How can I determine if memory is compatable with the motherboard based on the MHz?

[Ragu4]

Let's say I want to buy a board that has the following speeds compatable on the specs sheet:

DDR4 Max 128GB:
4400(O.C)/3466(O.C.)/3400(O.C.)/3200(O.C.)/3000(O.C.)/2933(O.C.)/2800(O.C.)/2666/2400/2133

Does this mean that I could install a DDR4 stick that reads as 3000MHz on its specs, or do I need to buy 2666MHz, then OC it within the BIOS?

Let me know if I need to clarify anything. I'm pretty sure I know the answer but I'd like confirmation.

[Temp name]

You can buy any stick that comes with any of those speed listings, then you'll just need to turn on XMP in the BIOS. The reason they're listed as "OC" is because the JEDEC DDR4 spec ends at 2666. Everything above that is technically out of spec, and as such, an overclock.

[Ragu4]

You can buy any stick that comes with any of those speed listings, then you'll just need to turn on XMP in the BIOS. The reason they're listed as "OC" is because the JEDEC DDR4 spec ends at 2666. Everything above that is technically out of spec, and as such, an overclock.

Thank you!

[S7orm]

As soon as you enable XMP in BIOS, you should see what that memory module was validated to run at (the number on the memory box). Running a memory module that was validated to run at 2666mhz at a higher frequency is not the best idea, especialy if you have no experience with OC

[pansertjald]

You can buy any stick that comes with any of those speed listings, then you'll just need to turn on XMP in the BIOS. The reason they're listed as "OC" is because the JEDEC DDR4 spec ends at 2666. Everything above that is technically out of spec, and as such, an overclock.

Not all boards will do 4400MHz. 3466MHz maybe, but not all boards will do 4400MHz

- - - Updated - - -

Let's say I want to buy a board that has the following speeds compatable on the specs sheet:

DDR4 Max 128GB:
4400(O.C)/3466(O.C.)/3400(O.C.)/3200(O.C.)/3000(O.C.)/2933(O.C.)/2800(O.C.)/2666/2400/2133

Does this mean that I could install a DDR4 stick that reads as 3000MHz on its specs, or do I need to buy 2666MHz, then OC it within the BIOS?

Let me know if I need to clarify anything. I'm pretty sure I know the answer but I'd like confirmation.

Go with 3000MHz or 3200MHz to be safe, unless you are going for one of the better boards. Some mid-ranges and lower tier boards can have problems reaching 3466 and higher

[Temp name]

Not all boards will do 4400MHz. 3466MHz maybe, but not all boards will do 4400MHz

Well, in this particular case, the board is capable, as it's listed as supporting 4400.
Wouldn't suggest buying 4400 kits with a random board though, no.

[pansertjald]

Well, in this particular case, the board is capable, as it's listed as supporting 4400.
Wouldn't suggest buying 4400 kits with a random board though, no.

hadn't seen seen it was from he's boards spec sheet . So yeah that board should be able to do it

[durenas]

Let's say I want to buy a board that has the following speeds compatable on the specs sheet:

DDR4 Max 128GB:
4400(O.C)/3466(O.C.)/3400(O.C.)/3200(O.C.)/3000(O.C.)/2933(O.C.)/2800(O.C.)/2666/2400/2133

Does this mean that I could install a DDR4 stick that reads as 3000MHz on its specs, or do I need to buy 2666MHz, then OC it within the BIOS?

Let me know if I need to clarify anything. I'm pretty sure I know the answer but I'd like confirmation.

3000 is a pretty basic OC. You will need to go into the BIOS and enable XMP(also called DOCP on Asus boards). That's all you need to do. You won't need to mess with clock speeds or voltage.

Another thing to note is that when you get to the really high end(which 4400 is kind of pushing it there), what speeds the board will 'support' depends entirely on the memory configuration and the CPU. It may say it supports 4400, but it's likely because they tested it with a particular CPU and very highly binned Samsung B-die. It is not a guarantee that any 4400 kit will work with any CPU on that motherboard.

[barryallen1337]

You do a search for, Brand Model manual pdf.

This will yield user manuals and service manuals that you can download. In either of these manuals, you will find the specification of the RAM that is used. In some easy cases it will say something like 4MB expandable to 16MB, whether it’s DDR1, 2, 3, or 4, and an optimum speed in Hz.