Does RAM HAVE to be on compatibilty list?

[Andromendous]

This is my build
https://pcpartpicker.com/user/Andromendous/builds/

I want to upgrade to this RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820232213&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-PCPartPicker,%20LLC-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

It isn't listen on MSI's compatibility list. But there are very similar kits listed.

the only difference is the CAS, the one I wast has CAS of 14-14-14-34

The others are like 15-16-16-36

Do you think it will work? I don't see why it wouldn't maybe its not listed because they just didn't get that exact kit to try?

any thoughts?

 

[InvalidError]

It only needs to be on the QVL if you want official vendor support for the motherboard + RAM combination. If you don't mind dealing with the vendor's return policy instead of the manufacturer, then you can do that.

Most DIMMs will work in most mohterboards but it is never 100% guaranteed unless either vendor list the other's parts in its product's QVL.

In my case, I have 4x8GB in my PC, the DIMMs I have are not listed in either QVLs and it still works perfectly fine.

 

[Andromendous]

It only needs to be on the QVL if you want official vendor support for the motherboard + RAM combination. If you don't mind dealing with the vendor's return policy instead of the manufacturer, then you can do that.

Most DIMMs will work in most mohterboards but it is never 100% guaranteed unless either vendor list the others parts in its product's QVL.

In my case, I have 4x8GB in my PC, the DIMMs I have are not listed in either QVLs and it still works perfectly fine.

OK, well I don't see why it wouldn't work, I mean, there is an IDENTICAL kit, the ONLY difference is its a 32GB kit 8x4 and its 3200mhz. So in other words, its the same exact kit only 3200mz. No reason why that shouldn't work, you'd think.....

Now the only other worry of mine, is I have overclocked my 6600k to 4.2GHz, which isnt a WHOLE lot, but should it be fine with 3000MHz memory @ 1.35v?

 

[MeanMachine41]

You don't have to stick to the QVL especially considering that not all QVLs are updated on a regular basis.
There are literally thousands of varying Dimm kits released with different latency each month.
If you do however, they may play fair and they may not. If the MB supports a particular official frequency then its best to choose your kit accordingly.
Higher frequency Dimms don't provide a great deal of performance gain when gaming and are considered an OC so it then depends on the strength of your chips IMC.
Always check with the vendor as to their policy for returning mismatched RAM.

If you choose a kit that have not been tested in conjunction with the MB then you need knowledge of your Bios to Tweak Primary Timings and voltage adjustment.

Your MSI Z170A KRAIT GAMING 3X officially supports up to 3600Mhz however frequencies above 2400MHz are considered an OC.