Z68 vs. z77 RAM compatibility

[nakota2]

Hi there,
I selected a Gigabyte z68 board and found some suitable RAM from G.Skill for it. The Z68 became unavailable from the store where I want to buy all my gear from and I also discovered that it didn't have USB 3.0 support. I found an equivalent z77 from Gigabyte but want to know if the same RAM will suit or not? I had selected 2133 RAM for the z68 but the z77 will only support up to 1600. I would like to match the RAM to the motherboard in terms of speed or isn't that necessary? Would a 1600 board also detect 2133 RAM but just not take full advantage of that speed?

Regards,
John.

 

[abekl]

The Z77 board won't recognize 2133 ram as 2133, but will recognize it as 1600.

 

[nikorr]

Hi there,
I selected a Gigabyte z68 board and found some suitable RAM from G.Skill for it. The Z68 became unavailable from the store where I want to buy all my gear from and I also discovered that it didn't have USB 3.0 support. I found an equivalent z77 from Gigabyte but want to know if the same RAM will suit or not? I had selected 2133 RAM for the z68 but the z77 will only support up to 1600. I would like to match the RAM to the motherboard in terms of speed or isn't that necessary? Would a 1600 board also detect 2133 RAM but just not take full advantage of that speed?

Regards,
John.

Whats the RAM?

The speed is decided by the CPU's integrated memory controller - IMC. If it is a high performance RAM, u can go higher in the BIOS.

But to get to the max speed, u need to have the right RAM as well.

With latest Intel CPU's, it will increase the performance that u might not even notice.

 

[jaquith]

Simple, assuming an XMP single set of DDR3-2133 make one change in the BIOS as follows then save. Most all Gigabyte's have the same options; below is from a Z77 (GA-Z77X-UD3H) Support for DDR3 2666(OC)/1600/1333/1066 MHz memory modules.

Any frequency with SB > DDR3-1333 or IB > DDR3-1600 is considered an '(OC)', but either CPU can handle DDR3-2133 as long as the MOBO's BIOS offers a setting. Frequencies of ...1333, 1600, 1866, 2133, 2400, 2666 are all part of the 100MHz BCLK (default SB, SB-E & IB CPUs); example DDR3-2000 is not and is a part of an older 133.33MHz BCLK or with an X79 (2 clocks) possible.

BIOS / MIT
Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.) -> Profile1
Save & Exit = Yes

If you have issues then please post your: CPU, MOBO, BIOS version, and a 'link' to your RAM's kit. Use XMP only if using (1) one kit. Multiple kits the CAS Timings and Voltage might requires small changes.

Once up and running create a bootable copy of Memtest86+ on a CD/DVD from the ISO/zip file and then run for at least 4 passes (1-4 hours depending on the GB's of RAM). Download - http://www.memtest.org/#downiso

/note: sometimes running RAM other than it's Rated Frequency, CAS timings, and Voltages i.e. DDR3-1600 from a DDR3-2133 Kit can create an instability. Use only the 'SPD' or 'XMP' encoded on your RAM; to find out this information use CPU-z and look at the 'SPD' tab - http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html

Example:

 

[nakota2]

OK guys, here are some details:

Motherboard
Gigabyte GA-Z77-D3H

CPU
Intel Core i5 2500K

RAM (originally selected for z68 board)
G.Skill
PC-17000/2133 Ares F3-2133C9Q-16GAB

See if that helps at all.

 

[jaquith]

The Ares F3-2133C9Q-16GAB has a rather high VCCIO (VCCSA) Voltage (1.25v @ Rated) requirement that you 'might' need to add if XMP doesn't modify that voltage. So IF unstable then DRAM Voltage Control /Enter then look for VCCIO or (QPI/Vtt) and set it to 1.25v. On Intel Mfg MOBO the System Agent Voltage -> 1.00v~1.05v.

Otherwise first set the following:

BIOS / MIT
Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.) -> Profile1
Save & Exit = Yes

 

[gskill support]

For VCCIO (QPI/VTT), test for the lowest stable voltage. Every CPU, even of the same exact model, can slightly vary with this value, so it is always best to test and make sure it is just right. As with any type of overclocking, you want to get the precise voltage necessary.

Thank you
GSKILL SUPPORT

 

[nakota2]

In reply to the G.Skill representative, thank you for that information. I'm not sure if I will be overclocking but I've selected the Intel i5 2500K CPU in case I decide to in the future. The two motherboards that I will be installing G.Skill RAM on are:
Gigabyte GA-Z77-D3H
Gigabyte GA-H77M-D3H

I'd like to install 16 GB in 4 x 4 GB sticks of RAM with a clock speed of 1600 on the GA-Z77-D3H. For the GA-H77M-D3H, I'd like to install 4 GB of RAM, maybe 2 x 2 GB sticks running at 1333. Could you please suggest some RAM that would suit those boards? They mustn't exceed 44 mm in height due to the coolers that I will be using.

 

[gskill support]

Very good deal for this kit right now:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231456

Here is a good 4GB kit for the H77:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231439

Thank you
GSKILL SUPPORT

In reply to the G.Skill representative, thank you for that information. I'm not sure if I will be overclocking but I've selected the Intel i5 2500K CPU in case I decide to in the future. The two motherboards that I will be installing G.Skill RAM on are:
Gigabyte GA-Z77-D3H
Gigabyte GA-H77M-D3H

I'd like to install 16 GB in 4 x 4 GB sticks of RAM with a clock speed of 1600 on the GA-Z77-D3H. For the GA-H77M-D3H, I'd like to install 4 GB of RAM, maybe 2 x 2 GB sticks running at 1333. Could you please suggest some RAM that would suit those boards? They mustn't exceed 44 mm in height due to the coolers that I will be using.

 

[nakota2]

Hi guys,
Since first starting this discussion, I've altered my motherboard list to:
Gigabyte GA-Z77M-D3H
Gigabyte GA-Z77-D3H

The G.Skill support person has given great suggestions relating to memory voltages for overclocking, thank you.

I think I've got enough to go on with for the moment thanks all. I've found suitable memory for these boards having looked up the memory support from Gigabyte themselves.

Regards,
John.