Recommendations for new RAM

[Codelyoko373]

This is my Motherboard: https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/FM2-A55M-E33/Overview

I'm in need of some new RAM though due to my lack of knowledge when it comes to this area... I'm not exactly sure what to get so I thought It'd be best to ask here instead of just buying some RAM and finding it doesn't work with my motherboard.
What I'm looking for is just 8GB, either 1 or 2 sticks though I've previously only used 1. RAM that of course my motherboard will support.

I'd very much appreciate if it someone could help me

 

[marksavio]

the best RAM you can get for that board is a DDR3 2x4Gb CAS 9 2133Mhz memory kit.
you can check the specs for your motherboard in their site. a kingston KHX1866C9D3K2/8GX can do for you.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Most FX and FM2 systems are very fickle about compatibility with memory that is faster than 1866mhz. At least without some amount of bios configuration fiddling. This is what I would recommend, as the least expensive hassle free option.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Memory: G.Skill - Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $69.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-01-22 00:17 EST-0500

 

[MeanMachine41]

Hi Codelyoko373

I don't know your current RAM however most quality DIMMs have a lifetime Warranty so if the RAM you have failed then you may have an RMA.

For 8Gb I recommend Corsair 1x8 single module Part # CMZ8GX3M2A1866C9
For 2x4 in a two module kit then Corsair Part # CMY8GX3M2A1866C9

A two module kit is best which will enable dual channel operation.

Both the above are listed on the MB QVL and tested in conjunction with your MB.

There are other quality kits available if the above are no longer in stock.

 

[Darkbreeze]

I must NEEDS argue against the purchase of a single module. If you want the best performance you will want dual modules, purchased in a matched set, so that they will operate in dual channel mode which doubles the effective bandwidth. Not doing so leaves some memory performance on the table, and single modules are really not cheaper by ENOUGH to make the tradeoff worth it.

If you HAVE to do that, then of course a single 8GB module is better than 2 x2GB, but 2 x4GB would be better still. There is always the option to get a single 8GB module now and add another later, and often they WILL work in dual channel when purchased separately but there are NO guarantees and quite often the memory or motherboard can be finicky and not want to run together in dual channel when they were not purchased in a matched set. Sometimes, they may not work together at all. I try to always purchase matched pairs or quad sets in the amount I expect to need for that machine from the outset, so that the risk of not easily finding memory that works with the single stick I bought, later, is eliminated.

Good luck.

 

[Codelyoko373]

Most FX and FM2 systems are very fickle about compatibility with memory that is faster than 1866mhz. At least without some amount of bios configuration fiddling. This is what I would recommend, as the least expensive hassle free option.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Memory: G.Skill - Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $69.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-01-22 00:17 EST-0500

Just wondering since you mentioned "Most FX and FM2 systems are very fickle about compatibility with memory that is faster than 1866mhz". Should that Ram set work off the bat? or will I have to fiddle around?

 

[Darkbreeze]

Almost ALL memory has to have it's basic XMP or AMP profile "set" in the bios in order to run at it's advertised speed. Almost every memory module made in the last fifteen years, or longer, has a basic JEDEC SPD profile that the memory defaults too when the system is first run. For most recent DDR3 systems that was 1600mhz and for most DDR4 systems it is 2133mhz, although there are a few that default to 2400mhz apparently although I've not seen this it has been confirmed through reliable sources.

In order to run at anything other than the default SPD profile you pretty much always need to go into the bios and assign the XMP or AMP profile, depending on whether it is an Intel or AMD system, which will load the recommended profile settings for speed, latency, voltage, timing and sub timings automatically based on the recommended configuration that is part of the modules profile options.

There SHOULD not be anything other than that you need to do and most all motherboard manuals tell you exactly how to select the XMP/AMP profile for a given motherboard. It's not like having to tune in a memory module. It's simply changing a single setting in the bios, although, in some cases there CAN be further "fiddling" necessary if the speed of the memory is faster than what the system likes or wants to run them at based on the board, CPU in use and whether or not the CPU is overclocked.

Some very fast memory requires at least a small overclock of the CPU in order achieve the advertised memory speed in order to get the memory controller up to a speed that will handle the desired memory clock speed. Also, sometimes a small bump in memory voltage is necessary in order to get the memory to run at the faster speed stably. Generally, for FX and FM2 systems, this is not required for 1600-1866mhz modules which is why I didn't recommend going above that. Of course, FM2 systems, and really all systems in general, WILL run somewhat faster with faster memory so if you don't MIND having to do some fiddling in the bios beyond just setting the XMP/AMP profile then a 2133mhz module might make more sense.

You can always run a faster module at a slower speed anyhow, if you find you are unable to get it to run at it's faster advertised speed, but you cannot always get a system to run a module at a speed faster than it's advertised speed without at least some amount of fiddling with the configuration.

So, yes, it should run at 1866mhz without any major difficulties. As I said, you will likely have to make a change in the bios though to the XMP/AMP profile. The same could be said for 2133mhz modules as well, but not as often. It is MORE likely that additional configuration tweaking will be necessary with a 2133mhz module than with an 1866mhz module.

Also, it's a good idea to make sure you have the very latest motherboard bios version installed before doing anything beyond the basic default configuration.