Z170M Extreme4 memory question

[MikeD1]

Hi, I'm upgrading my rig and will be basing it on this motherboard.

I've checked the memory compatibility list below and have a couple of questions that I hope are easy for someone.
http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/Z170M%20Extreme4/?cat=Memory

1. I read the list (columns to the right) as saying that above 3000Mhz the memory options will only run in single channel configuration. Is that right?

2. They list corsair dominator platinum 16gb 3000Mhz. The kit they list is 4x 4gb sticks. Is there any reason why the same kit, but the 2x 8gb sticks won't work? I'm 99% sure that will be OK, but seeing as I was asking one question, I thought I'd double check.

Ideally, I'd like to go for a corsair dominator platinum 3400Mhz 4x 4gb kit (also not on their list) but that depends upon the answer to question 1.

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[n0ns3ns3]

The dominator is mostly pure marketing - hugely overpriced.
Go for vengeance line.
On the saved money get MB from asus. At least https://pcpartpicker.com/product/KgJkcf/asus-motherboard-z170progaming
It will contribute more to your system stability and overclockablity of the CPU

 

[bjornl]

I would strongly advice against ASUS. A former ASUS fan burned on his last two purchases. Asrock is well reviewed and does not seem to suffer from the QA problems plaguing ASUS. If I were to buy a 170 MB today I would get the one the OP linked to.

Highest possible clock rate for your ram is a nice idea, but it is seldom the bottle neck. I would select dual channel band and a lower clock rate, it is both cheaper and likely to give you a higher overall system performance. If you want to run memory not on their support list, contact Asrock support and find out if they will work and with what limitations.

 

[n0ns3ns3]

^ funny ... here are some RMA numbers for 2015
- ASUS 1,89% (contre 2,43%)
- Gigabyte 2,05% (contre 2,96%)
- ASRock 2,08% (contre 2,61%)
- MSI 2,55% (contre 2,82%)
The most returned motherboard is the ASRock H87M with 10.91% products returned
Yay !!! Asrock is the best 😉

 

[MikeD1]

Thanks for the input and ideas! I'm limited as I have a Micro-ATX case and I'd selected the ASRock one as I have one now that has been great and given me good OC stability. I also looked at some MB comparisons etc. for all z170 micro ATX boards and it performed very well against the more expensive ASUS board (ASUS Maximus VIII Gene). But, I will have another look again, based on your comments that it may be more stable

I was basing my DDR4 choice on a combination of this article http://www.trustedreviews.com/best-ddr4-ram_round-up and that I have an option to get some at a reduced price. If that doesn't work out, then I'd definitely go for the Vengeance instead.

Thanks bjornl for your help on memory too; I think I'm settling on 3000MHz running in dual channel, for the reasons you put.