MSI Z170A Gaming M3 and RAM Compatibility

[jimlau]

How finicky is the above MB with memory? There is a long official list of compatible RAM, but it's tedious trying to look up the latency of each and then which shop has it. Is it risky to get 2x8GB RAM not on the list? Does the CPU play a part in compatibility (I have the i7 6700K)?

Any RAM recommendations at 3000 or above?

Thanks.

 

[JackNaylorPE]

In 25 years of building PCs I have never used RAM "on the list"... well might have, stopped checking in the mid 90s.

I prefer Mushkin sets, but as they are real hard to get your hands on, this is what I am currently recommending ...
DDR4-3200 RAM at DDR4-2400 prices

CORSAIR Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) 288-Pin DDR4 SDRAM DDR4 3200 (PC4 25600) Desktop Memory Model CMK16GX4M2B3200C16W
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/jjZ2FT/corsair-vengeance-lpx-16gb-2-x-8gb-ddr4-3200-memory-cmk16gx4m2b3200c16w

We always avoid the silly tall heat sinks ... the only cooling they are intended to server is "looking cool" ... this avoids and cooler installation issues now or at any time in the future.

 

[AKI9527]

F4-3200C16D-16GVKB

MSI Gaming M3 in the QVL

http://

 

[jimlau]

Thanks. They both have timings of about 16-18-18-36. Trying for anything lower is essentially meaningless in performance?

Actually, found this 1 that G Skill says is compatible, even tho it is not included on the MSI website:

G Skill F4-3200C14D-16GTZ (14-14-14-36)

Look good?

Thanks again.