890GPA-UD3H: compatibility and performance of KHX1333C7AD3K2

[Ignacio]

I would like to know if Kingston memory KHX1333C7AD3K2 / 8G (1333 MHz, CL7) would be compatible with a 890GPA-UD3H motherboard I plan to buy. I believe that mobo revision will be 2.0 but I am not sure. Would it make any difference if it were another revision?

In case it were compatible, I would like to know about the difference in performance compared with KHX1600C9D3K2 / 8GX (1600 MHz, CL9). So, 1600 MHz CL9 versus 1333 MHz CL7, which one would be the fastest?

Thank you in advance

[absic]

Hi there,

The one issue here is that the Kingston RAM Modules like to run at higher voltages then the default settings of 1.5V. Whichever modules you choose could prove a little tricky to get the best from. Both sets are likely to downclock to slower speeds because of this and you will have to manually adjust the settings in BIOS to get them working as stated.

The difference between 1333MHz at CL7 over 1600MHz CL9 is not really noticeable in the real world. If you are looking at future compatibility then I would suggest you look at 1600GHz RAM that runs at 1.5V by default and downclock it to 1333MHz and then tighten the timings. Corsair Vengeance modules are my favourite when building PC's check here for more details: http://www.corsair.com/vengeance-8gb-dual-channel-ddr3-memory-kit-cmz8gx3m2a1600c9.html.

RAM such as these will work OK on your choice of motherboard, although if you are running an AM3 CPU it is better to run them at 1333MHz. In the future, if you upgrade to one of the new AMD FX CPU's when they come along, you can use them at their full speed.

[Dark Mantis]

I too would advise the use of the Corsair Vengeance modules as they are very robust and work without any messing around with settings. They are also a good price at the moment compared to many others.

[Ripshod]

+1 on the vengeance. If you have space limits due to an aftermarket cooler I'd recommend either the Corsair XMS3, or better to wait a short while because Corsair are in the process of releasing a new low profile vengeance.

[Ignacio]

Thanks a lot, absic, Dark and Ripshod, for your helpful answers. I will buy the Vengeance modules you suggested, absic.