Memory / Mobo compatibility issues

kahf1_02

I'm building a PC for a friend. I came into some difficulty.


This mobo supports up to 2000Mhz memory. I bought 1600Mhz 2x2GB kits. But on their website it says:

* AMD FX Series CPU on this motherboard supports up to DDR3 1866MHz as its standard memory frequency.
* AMD AM3 100 and 200 series CPU support up to DDR3 1066MHz.

Here's the mobo : http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/AMD_AM3Plus/M5A78L_LE/#specifications

Here's the memory: http://www3.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=48848&agid=1193

I think I'm only going to be able to max out on 1333Mhz, at least. I might have to overclock it in the BIOS.

Leman

It depends on the CPU you have installed.

I'll be honest with you, Mem Frequency doesn't make much of a difference. It's always nice to have higher rated memory of course, but don't stress out over it. CPU and GPU frequencies are much more important.

kahf1_02

CPU is a Phenomn II X4 955. Is that a 200 series CPU. Because if it is, I think I will only be able to max out at 1066hz, before I overclock them.

right?

Leman

No, it should support 2000mhz, but im not very AMD savvy so I;m not 100% sure.

Dublin_Gunner

The 100/200 and FX series the doc relates to are Bulldozer CPU's - as yet un-released.

The 100/200 series are Opteron (server class) CPU's, FX will be the new top of the line AMD Bulldozer based desktop / enthusiast CPU's.

The common memory specs are listed on the site you linked to:

4 x DIMM, Max. 16GB, DDR3 2000(O.C.)/1866(O.C.)/1800(O.C.)/1600(O.C.)/1333/1066 Hz Memory

Meaning ANY AM3/AM3+ cpu will support those, but 100/200 series Opterons only 1066, and FX officially support 1866mhz ram.

Phenom II only 'officially' supports 1333 or 1600Mhz iirc (anything above is considered overclocking for those CPU's)

The 1600Mhz kit will be fine.

kahf1_02

Ah great. I'll let you know how I get on with it.