Asrock Z68 Pro3

[Merlin_AZ]

Hi. I'm considering getting a new Z68 Pro3 for a build.
I see that there are tested RAM sticks on the Asrock website that they consider compatible.
Does it really matter what ram I put in as long as it's DDR3-1600 or 1333?
Also, the ram listed on their site are 1.5v or 1.65v.
Does it matter or does the board adjust automatically?
Thanks for the help.

[bluetooth]

What ram are you using?

[Merlin_AZ]

Thanks for the response.
That's what I'm going to decide.
I'm probably going to start building in about 2 weeks.
I looked at the list of "compatible" RAM on the Asrock site and was wondering what my options are.
Compatible RAM list.
I want to make sure I don't have to stick to what they tested and can choose any DDR3-1600 or DDR3-1333 RAM.
I just don't want to find out there are issues when I try to boot up the first time.

[rontom]

Hi Merlin-

I too am in the process of a new build with the ASRock z68 Pro 3 MB. I was aware of the list of approved memory options on the website. I went with:
G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL

I'm not an expert but I believe you can go with either option; DDR3 @ 1600 or 1333. I have not assembled my rig as of yet as I'm still waiting on the delivery. Good luck with your build!

P.S. As far as the voltage i think I would go with 1.5v (just my opinion)

[Merlin_AZ]

Good luck to you as well.

I also looked at compatible memory speeds with the 2600K on Intel's site.
It says 1066 & 1333--it doesn't mention 1600.
Does that mean it's not compatible? or just that 1600 ram didn't exist when the cpu was released?

Also, is there a 2600k replacement coming.
My local Fry's dropped the price to $250 with no rainchecks and newegg dropped it to $300.

[rontom]

I guess my logic on choosing DDR3 1600 was it was listed on the support list for the Pro 3 and the specs for the board showed it listed without having to OC. Surely when the support list was compiled they had to know Intel core i3-5-7 processors would be used...maybe I'm missing something. Also, some of the memory reviews on Newegg claim that 1600 work on their Intel processors (as well as some AMD's)

Not sure about a replacement for 2600K but another good price for the 2600K is at microcenter.com for $279 + tax but that doesn't beat the fry's price.

BTW, I went with the 2500K (at microcenter) and got it for $179 + tax.

[rontom]

merlin-

If you're still out there I can now tell you the DDR 1600 memory was recognized in the UEFI set up utility (bios) on the ASRock pro 3 MB. I have not loaded the operating system yet but I'm looking at the stats generated in the bios.

btw, the UEFI set-up seems more user friendly to me versus the bios screens from other builds.

[Merlin_AZ]

Was it recognized automatically?
Or did you need to change any of the settings?
I already have my case and PSU.
I'm going to order the board, cpu and ram in about 3 weeks.
I can't wait to get this thing going.
I still have to hold my breath the first time I tap the Power button when building.

[rontom]

yes it was recognized automatically without any setting on my part. I made very few changes to the default settings within UEFI (none related to memory or CPU).

Know what you mean about first boot...

Installing the OS at the moment.