PC update - Which RAM and will it be compatible?

[stielar]

I'm about to update my decade-old PC, will update almost everything. I'm going to be getting:

Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-990FXA-UD3 RETAIL
CPU: AMD FX8350 4.0GHZ 8-CORE
SSD: CRUCIAL CT512MX100SSD1 MX100 512GB 2.5'' INTERNAL SSD SATA3


And I'm wondering what RAM to buy. I've narrowed it down to these two choices:

1) G.SKILL F3-1866C8D-16GTX 16GB (2X8GB) DDR3 PC3-14900 1866MHZ TRIDENTX DUAL CHANNEL KIT

2) G.SKILL F3-2133C9D-16GXH 16GB (2X8GB) DDR3 PC3-17000 2133MHZ RIPJAWSX DUAL CHANNEL KIT


At first I was thinking about the Ripjaws due to the 2133 MHZ, but then I read that it's not certain you can reach this, and to do so you need some overclocking... I'm not experienced at all in that aspect. So then I thought I should get the TridentX since it has CL 8 and it should work in 1866 from the get go.


My questions are:

1) Are these two options compatible with the system I'm trying to build? I've read that it's quite easy to set up Gskill RAM with Intel processors, due to XPM compatibility, but what about AMD processors and compatible motherboards?

2) They're both priced the same almost (190 Euros for the Ripjaws, 193 for the TridentX)... which will work better with my system?

3) Anything else I should be worried about regarding my updates before ordering? Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[volcanoscout]

I would recommend the Trident X-series DRAM anyway, but your board is specced to support up to 2000 MHz(O.C.) so the 2133 would be running downclocked. You could still make an argument for the benefits of 2000/9 over 1866/8, but they would be very small and I doubt you'd be able to tell the difference.

 

[stielar]

I could also get this motherboard: ASUS M5A99FX PRO R2.0 RETAIL and get 2133 MHz (OC) but as said previously, I have zero experience with overclocking and I assume that the overclock state allowing for 2133 MHz is not something that the motherboard goes into automatically, but I suppose I'd have to alter some settings.

But just to be sure, they would both be compatible? Meaning that when I will be done with placing all hardware in place, I wouldn't have any problems when I turned on my PC...?

 

[volcanoscout]

Usually for DRAM, the "O.C." involved is simply enabling a D.O.C.P. (DRAM Overclocking Profile) in your BIOS settings. Sometimes, depending on the CPU, you have to apply a slight overclock to the CPU also, or adjust the memory controller voltage.

When you say "would both be compatible", do you mean with the Gigabyte board or the Asus? With the GB board, both sets of DRAM are compatible, but you will need to O.C. the Ripjaws and it will max at 2000 MHz, not at it's rated 2133 MHz. Both sets are also compatible with the Asus board, and you should be able to get the full 2133 MHz rated speed for the Ripjaws.

Nobody can guarantee that you won't have any problems You will have warranties though - if for some reason the sticks won't work, or won't work to rated capacity, and none of your other components and settings are causing the problem, you can always return them for a refund or replacement. The G.Skill warranty is a lifetime warranty. (As is Corsair and most of the other major DRAM mfrs.)

 

[stielar]

Thank you volcanoscout. A follow-up question if you don't mind:

I know you already said that I'd hardly notice any difference between the two cards, but since they are basically priced the same, which one of the two is the best, assuming that they achieve their maximum MHz each.

 

[volcanoscout]

That's a margin-call. If they were the same model, I'd say go for the higher speed. As is, I think I'd still recommend the Trident Xs, although that would depend on which mobo you go with and what you use your system for. Also whether you'd be interested in applying additional overclock to the DRAM via manual settings.

 

[Tradesman1]

With the 8350 1866 shouldn't be a problem, 2133 might be, it all depends on your individual CPU and your patience, 2133 may just run fine, or may have to OC CPU, might havve to play a little with timings and/or DRAM voltage...for best results I've found the GsKill Ripjaws X and Snipers to be great choices, the Tridents may be a little harder (and since they have a bit of a premium to them price wise (at times can often find them discounted/on sale)...