would need a z 87 board to run that ram, it supports xmp profiles
just go with the 1600 cl9 ram you wouldnt notice the difference anyway and where are you from i might be able to find you some cheap 1600 ram

 

[Mykdejesus]

Cant use 1866 on B85 1600 slot? What I know as long as it is same type like DDR3, any speed will work on that board. Correct me if Im wrong.

 

[Bad_Kitty13]

it will be used as 1600 ram yes but sometimes it can cause compatiblility issues on some lower end boards. some 1866 ram is 1.65v also and you need to look out for this because a b85 board wont perform properly with it. this may be why the 1866 ram is so cheap because they cant sell it. but so long as the store you are getting it from has a good return policy you can give it a shot. it should be recognized as 1600 ram but there are some cases where it will not recognize it at all

 

[Mykdejesus]

Store only replaces item if defective but not on incompatibility issues.

I guess I'll be on the safe side and pick 1600 instead =D

 

[Bad_Kitty13]

can you order where your from i maybe be able to find some for you if you let me know what country your in