Does RAM have to be compatible with the CPU as well as the motherboard?

[ElMuchachoJumbo]

My question is if any RAM will work with any CPU as long as it works with the motherboard. The reason I ask this is because on the package of some RAM, it says "Compatible with Intel P55 & P67 platforms" (example). And if the compatibilty does depend on the CPU then does this RAM:
http://goo.gl/fdlNWk and http://goo.gl/MnC7d4
Work with this CPU:
http://goo.gl/WY2hl

Thanks!

 

[rj808x]

You can rationalize all you want, and make up scenarios all you want, paying premium prices for high freq DRAM makes no sense if your CPU can't handle it....now you reaching at straws, you might note that I and numerous others that know systems generally always ask people - why a K CPU in a non-OC mobo - like your example here a H87...which has nothing to do with your premise 'rule of thumb' that is a mobo can handle it then the CPU can - as I stated, yes it can run, but's it makes no sense to buy and pay a premium if the CPU can't run it at it's spec

I am only bringing up scenarios because there are flaws with your reasoning by claiming that the motherboard's spec is an outdated way of looking at things and not a factor. The purpose of a rule of thumb is to give a simple, broad answer that works for most scenarios. I am saying that if the mobo's specs says it can handle this type of CPU and this type of ram, your system will work. The way you're explaining it as long as the CPU and DRAM matches, the mobo is not a factor. The issue I have with your explanation is not every mobo can handle compatible CPU and DRAMs. Case in point I made is if you have a H87 and try to use it with a K CPU and a a DRAM such as 2133 DDR3. You can tack on all the cost saving philosophy to try to discredit the idea that having a mobo that is running a CPU and DRAM that is within specs a bad idea but in the end it will run. I can't say the same with your 2 out of 3 logic.

 

[Tradesman1]

Yes it will run, the CPU that people payed extra for to get the K model so they can OC will run at stock it won't OC, and the 2133 DRAM will run at the mobo default of 1333 (1600 if they know how to manually set it) and they will be ticked off they spent all that extra and can't use the products as advertised. If they do this based on your 'expert advice' are you going to pay the the difference in what they paid for what they wanted as opposed to what they got, performance wise? There is no two out of three logic, the logic is that all the parts need to be compatible and have the ability to operate together at their specifications...

 

[rj808x]

Yes it will run, the CPU that people payed extra for to get the K model so they can OC will run at stock it won't OC, and the 2133 DRAM will run at the mobo default of 1333 (1600 if they know how to manually set it) and they will be ticked off they spent all that extra and can't use the products as advertised. If they do this based on your 'expert advice' are you going to pay the the difference in what they paid for what they wanted as opposed to what they got, performance wise? There is no two out of three logic, the logic is that all the parts need to be compatible and have the ability to operate together at their specifications...

So basically you're saying that my so called outdated and laughable rule of thumb is valid. You're just trying to discredit it because of the cost? So in a question that has to do with if something will work, your response is to add your own philosophy about cost savings. Gotcha.

 

[Tradesman1]

Simply saying only an idiot would want to pay premium prices for something they can't use to it's potential, obviously you think it's perfectly fine to advise people to throw their money away....and that it's sad for people to live in the past, times and technologies change, people come here for help with their rigs and proposed rigs, not for for things that were 'rule of thumb' 6 or more years ago.

 

[rj808x]

Simply saying only an idiot would want to pay premium prices for something they can't use to it's potential, obviously you think it's perfectly fine to advise people to throw their money away....and that it's sad for people to live in the past, times and technologies change, people come here for help with their rigs and proposed rigs, not for for things that were 'rule of thumb' 6 or more years ago.

You're really holding on to this cost thing to try to disprove something that actually works. You do realize the question was whether it will work and the word cost or price was not in the question right? Just realize that you started off saying that the mobo is not important then you flip flopped saying it factors in compatibility, negating your initial stance. All you're doing now is pushing your own agenda in an attempt to be the only opinion that matters. My response is based on a tried and true concept. If the conditions were met as previously stated where he uses a ram and cpu a mobo specifies the system will run. You stated looking at the mobo's spec is laughable. I provided technical flaws with your logic, and all you came up with was it's possibly more expensive. I'm sure a person would rather have a working system than a cheap lemon. But if you keep wanting to go down this path of trying to discredit others just to satisfy your ego that you are the expert in everything at the cost of disregarding computer fundamentals then that's equally laughable.

 

[Tradesman1]

Does it actually work, generally yes as I stated in my first response. I said Yes then explained you don't want to get DRAM where the freq exceeds what the CPU can handle.

What I have pointed out is that it's just plain stupid to A) Buy DRAM that your CPU can't use to it's potential, it's throwing money away, pure and simple, but if that's the kind of advice you wish to give that's up to you. I have my own systems business and have had for about 16 years now, though I have no doubt in my mind if I gave 'advice' such as your little 'rule of thumb' I would have been out of business in no time at all... I primarily build high end rigs and often money is not an issue on any component, but I have yet to ever have someone want to throw money away on DRAM their proposed rig can't handle...I wasn't trying to discredit you, I simply pointed out that your rule of thumb was outdated, which is is, it went out with the socket 775 when the MC was on the mobo, just a correction as others will no doubt see this and that is one of the many myths that no longer apply fo rth simple reason people buy high freq DRAM to run at high freqs that are specified, not at a mobos default.

 

[rj808x]

Does it actually work, generally yes as I stated in my first response. I said Yes then explained you don't want to get DRAM where the freq exceeds what the CPU can handle.

What I have pointed out is that it's just plain stupid to A) Buy DRAM that your CPU can't use to it's potential, it's throwing money away, pure and simple, but if that's the kind of advice you wish to give that's up to you. I have my own systems business and have had for about 16 years now, though I have no doubt in my mind if I gave 'advice' such as your little 'rule of thumb' I would have been out of business in no time at all... I primarily build high end rigs and often money is not an issue on any component, but I have yet to ever have someone want to throw money away on DRAM their proposed rig can't handle...I wasn't trying to discredit you, I simply pointed out that your rule of thumb was outdated, which is is, it went out with the socket 775 when the MC was on the mobo, just a correction as others will no doubt see this and that is one of the many myths that no longer apply fo rth simple reason people buy high freq DRAM to run at high freqs that are specified, not at a mobos default.

You're so caught up with trying to prove a point with the cost of Ram which you even have to state your job to somehow strengthen your argument that I think you've lost sight of the original question. The question that was asked was "My question is if any RAM will work with any CPU as long as it works with the motherboard". My position has been the motherboard specs state what it can support. If the ram is supported by the motherboard and the CPU is supported by the motherboard will it function? My answer is clearly yes, yet you're taking the approach yes, but its not cheap and its bad business. I'm giving a straightforward answer and you're trying to question a technical answer with the philosophies of good purchases. On top of that you call it out dated, laughable, etc and say you're not trying to discredit the idea? There is a very simple solution to your cost issue that you're having you know. All a person has to do is shop around for a cheaper price... its not as if all DRAM are the exact same cost.

 

[Ramjam]

I myself would rather get good advice on memory on memory as Tradesman1 has offered than out of date generalities

 

[Frostcorpse]

@ Tradesman1...I have a I7-960 proc that handles ram up to 1066, my mobo is Asus sabertooth x58 which handles ram up to 1600. I'm planning to buy a set 2x4gb Gskill at 1600 (because in the near future I want to upgrade mobo and processor), but do you think I will have any sort of problems if I use those ram with my current setup? Even if I will underclock them at 1066 for the time being. I'm asking because I bought 2x4gb corsair vengeance at 1600 about 1 year ago and yesterday...both died. So I'm not sure if it's related to the processor not handling the rams or not...

 

[Tradesman1]

They should run OK at the lower settings without problem, not sure why the others died, could be power issues or some other problem, even weak DRAM to begin with, or running at odd settings which over stressed them. What DRAM are you looking at to buy, model #....not all newer models will be compatible

 

[Frostcorpse]

They should run OK at the lower settings without problem, not sure why the others died, could be power issues or some other problem, even weak DRAM to begin with, or running at odd settings which over stressed them. What DRAM are you looking at to buy, model #....not all newer models will be compatible

I don't really know yet, so far I'm researching differences between G Skill series...Ares, Ripjaws and RipjawsX, basically I want 2x4Gb at 1600mhz so I don't need to buy a new set when I get a different mobo and proc. Do you have any ideas/suggestions? Strictly about G Skill, since I'm not going for corsair again and I'm also kinda sick of kingston, kingmax and stuff like that, kept having bad luck for more than 10 years now )

 

[Tradesman1]

I'd look at the original Ripjaws series (not the X or Z lines) with your rig

 

[Frostcorpse]

Alright, will do. Thank you for the help, I'll come back with updates after I pick something over the next days

 

[Frostcorpse]

@ Tradesman1 I can only find normal Ripjaws in either 4gb a piece or 2gb when looking at local vendors (I live in Denmark)...the only one that I was able to find in 8 Gb a piece is this...G.Skill RipjawsX 16GB DDR3 1600MHz (F3-12800CL10D-16GBXL) (2x8GB)...the price is cool, but do you think I would have any problems with my rig? after I underclock to 1066, ofc. Cause I'm still not sure what's the difference in simple, X and Y Ripjaw series

 

[Tradesman1]

Ripjaws X use the high density memory ICs as do the Z series - the X was designed towards dual channel operations for the 1155 socket originally where the Z series was designed towards the 2011 and quad channel, main differences are slight and primarily in the secondary timings and of course the look (heatsink)

 

[Frostcorpse]

I see, but my question stands, how do you think https://www.dustinhome.dk/product/5010792185/ripjaws-x?utm_campaign=edbpriser&utm_source=edbpriser.dk&utm_medium=pricecompare&utm_content=5637146160&ssel=false#specifications or http://www.pricerunner.dk/cl/38/RAM?other_hits=%3B%3B171%7C22596%3B&q=g.skill+ripjaws+16gb+kit+ddr3+1600mhz&ref=redirect&search=g.skill+ripjaws+16gb+kit+ddr3+1600mhz&sp=1 will do in my current setup? I started researching and I think my next upgrade will be an Asus Maximus VII Hero + Intel I7-4790K, but it will take a few months to get the money for the mobo and processor

 

[Tradesman1]

The Ripjaws

http://www.pricerunner.dk/cl/38/RAM?other_hits=%3B%3B171|22596%3B&q=g.skill+ripjaws+16gb+kit+ddr3+1600mhz&ref=redirect&search=g.skill+ripjaws+16gb+kit+ddr3+1600mhz&sp=1

would be best with current and could run in the newer Hero build also when it comes