Question Considering buying the ASRock X870 Steel Legend... Wondering about user experiences with this board?

[Dunkz]

Would like to hear others' experience of this board, i am thinking of buying it for a new build (with 9800X3D), i'm wondering how the board behaves currently.

Probably going with G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB 2x16GB 6000 Ram (30-36-36-96) but would have preferred non-RGB RAM, but can't see the non-RGB version on the QVL list, do i assume the non-RGB version will work? anyone had experience using the non-RGB version of these ram sticks? What about using Corsair RAM, Vengeance or Dominator Platinum, anyone had issues with them?

Also wondering about the M.2 slot top heatsink covers, i'm concerned about whether the top heatsink covers actually make contact with the M.2 SSD chips or not when a drive is installed (and therefore whether they are effective at dissipating heat) or whether i should remove them and buy M.2 SSD with its own heatsink? is this a problem area or not? any M.2 drive recommendations that you know the motherboard heatsink works well with?

Grateful for any experiences you can share about this board

 

[wekeko9608]

Would like to hear others' experience of this board, i am thinking of buying it for a new build (with 9800X3D), i'm wondering how the board behaves currently.

Probably going with G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB 2x16GB 6000 Ram (30-36-36-96) but would have preferred non-RGB RAM, but can't see the non-RGB version on the QVL list, do i assume the non-RGB version will work? anyone had experience using the non-RGB version of these ram sticks? What about using Corsair RAM, Vengeance or Dominator Platinum, anyone had issues with them?

Also wondering about the M.2 slot top heatsink covers, i'm concerned about whether the top heatsink covers actually make contact with the M.2 SSD chips or not when a drive is installed (and therefore whether they are effective at dissipating heat) or whether i should remove them and buy M.2 SSD with its own heatsink? is this a problem area or not? any M.2 drive recommendations that you know the motherboard heatsink works well with?

Grateful for any experiences you can share about this board

Hello @Dunkz,
When it comes to building your system with the above-mentioned G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB 2x16GB 6000MHz RAM, it's likely that the non-RGB version will work similarly, considering their specs are typically identical. However, always check your motherboard's QVL (Qualified Vendor List) to ensure compatibility2. Many users have had positive experiences with Corsair Vengeance and Dominator Platinum RAMs, known for their performance and reliability.

Regarding the M.2 slot top heatsink covers, they can be effective, but it depends on the specific design. Heatsinks generally help in dissipating heat more effectively. If you're concerned, consider using M.2 SSDs with their own heatsinks to ensure optimal cooling. Popular options include the Samsung 990 Pro w/Heatsink and WD_BLACK SN850X Gaming SSD4.

Best regards,
Weekeko Henry

 

[Dunkz]

thanks for the reply, its curious because the G.Skill RGB version is on the Mobo QVL but not the non-RGB version! although on the G.Skill website itself, it shows the ASRock mobo on the QVL list for the non-RGB version.

i can't find the Dominator Platinum RAM kit at all on the Mobo QVL.

not sure what to make of all that other than to go with the G.Skill RGB version just to be sure.

On the M.2 point ive heard other people talk about putting thermal pads on top of the M.2 drives to make sure there is contact between the chips and the heatsink components. Perhaps a drive with its own heatsink is better option.