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[BibiMaghoo]

So I have been getting together the parts for a new desktop, and the last time I built from scratch, video cards were still using AGP. Things have changed a fair bit and I have what I need, but the system RAM I can't get clear answers for.

An I3 6100 supports up to 2133 DDR4.
But my board (Z170-A PRO) supports 3200(OC)/ 3000(OC)/ 2800(OC)/ 2600(OC)/ 2400/ 2133 MHz

I read that overclocking the cpu is linked to the speed of the memory(?), but that the skylake are locked unless K, which the I3 is not.

So can I buy ram greater than 2133MHz without overclocking a cpu that cannot be overclocked - though it maybe can be with the mobo. If I buy a 3000 stick, will it work out the box at the maximum supported speed of 2133? Do I need a 2133 stick to setup the build first?

I have no idea. I need help before I put down cash, and my google has failed me. What system ram can I use with that cpu and mobo?

 

[Quenk]

I recommend you ask the kind folk in the "I Need a New PC" thread.

 

[BibiMaghoo]

I recommend you ask the kind folk in the "I Need a New PC" thread.

Seems my Gaf searching also failed me. My bad.

 

[retardedrockstar]

You board supports 2400/ 2133 MHz DDR4 by default. The other speeds have OC written on them. Hence they will need memory with "XMP" profiles to access the higher speeds.

My advice is to stick with either 2400 or 2133 MHz RAM.. whichever is cheaper and looks better.

But more importantly... why Z170 for an i3? Planning for an upgrade next year?

 

[BibiMaghoo]

You board supports 2400/ 2133 MHz DDR4 by default. The other speeds have OC written on them. Hence they will need memory with "XMP" profiles to access the higher speeds.

My advice is to stick with either 2400 or 2133 MHz RAM.. whichever is cheaper and looks better.

But more importantly... why Z170 for an i3? Planning for an upgrade next year?

I know the board supports that, but the cpu says

DDR4-1866/2133, DDR3L-1333/1600 @ 1.35V

So would 2400 even work out the box?
I went for the better board and lower cpu so that I had an upgrade path. Its a budget build so it made more sense to get the better board now.

 

[retardedrockstar]

The Intel speed is basically their specification for the chipset.

Can you run higher speeds? Yes.
Will you benefit from it? Yes...Probably
Will it be stable at higher speeds? Yes
Does Intel guarantee stability at higher speeds... No

They are basically writing a specification so people cannot blame them from issues rising due to crazy overclocks