Is my RAM Compatible?

[JKDMind]

I know I should of done more research, and I probably should of picked different RAM. But I got it because it was good RAM and at a cheap price and it was 8GB, so I was getting it to future proof my system.

I have G Skill DDR3 1333 Memory, the model number is F3-10666CL9D-8GBRL and I have a Gigabyte GA-EP43T-USB3 Motherboard. I have read both the G Skill memory motherboard compatibility and the Gigabyte motherboard memory compatibility, both on their respected websites, and neither one of them list each other as compatible.

Is it possible that I can get lucky and that everything will be ok? And that there is a chance that they are compatible even though it isn't listed because of the sheer number of hardware that is out there? I haven't built my system and I am just dreading that the memory won't work with my motherboard and I REALLY don't want to switch my memory out for something else because I really like these and plus the whole shipping costs and waiting scene is just not pretty. Thank You for your support.

And just incase I will list my system specs

Chassis/Case
Antec 902 (The one with air filters)

Motherboard/MOBO
Gigabyte GA-EP43T-USB

Processor/CPU
Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 2.33GHZ (I know this will bottleneck my GPU, but it's all I got for now)

CPU Cooler
Corsair A50

Memory/RAM
8GB GSkill Ripjaws DDR3 1333 Dual Channel

Graphics Card/GPU
EVGA GTX 470

Power Supply/PSU
Corsair 650TX

Hard Drives
Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB
Hitachi Deskstar 80GB (Small storage and PF)

[Fatman]

Just because the ram is not listed on the QVL doesn't mean that it is not supported as you well know. You can only google around and look to see if others are running that ram with the board in question, that's what I would do. If it was me, well I would probably go for it as Gskill seem fairly compatible with Gigabyte, I would be wary of OCZ though.....I do take no responsibilty if I won't work.lol......

[JKDMind]

Heh, don't worry. I understand you take no responsibility, as with anyone here on the forum, lol. I am a intelligent person and I take responsibility for myself of whether I take advice from others and if it does/doesn't work - That's life, lol. Thanks for the post though. I really appreciate it.

[JKDMind]

Also, one more question. Which slots are best to occupy with my motherboard for dual channel with two modules? Slot 1 and 3, or Slot 2 and 4? Closer to the CPU, or further from the CPU? Thanks again.

[Fatman]

For dual channel 1 and 3

[Dark Mantis]

As Fatman has said the chances are you can get it working even if you have to play around with the settings and voltages manually.

[JKDMind]

Thanks you guys. I'll see what I can do in the BIOS once the setup is built, probably just have to do a BIOS update with Q-Flash. But yeah I normally get Corsair RAM and I love Corsair as a company in general, they make some of the very best stuff around, especially their PSU's. But I saw a good deal on the G Skill RAM and I thought to myself "Meh, I'll give em' a shot."

Thanks for the help again you guys. It was very much appreciated. If all else fails, I will see if I can trade the RAM with G Skill for a compatible kit, if not I guess I will wait and buy some good ol' Corsair RAM, because you simply just can't go wrong buying Corsairs products, lol. Unfortunately though, if that is the case that is going to stall me even further to upgrade my CPU because my current one is well.... pretty sorry, lol. Have a good one!

[JKDMind]

One last question I promise

Even though my CPU is crappy, is it good enough to run the memory at least? I already know it will bottleneck the GPU until I upgrade, but will the system run fine as is? Thanks again. Sorry for the constant questions.

[Fatman]

Yes it will be fine.........Ask as many questions as you like, if no-one here can help you, I'm sure you'll be guided to a place where you can get help...

[JKDMind]

Well your so very kind Fatman.   And for that I will ask this!

Well after further investigation of the pack of screws that came with my Antec 902 case, I became very puzzled. I am more commonly aware of hex head or round head with a washer like feature built into both these types of screws for the motherboard that goes into the standoffs.

So I assumed that the hex head washer type screw went into my standoffs. I also check if the threading matches by putting the screw into a spare standoff that is not installed into the case and screw it in gently with my finger as to not strip the threads and to know if the screw was meant for the standoff, or not. But to my surprise it wasn't.

There are only two types of screws that match the standoff perfectly with no hassle and fits easily. The first screw (which I only have three of and does me no good) is a rounded phillips head screw. The second type, which I have eight of and is the exact number of screws I need for my motherboard, is a pan head screw, which the head is flat and has a slight square shape to it. Both of these screws have no metallic washer type feature to them and aren't any type of motherboard screws that I'm familiar with. Are the pan head screws fine to use to hold down my motherboard and that the washer like feature is not necessary?

Does the shape of the screw head even matter? Or is it fine as long as the threading fits the standoff and that the shape of the screw head is irrelevant?

[Fatman]

The screw head really doesn't matter so long as it won't touch the motherboard (have to be a broad screwhead eh? LOL) If you are a little concerned, take a stand off to your local computer shop and ask them for either a dozen or so standoffs and screws to match. That's what I did one time when I have different threads. They were only too happy to help me out.

[JKDMind]

Awesome. Then the screws that I have should work fine. And no the heads to the screws do not extend past the metal ring on the motherboard screw holes. Now... For the FINAL QUESTION!!!! *Echo Echo Echo*

Will my Corsair 650TX PSU be able to handle all my hardware, including when I upgrade to an intel core 2 quad CPU. Without any risk of damage to my computer components and power supply. Basically will my computer/PSU blow up? LOL!

End of Transmission...

*Static*

[Fatman]

I think you should be fine with that PSU, if in the future you want to get another GPU, you might want to think about one that is a bit stronger....Generally the CPU and GPU are what you need to calculate around and then add say.....another 5-10 watts for every other thing you connect up.

[chaoszerom]

NOW I think whether my RAM is compatible. *Gulp*

[Dark Mantis]

NOW I think whether my RAM is compatible. *Gulp*

You have missed out the cooling. You must be getting some hotter weather over there now!