Confused about the maximum RAM speed for an I7-8700

[refmon]

The specs for it says that it supports "Memory Types: DDR4-2666". Does this mean that even if I use faster (i.e. DDR4-3200) RAM, it will only run at up to 2666?

It was recommend that I buy 3200 RAM so I have no idea how it will work if the limit is stuck at 2666.

 

[aquielisunari]

The specs for it says that it supports "Memory Types: DDR4-2666". Does this mean that even if I use faster (i.e. DDR4-3200) RAM, it will only run at up to 2666?

It was recommend that I buy 3200 RAM so I have no idea how it will work if the limit is stuck at 2666.

There's a feature called XMP(eXtreme memory profile) that OC's the RAM to the specified speeds. Otherwise the user may have to change it manually. The native support of 2666MHz doesn't rule out other speeds.

 

[k1114]

They will only list stock speeds just like they won't say any cpu can oc to a certain speed.

 

[Phaaze88]

The standard, 2666, is what it is guaranteed to run at, without issue.
Whoever recommended that you buy 3200mhz ram is somewhat misinformed. Ram speed doesn't do much at all for Intel cpus as it does for Ryzen, which sees over 10% performance gain using 3200mhz ram or higher.
You can use faster ram, but check the motherboard manufacturer's QVL(qualified vendor list) on site for which models are supported.

 

[vMax]

You need a Z370 motherboard to have RAM speeds higher the 2666.... So that means if you buy 3200 MHz DDR 4 RAM you go into the BIOS and to the XMP settings where you can set it to 3200 MHz..Its very easy and no issues at all.

Only Z370 motherboards will allow you to use higher memory frequencies that 2666. Probably not worth it for a 8700 non K...

 

[refmon]

Huh, if the RAM speed doesn't matter that much should I just go for 2666?

 

[vMax]

Yes on the 2666 as you are going for a 8700 and thus you do not need a Z370 and can save money there as well...

 

[refmon]

Yes on the 2666 as you are going for a 8700 and thus you do not need a Z370 and can save money there as well...

Is the ASUS TUF H370 a good motherboard for this?

 

[cryoburner]

The standard, 2666, is what it is guaranteed to run at, without issue.
Whoever recommended that you buy 3200mhz ram is somewhat misinformed. Ram speed doesn't do much at all for Intel cpus as it does for Ryzen, which sees over 10% performance gain using 3200mhz ram or higher.
You can use faster ram, but check the motherboard manufacturer's QVL(qualified vendor list) on site for which models are supported.

Moving from DDR4 2400/2666 up to 3000/3200 can actually have a 5% or more improvement in application and gaming performance even on Intel's processors in many CPU-limited scenarios, so it's not really a bad option to go with faster-rated RAM for anyone already getting a Z370 motherboard. And considering you you can get DDR4 3000 for only around $10-$20 more per 16GB compared to 2400, that's arguably a relatively minimal cost increase. Just look how much people are willing to pay for a better cooler just to get a few percent more performance from their CPU. Or for that matter, paying significantly more for one CPU over another just to get that bit of extra performance.

Of course, with a typical build with games running at typical settings for a given graphics card, one's performance is probably not going to be limited that often by the CPU, and in turn the RAM for that matter. In most setups, the graphics card will be limiting performance more than anything. Maybe it will make more of a difference in future games that push the CPU harder though. However, if it's not considered worth paying $10-20 more for an extra 5% or so more performance in CPU-limited scenarios, then what does that say about the value of paying an extra $100 or so for something like an i7-8700 over a Ryzen 2600/2600X for around an extra 10% performance in those CPU-limited scenarios? It's something worth thinking about, anyway.

 

[vMax]

I'm not sure as the power phases are pretty small..This ASRock B360M Pro would be better and it is only $83 and this MSI H370 Gaming Pro Carbon board is also really good for the money, a bit more at $119.99:

https://www.amazon.com/ASRock-B360-PRO4-CrossFireX-Motherboard/dp/B07BMVTZDY/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1531961775&sr=1-3&keywords=Asrock+B360M+Pro4

https://www.amazon.com/MSI-H370-GAMING-PRO-CARBON/dp/B07BZ4G91Q/ref=sr_1_17?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1531962277&sr=1-17&keywords=z370+motherboard

and if you are desperate for Wifi, then this GIGABYTE B360 AORUS GAMING 3 WIFI board has Wifi and is at $117.88

https://www.amazon.com/B360-AORUS-GAMING-WIFI-Motherboard/dp/B07BQBWWY5/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1531962705&sr=1-1&keywords=b360+wifi

all of them will do a good job...And the money saved can go to a better GPU!!!!!!

 

[vMax]

As to cryoburner's point, if gaming is your primary purpose, then Intel will always be a bit better across the board and only you can decide whether it is worth it...The Ryzen will also game well but will excell if you are doing any productivity work like rendering, editing etc.

As to value, heck the 8400 will do a stellar job in gaming trading blows with both the 2600 and 2700 non overclocked, with the 8600 better and the 8700 best af all the non overclocking options. Personaly the GPU is the key part in the gaming setup, so save what you can and throw the rest at the GPU..

 

[refmon]

As to cryoburner's point, if gaming is your primary purpose, then Intel will always be a bit better across the board and only you can decide whether it is worth it...The Ryzen will also game well but will excell if you are doing any productivity work like rendering, editing etc.

As to value, heck the 8400 will do a stellar job in gaming trading blows with both the 2600 and 2700 non overclocked, with the 8600 better and the 8700 best af all the non overclocking options. Personaly the GPU is the key part in the gaming setup, so save what you can and throw the rest at the GPU..

I bought my 1080ti first before everything so I am all set! But if decide to get a Z370-E for the increased ram speed should I just go all in a pick up a 8700k instead of a 8700?

 

[cryoburner]

Is this for gaming on a high refresh-rate screen, or at a high resolution? What kind of monitor are you planning on using?

The 8700K's stock boost clocks are only slightly higher than the 8700's, by just a couple percent or so. If you are not overclocking the 8700K, the 8700 should provide fairly similar performance, assuming you replace its bundled cooler with something a bit better to help it hit those boost clocks more reliably. Of course, if you are going for a build with high-end components like these, paying a little more more a Z370 motherboard and faster RAM might also be worthwhile. What are your complete planned specs for this build?

 

[refmon]

Is this for gaming on a high refresh-rate screen, or at a high resolution? What kind of monitor are you planning on using?

The 8700K's stock boost clocks are only slightly higher than the 8700's, by just a couple percent or so. If you are not overclocking the 8700K, the 8700 should provide fairly similar performance, assuming you replace its bundled cooler with something a bit better to help it hit those boost clocks more reliably. Of course, if you are going for a build with high-end components like these, paying a little more more a Z370 motherboard and faster RAM might also be worthwhile. What are your complete planned specs for this build?

Intel Core i5 3570K @ 3.40GHz 8.00GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 800MHz (9-9-9-24) Gigabyte Technology Co. Ltd. Z77X-UD3H (Intel Core i5-3570K CPU @ 3.40GHz Dell S2716DG (2560x1440@144Hz) 11GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti (EVGA)

I'm only going to be keep my graphics card with my new build since I need to change my cpu, RAM and motherboard.

This is strictly for gaming and current monitor supports 1440p at 144Hz

 

[vMax]

If only for gaming and you have a 144Hz 1440p Monitor!!!, then for me 8700 or even better the 8700K all the way...If you can afford it, you might as well go all in and have a powerfull gaming setup as the 1080ti will drive the 8700/8700K and in turn drive the 144Hz 1440p monitor very well for a great gaming experience. Get a decent Z370 Motherboard like the ASRock Xtreme 4 which is cost effective with a very good VRM setup and as cryoburner has said, the DDR4 3000/3200MHz can be utilised to drive just a little more performance overall.

You will need to factor in a decent air cooler or AIO like the Dark Rock 4 or something similar. I can only give you my experience and I have the 8700K @4.9GHz not delided as my daily driver and the overclock was fairly easy to achieve. In fact 4.8 just requires a change to the multiplyer...If you are absolutly not planning to overclock at all the 8700 will more than do the job but I would still get the 8700K but thats just me as I know regret would set in at a later date for me..,.... Dont forget all the Z370 motherboards have overclock presets and the lower presets like 4.7 all core and 4.8 all core are more than fine to use and is just a 1 click option in the bios anything higher than 4.8 and i would recommend a proper manual overclock to keep voltage down.

Sorry about the overly long ramble...

 

[Gaidax]

Getting 8700K and Z370 is well worth the money. 8700 is fine, but from my personal experience of previous rig being I7 4770 with H motherboard - thing works well, but if I would buy K series CPU and Z motherboard I would be able to extend that PC's life by at least another year due to OC basically giving next gen performance compared to stock non-K CPU.