Would putting in RAM faster than what a motherboard can support work?

[AsdfNinja]

Hello guys, I was wondering, what would happen if you would put RAM into a motherboard that cannot technically support it. For example, DDR4 RAM into DDR3 slot, or 12/16 gigs into a mobo with a maximum of 8 or so, or maybe even putting 2133MHz into a mobo that can support a max of 1866MHz, or less. If all examples could somehow work on a separate level, would it be the same if they were all combined into a nasty soup of unsupporting-ness?

 

[COLGeek]

You cannot install DDR4 memory into a DDR3 slot. They are configured (physically) different and you'll end up damaging the slots and the memory modules.

 

[COLGeek]

Adding more memory than a motherboard is listed as supporting can work in some cases. It really depends on what specific devices are under consideration.

 

[elbert]

The first 2 is a no go but higher speed ram will work. Most RAM has more than one speed setting with its stated being the fastest. That said you could also run into a voltage issue where the motherboard doesn't support the voltage. Try to stick to jedec spec voltage ram.