How strict are Motherboard QVLs for Ram

[heman123]

Like the QVL says it supports 8gb ram with a speed of 2400 for G.skill ripjaw. I kind of want higher speed memory, but I don't know if the motherboard will support the same type of ram but just with 3000 MHz rather than 2400 MHz.

Motherboard is ASRock AB350 Pro4

 

[Darkbreeze]

The QVL is only the result of a FEW models that they bothered to test. Usually, early on. There are likely double or triple, if not more, modules that will work with any given board besides just what is listed on the motherboard QVL list.

For Ryzen, I'd stick to modules listed here:

http://www.overclock.net/forum/18051-memory/1627555-ryzen-memory-ic-collection-thread.html


AND, the first thing you want to do is update your motherboard bios. Right off the bat. Do not even try to configure anything or install the OS. Just assemble the system, start up, go into the bios, and update using whatever is the most recent bios update off the motherboard product page.

 

[geofelt]

You want documented ram compatibility. If you should ever have a problem, you want supported ram.
Otherwise, you risk a finger pointing battle between the ram and motherboard support sites, claiming "not my problem".
One place to check is your motherboards web site.
Look for the ram QVL list. It lists all of the ram kits that have been tested with that particular motherboard.
Sometimes the QVL list is not updated after the motherboard is released.
For more current info, go to a ram vendor's web site and access their ram selection configurator.
Enter your motherboard, and you will get a list of compatible ram kits.
While today's motherboards are more tolerant of different ram, it makes sense to buy ram that is known to work and is supported.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Actually, Ryzen is probably less memory tolerant than any other platform I can recall from the last fifteen years or so. At least, up until recently. All the more reason why you want documented compatibility as you say.

While the list of Ryzen compatible modules at the link I pointed to are not memory or board partner authorized/documented, they are fairly well vetted. I would not have an issue using any module on those lists and as long as you have a fairly recent bios version, should not be a problem.

I've also never had any issues with the finger pointing between support departments, but I don't doubt that it could be an issue so if you are somebody not willing to deal with a little bit of self resolution if a problem arises, then it might be best to stick to modules that ARE on either the memory manufacturers list of compatible modules or on the motherboard QVL sheet. I've never had to do this though but I tend to buy higher quality modules most of the time too. Guess it really just depends on the situation.