Do I have to follow QVL in Sabertooth 990FX manual?

[Major Eazy]

I have a brand new Sabertooth 990FX R2.0 motherboard and I am now doing my homework in trying to make a narrowed down wish list of RAM that I would be interested in.

In the Sabretooth manual, there is a listing of qualified memory, what ASUS calls Qualified Vendors List (QVL).

Must I be limited to buying whatever memory is listed in there?

Or is that just a recommendation from ASUS, and that I do not really have to pick whatever is listed, can I just find some memory that interest me and put on my wish list even if it is not in the QVL?

 

[dejongj]

It is best to stick to it. I've also got a sabertooth and if you use it to its potential you really want stable components. I did have to send some memory back and got a replaced that was on the list and my system has been stable ever since.

 

[Neilc28]

You don't HAVE to, its simply their way of covering themselves as they obviously can't test every type, much like the Windows HCL which hardly anyone adheres to realistically

 

[Major Eazy]

It is best to stick to it.

You don't HAVE to,

Oh great, it's a case of "I'll be dammed if I do, I'll be dammed if I don't".

It's a bit like buying a Nikon (or Canon or Minolta or whatever) and find their manual list all Sigma and Tamron lenses that you can use on their camera, but you find that you can't buy a Tokina as it is not on the QVL, yet if you find a Sigma lens that you're interested in, you find that you can't buy it because it is not listed in the QVL even if it do have other Sigma lens in it.

There's two of you giving me a great advice but left me 50:50. I'll need to see if any more members would post here and side with one of you, but still, thanks for an insight into what the QVL is about.

 

[Neilc28]

To be honest although I believe my point to be valid, I would go with dejongj's expertise as he has stated he has a sabertooth and would be best placed to give advice.

I've been in a similar situation and although other memory may work perfectly it can be a nightmare if by chance it doesn't as you'll need to go through testing and RMA processes from some providers which can be a lengthy and troubling experience.

I guess unless you can get assurances from the manufacturer that it will definitely be compatible or from other users experiences then stick with the QVL.

Sorry if my original reply caused confusion

 

[dejongj]

I fully agree with @Neilc28 and it normally shouldn't make any difference. However, a sabertooth isn't just any motherboard, it is finely tuned and in my opinion on if the best you can get. I really was bitten by deviating from the tested version with my memory, I was like how can it possibly be making a difference with the same spec. But unfortunately it did, and my troubles went away the moment I swapped out the memory for that what was on the list.

A return wasn't that hard, bar the time and effort and postage costs. So if the money is hugely different it may be worth it, but otherwise stick with the qvl.

 

[Major Eazy]

Sorry if my original reply caused confusion

no, no, no, you do not have to aplogoise, don't worry, you are not causing confusion, it's okay,

As a matter of a fact, you're confirming that there is the existence of the so-called Catch-22

Stick to QVL and I don't get much choice in a pick of RAM

Pick any RAM and there are no guarantee of it working with the motherboard hence the need for the QVL!

Nope no confusion there, yep, there is a catch-22