Z170MX Gaming 5 - do I have to modify settings to use 2600mhz ram?

[Retrorecall]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to the community and also new to building a computer. I'm about to start my first build and I purchased the z170mx. I naturally have some questions about my motherboard. Bear with me:

1. I'm unclear as to what it means when it says it supports RAM speeds above 2133MHz, listed as overclock. As shown on gigabyte's site here If I put in, for example 2400mhz ram, it will be overclock, but do I have to do something to enable it and have my motherboard use it correctly?

2. Is it safe to use an SSD not on the qualified vendor's list?

3. Lastly, must I install the 8pin power connector on the board, as well as the 24pin?? The manuals say if I plan on doing extreme overclocking, I do plan on OC'ing an i5-6600k from 3.5 to about 4Ghz, if that counts. I have a PSU with 2 x 4pin if that is ok.

Any help is appreciated, many thanks.

 

[Calvin7]

DDR4 RAM modules will run out of the box at a frequency of 2133MHz. You can enable either the memory’s XMP Profile or manually set the memory clock, DRAM timings, and DRAM voltage.

Qualified Vendor's List is not all inclusive but shows what has been tested and what works.

The 4+4 pin CPU power connector also needs to be connected.

 

[Retrorecall]

DDR4 RAM modules will run out of the box at a frequency of 2133MHz. You can enable either the memory’s XMP Profile or manually set the memory clock, DRAM timings, and DRAM voltage.

Qualified Vendor's List is not all inclusive but shows what has been tested and what works.

The 4+4 pin CPU power connector also needs to be connected.

thanks a lot this answers everything!

 

[Tradesman1]

Make sure you have the latest BIOS - then use XMP

On SSDs especially the M.2 SSDs you must ensure it goes to the mobo specs, there are a number of types of M.2 SSDs, if thinking the 'normal' SSDs there are numerous, in addition to and QVL they put out

Yes you want the 4/8 Pin EPS connector

 

[Retrorecall]

Make sure you have the latest BIOS - then use XMP

On SSDs especially the M.2 SSDs you must ensure it goes to the mobo specs, there are a number of types of M.2 SSDs, if thinking the 'normal' SSDs there are numerous, in addition to and QVL they put out

Yes you want the 4/8 Pin EPS connector

I was originally planning on getting an m.2 for the boot up disc but it's still a bit out of my price range at the moment, but for future I think it will happen. I've read some people have been having issues with my board but there's some bios settings that need to be adjusted in order for it to work. This isn't necessary with regular SSDs is it? thanks

 

[Tradesman1]

Shouldn't be issues unless say an older SSD i.e. the SF 12xx controllers weren't to full SATA spec and wouldn't work with Haswell chipsets