Question RAM for old Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UD5H: comparing G.Skill snipers...

[pchaplo]

I'm a photographer, not an expert in these RAM compatibility matters. I have a Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UD5H motherboard / i5 4690k and in the past I used the following:

old RAM that I am replacing:
G.SKILL Sniper Gaming Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1866 (PC3 14900) Desktop Memory Model F3-1866C10D-16GSR

The new RAM that I am considering for purchase. Can I use these?:
G.SKILL Sniper Series (2 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 2133 (PC3 17000) F3-2133C10D-16GSR ?

Thanks, Paul

 

[Eximo]

In what way? Adding more memory, or replacing?

Probably yes to both, but it will have to run at the slower 2133 speed, unless you try overclocking the 2133. Highly possible, might be worth giving it a try.

When you mix memory modules, you will have to set the timings manually. It may default to 2133 at very poor timings to boot.

 

[jay32267]

I think they have a good chance at working.
Try them. I think they might run at 1600 if you don't OC them.

 

[pchaplo]

In what way? Adding more memory, or replacing?

Probably yes to both, but it will have to run at the slower 2133 speed, unless you try overclocking the 2133. Highly possible, might be worth giving it a try.

When you mix memory modules, you will have to set the timings manually. It may default to 2133 at very poor timings to boot.

Replacing. Thanks for asking.

 

[pchaplo]

... it will have to run at the slower 2133 speed, unless you try overclocking the 2133.

Eximo, the 2133 is slower than the old ones? I am replacing all.

In a sense was the old model of RAM a better match somehow?

 

[pchaplo]

These are my motherboard specs: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UD5H LGA 1150 Z97:
"Memory: 4x DDR3-3200(OC)/ 3100(OC)/ 3000(OC)/ 2933(OC)/ 2800(OC)/ 2666(OC)/ 2600(OC)/ 2500(OC)/ 2400(OC)/ 2200(OC)/ 2133(OC)/ 2000(OC)/ 1866(OC)/ 1800(OC)/ 1600/ 1333 DIMM Slots, Dual Channel, Non-ECC, Max Capacity of 32GB"
CPU Support: Support for Intel Core i7 processors/Intel Core i5 processors/Intel Core i3 processors/Intel Pentium processors/Intel Celeron processors in the LGA1150 package"

Does this mean that the 2133 RAM that I have found will work just as well as the old 1866s that I am completelyreplacing? The model numbers seem to have alot in common:
old: F3-1866C10D-16GSR
new: F3-2133C10D-16GSR (proposed for purchase now)

 

[Eximo]

Oh sorry, I somehow read that as 2133 and 2400, my mistake.

Well, not a huge jump in speed, but it will work.

I caution you that the 2133 is rated at 1.6v rather than 1.5, so you will be exceeding Intel's stock specs. 1.65 volts is the rated maximum, but 'normal' is 1.5 volts.

There are other memory choices you could make that would be better.
2133 at 1.5 volts, with similar timings:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00S28VVGO?tag=pcpapi-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1

 

[gskill support]

The two kits are not significantly different. To upgrade your system we recommend one of these:

https://www.newegg.com/g-skill-32gb...&cm_re=gskill_32gb-_-9SIA1K64292995-_-Product

https://www.newegg.com/g-skill-32gb...32gb&cm_re=gskill_32gb-_-20-231-572-_-Product

These kits maximize the capability of your system; the additional capacity is ideal for photographers that deal with large files.

 

[pchaplo]

Oh sorry, I somehow read that as 2133 and 2400, my mistake.

Well, not a huge jump in speed, but it will work.

I caution you that the 2133 is rated at 1.6v rather than 1.5, so you will be exceeding Intel's stock specs. 1.65 volts is the rated maximum, but 'normal' is 1.5 volts.

There are other memory choices you could make that would be better.
2133 at 1.5 volts, with similar timings:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00S28VVGO?tag=pcpapi-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1

Oh, that 0.1 v difference is significant. Didnt know that. If I bump up the voltage +0.1v to 1.6 in BIOS, with my GA 97Z UD5H board, is that a solution?

 

[pchaplo]

The two kits are not significantly different. To upgrade your system we recommend one of these:

https://www.newegg.com/g-skill-32gb-240-pin-ddr3-sdram/p/N82E16820231618?Description=gskill 32gb&cm_re=gskill_32gb--9SIA1K64292995--Product

https://www.newegg.com/g-skill-32gb-240-pin-ddr3-sdram/p/N82E16820231572?Description=gskill 32gb&cm_re=gskill_32gb--20-231-572--Product

These kits maximize the capability of your system; the additional capacity is ideal for photographers that deal with large files.

I like the 32GB sets. Thanks. My old RAM (G.Skill Sniper's above; loved 'em) was 1.5v. The RAM that you suggest -- both examples are 1.6v. Is that an issue for me? (also both link show no stock -- not surprised as its legacy. sigh). Do I see if the RAM you suggest will run at 1.5v? If not, how do you suggest that I increase the voltage to 1.6v? You can see my motherboard info above and in my signature. Thanks for being here!

 

[Eximo]

It is technically within spec. But that does mean more power running through the memory controller, which is in the CPU. Should set itself when you select the XMP profile.

It is just something I have learned to avoid. Even though I replace my primary hardware fairly often, I do like what I buy to last a while, and the last system I had with high voltage memory has started having memory issues. Could be a coincidence, but less voltage to get the job done is always better.

Speaking of G.Skill Sniper DDR3 1866, was my go to DDR3 kit, have 24GB worth in various systems.

 

[gskill support]

Yes, with XMP Profile enabled the system can automatically detect and configure settings. Place the system under load with CPU temperature monitoring software to make sure the CPU cooler is sufficient. That is the main concern by maximizing memory capabilities.