FAQ - DRAM Memory - G.SKILL International Enterprise Co., Ltd. (2024)

DRAM Memory

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How tall are the memory modules?

The height of the memory modules are listed as follows:

DDR5 Memory Series
Ripjaws S5: 33mm (1.30in)
Flare X5: 33mm (1.30in)
Trident Z5: 44mm (1.73in)
Trident Z5 RGB: 44mm (1.73in)
Trident Z5 Neo: 44mm (1.73in)
Trident Z5 Neo RGB: 44mm (1.73in)
Zeta R5: 31.2mm (1.2in)

DDR4 Memory Series
Fortis: 31.2 mm (1.2in)
Aegis DDR4: 31.2 mm (1.2in)
Flare X: 40mm (1.58in)
Ripjaws 4: 40mm (1.58in)
Ripjaws V: 42mm (1.65in)
Sniper X: 43mm (1.69in)
Trident Z: 44mm (1.73in)
Trident Z Neo: 44mm (1.73in)
Trident Z RGB: 44mm (1.73in)
Trident Z Royal: 44mm (1.73in)
Trident Z Royal Elite: 44mm (1.73in)
Trident Z RGB DC: 59mm (2.32in)

DDR3 Memory Series
Aegis DDR3: 31.2 mm (1.2in)
ARES: 33mm (1.30in)
ECO: 32mm (1.26in)
RipjawsX: 40mm (1.58in)
RipjawsZ: 40mm (1.58in)
Ripjaws: 40mm (1.58in)
Sniper: 42mm (1.65in)
TridentX: 54mm (2.13in) with fin; 39mm (1.54in) without fin

What is the difference between 'GX' and 'GA' in DDR5 model numbers?

What is the difference between 'GE' and 'GQ' in DDR5 R-DIMM model numbers?

DDR5 R-DIMM memory kit models with "GE" are designed for 8-channel platforms, and may not be compatible with 4-channel platforms.

DDR5 R-DIMM memory kit models with "GQ" are designed for 4-channel platforms, and may not be compatible with 8-channel platforms.

DDR5 U-DIMM memory kit models should not contain "GE" or "GQ" in the model numbers.

What is G.SKILL memory's naming convention/nomenclature? [DDR5]

For example: F5-5200U4040A16GX2-RS5K
Break down to F5 / 5200 / U / 4040 / A / 16G / X / 2 / RS5 / K

Memory Type:
F5 = DDR5

Frequency:
4800 = DDR5-4800
5200 = DDR5-5200
5600 = DDR5-5600

DIMM Type:
U/J = U-DIMM (Unbuffered DIMM)
R = R-DIMM (Registered DIMM)
S = SO-DIMM

Latency Timing (tCL / tRCD-tRP):
xxyy = xx-yy-yy
The first two digits correspond to tCL; the last two digits correspond to tRCD and tRP. For example, "4040" = 40-40-40 timing, and "4039" = 40-39-39 timing.

Rated Voltage:
A = 1.10V
B = 1.15V
C = 1.20V
D = 1.25V
E = 1.30V
F = 1.35V
G = 1.40V
H = 1.45V
J = 1.50V

Single Module Capacity:
16G = 16GB per module
24G = 24GB per module
32G = 32GB per module
48G = 48GB per module
64G = 64GB per module
128G = 128GB per module

Multi-Channel (Max) Support:
X/A = 2 Channel (U-DIMM only)
Q = 4 Channel (R-DIMM only)
E = 8 Channel (R-DIMM only)

Total Modules in Kit:
1 = 1 module in kit
2 = 2 modules in kit
4 = 4 modules in kit
8 = 8 modules in kit

* To get the total memory kit capacity, multiply the single module capacity with total modules in kit.

Series:
TZ5 = Trident Z5
TZ5R = Trident Z5 RGB
TZ5N = Trident Z5 Neo
TZ5NR = Trident Z5 Neo RGB
RS5 = Ripjaws S5
FX5 = Flare X5
ZR5 = Zeta R5 (R-DIMM)

Color:
K = Black
W = White
G = Gold
S = Silver

What is G.SKILL memory's naming convention/nomenclature? [DDR4/DDR3/DDR2/DDR]

For example: F3-2400C10D-8GBTX
Breaks down to F3 / 2400 / C10 / D / 8GB / TX

Or for example: F4-3200C14Q-32GTZR
Breaks down to F4 / 3200 / C14 / Q / 32G / TZR

Memory type:
F1 = DDR
F2 = DDR2
F3 = DDR3
F4 = DDR4
FA = For Mac

Memory Speed:
8500 = 1066 MT/s
10600/10666 = 1333 MT/s
12800 = 1600 MT/s
14900 = 1866 MT/s
17000 = 2133 MT/s
19200 = 2400 MT/s
Other 4-digit numbers represent the memory speed with no changes.

CL Timing:
CL15 or C15 = CL timing (tCL) is 15 (i.e. CL 15-x-x-x)

Modules per kit:
S = Single module kit (x1)
D = Dual module kit (x2)
Q = Quad module kit (x4)
Q2 = Eight-module kit (x8)
T = Triple module kit (x3)
T2/H = Six-module kit (x6)
H2 = Twelve-module kit (x12)
* If the model number does not have this letter to identify the number of modules for this kit, then this model number is for this specific module only, and is not the complete model number for your memory kit. For the FULL model number for your memory kit, please refer to the label on the memory module or on the package.

Total kit capacity:
2 / 4 / 6 / 8 / 12 / 16 / 24 / 32 / 64 / 128 / 192GB

Series:
TZ = Trident Z
TZRX = Trident Z RGB (for AMD)
TZR = Trident Z RGB
TZDC = Trident Z RGB DC (Double Capacity)
TEG / TES = Trident Z Royal Elite (Gold / Silver)
TRG / TRS = Tridnet Z Royal (Gold / Silver)
TRGU / TRSU = Trident Z Royal Collector Edition (Gold / Silver)
TZN = Trident Z Neo
SXF / SXK / SXW = Sniper X (Classic Camo-Green / Digital Camo-Black / Urban Camo-White)
FT = FORTIS (for AMD)
VR / VB / VK / VS / VG = Ripjaws V (Red / Blue / Black / Silver / Gunmetal Gray)
RR / RB / RK = Ripjaws 4 (Red / Blue / Black)
TX = TridentX
XL / XM / XH = RipjawsX
ZL / ZM / ZH = RipjawsZ
RL / RM / RH = Ripjaws
TD = Trident
PI = PI
AB / AO / AR = ARES
ECO = ECO
SR = Sniper
IS / ISL = Aegis
NQ / PK / HK = Performance
NT / NS = Value RAM
GRS / GRSL = Ripjaws SO-DIMM for laptop
SQ / SK = SO-DIMM for laptop

Additional Trident Z Color:
TZ = Classic Trident Z, Dual Black&Silver body w/ Red top-bar
TZSW = Silver body w/ White top-bar
TZSK = Silver body w/ Black top-bar
TZKW = Black body w/ White top-bar
TZKO = Black body w/ Orange top-bar
TZKY = Black body w/ Yellow top-bar

*If there is a "D" after the series name, then memory cooling fan is included, such as "8GTXD"
*You can find the capacity of each module by dividing the Total Kit Capacity by Modules per kit. For example, F3-12800CL9Q-16GBXL = 16GB/4(Q) = 4GB per module, while F3-12800CL9D-16GBXL = 16GB/2(D) = 8GB per module.
*If there is a "A", "B" or "C" as the third letter of the series, such as "TZB" or "RKB", then it typically designates a different CL timing value when compared to the original model without the "B" in the third letter.

How do I determine if my RAM is defective?

Please use a memory testing software to test your memory modules. Memtest86 or Windows Memory Diagnostic are popular choices.

It would be best if each module is tested individually, in order to produce conclusive results.

If none or all modules produce errors, please contact our tech support with details and we will do our best to help you. (techsupport@gskill.com or ustech@gskillusa.com)

Why does CPU-Z (memory tab) show only half the frequency speed of my memory kit?

CPU-Z reports the DRAM's operating frequency, but DDR (DOUBLE Data Rate) memory can carry two bits of information per cycle, so the effective frequency is double the operating frequency.

DDR memory is typically listed by their effective frequency. So if your memory kit is rated for DDR3-1600, it will show as 800MHz in CPU-Z. (800*2=1600)

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I just installed G.SKILL memory into my system. Why doesn't it boot?

1) Make sure that your motherboard supports the memory capacity and frequency.

2) Clear the BIOS settings by using the "ClearCMOS" jumper/button on the motherboard. Or you may disconnect the power cord and remove the round lithium battery from the motherboard, wait 60 seconds, then put the battery back on the motherboard and reconnect the power cord.

3) Update the motherboard BIOS to the latest version.

4) Check the memory modules with a memory testing software, such as Memtest86 or Windows Memory Diagnostic.

What is XMP? EXPO? DOCP? A-XMP?

XMP (Extreme Memory Profile), developed by Intel, is a preprogrammed profile that you can enable in BIOS to set the correct memory overclock settings with a single setting.

EXPO (EXtended Profiles for Overclocking), developed by AMD, is also a preprogrammed profile that can be enabled in BIOS to set the correct memory overclock settings with a single setting.

DOCP and A-XMP are functionally similar to XMP or EXPO, and you may see these when you use XMP on an AMD platform, or EXPO on an Intel platform.

Guide:

Does G.SKILL make ECC memory modules?

Based on the JEDEC standard, DDR5 ICs used in DDR5 U-DIMM memory modules include on-die ECC support.

Currently, DDR4/DDR3/DDR2/DDR U-DIMM memory modules do not have ECC support.

Starting from March 2023, G.SKILL offers overclocked performance DDR5 R-DIMM memory modules, which has side-band ECC support, as well as on-die ECC included in DDR5 ICs (as defined in JEDEC standard).

I want to install more memory, in addition to my existing memory kit. What are my options?

We do not recommend mixing memory kits, regardless of brand or model.

By mixing memory kits together, there may be compatibility issues such as unable to boot or unable to operate at rated specifications.

Each of our memory kit are thoroughly tested to ensure compatibility within each memory kit. And because we have not tested our memory kit with your existing memory kit, we cannot guarantee compatibility when multiple kits are used.

Please also note that the G.SKILL QVL applies to single kit compatibility only, so mixing two or more of the same memory kit is not recommended.

What does CL9-9-9-24-2N or CL15-15-15-35 mean?

CL means "CAS Latency".

The four numbers represent the values of each type of latency, and are listed as "tCL-tRCD-tRP-tRAS".

The fifth number represents "Command Rate", which in this case, has a value of 2. Sometimes, this fifth number may not be listed, but our default setting for the Command Rate value is "2".

What is a safe DRAM voltage?

[DDR3]
Standard DDR3 memory voltage is 1.50V.
Low voltage DDR3 is at 1.35V.
Ultra-low voltage DDR3 is at 1.25V.

When overclocking, DDR3 memory voltage can be set up to 1.65V.

[DDR4]
Standard DDR4 memory voltage is 1.20V.

When overclocking, DDR4 memory voltage may be higher; please refer to the rated memory kit specifications of your memory kit for the recommended voltage.

In general, voltage above the rated memory kit specifications may damage the memory modules over time. Please also keep in mind that higher voltage means more heat, and excessive heat will shorten the lifespan of the memory modules.

[DDR5]
Standard DDR5 memory voltage is 1.10V.

For overclocked memory kits, DDR5 memory voltage may be higher. Please refer to the rated memory kit specifications of your memory kit for the recommended voltage.

In general, voltage above the rated memory kit specifications may damage the memory modules over time. Please also keep in mind that higher voltage means more heat, and excessive heat will shorten the lifespan of the memory modules.

Why doesn't my computer detect the full memory capacity?

If your operating system is 32-bits, then it cannot use more than 4GB of memory. Please upgrade to a 64-bit operating system to use more than 4GB of memory.

If your Windows 7 operating system is 64-bits, then please check the Windows version. Each version has a maximum limit:
Windows 7 Home Basic: 8 GB
Windows 7 Home Premium: 16 GB
Windows 7 Professional: 192 GB
Windows 7 Enterprise: 192 GB
Windows 7 Ultimate: 192 GB

If your Windows 7 operating system version is correct, please check that Windows is not limiting your RAM usage. To check, go to the "Run…" dialogue, type "msconfig", and press Enter. Then select "Boot" tab and click on "Advanced options…" button. Please make sure "Maximum memory" is not checked, then click "OK" for all dialogue boxes and reboot your system.

Windows 8, 8.1, and 10 has a higher physical memory limitation beyond configurable memory capacity, so 64-bit versions of Windows 8, 8.1, and 10 should not experience limitations on physical memory capacity.

Windows 8: 128GB
Windows 8/8.1 Enterprise: 512GB
Windows 8/8.1 Professional: 512GB
Windows 10 Home: 128GB
Windows 10 Enterprise/Education/Pro: 2TB

Why is G.SKILL's Qualified Motherboard List different from my motherboard manufacturer's QVL?

G.SKILL's Qualified Motherboard List is the result of our compatibility tests. This list is not comprehensive because new motherboards are constantly released.
Each motherboard manufacturer's QVL is limited to the G.SKILL memory kit they own and are able to test. This QVL list also will not be comprehensive, because G.SKILL is constantly releasing memory kits.

If your motherboard and G.SKILL memory kit is not listed, please contact our tech support to confirm compatibility. (techsupport@gskill.com or ustech@gskillusa.com)

What is the difference between "DDR3-1600" and "PC3-12800"?

There are two naming conventions for DDR memory, so there are two names for the same thing. When starting with "DDR3-", it will list the memory frequency. When starting with "PC3-", it will list the memory bandwidth.

DDR3-1333 = PC3-10666 or PC3-10600
DDR3-1600 = PC3-12800
DDR3-1866 = PC3-14900
DDR3-2000 = PC3-16000
DDR3-2133 = PC3-17000
DDR3-2400 = PC3-19200

To convert between the two, just divide or multiply by 8.
For example, 1600*8=12800 or 12800/8=1600.

Why is my memory kit only operating at DDR3-1333/1600 or DDR4-2133/2400 or DDR5-4800?

Please make sure that XMP/EXPO/DOCP/A-XMP is enabled in the BIOS. Please note that XMP/EXPO/DOCP/A-XMP support depends on your motherboard model. See our "How to Enable XMP/EXPO" guide for more information.

If XMP or XMP-equivalent does not work as intended or is not available, please manually tweak the BIOS settings for the following four settings according to the information on the warranty sticker or package:
DRAM Frequency
DRAM Voltage
CL Timing (tCL-tRCD-tRP-tRAS)
Command Rate

Make sure to Save and then Quit/Exit!

XMP on my Rampage IV Extreme motherboard doesn't work. Help!

Can I remove the heatsink/heatspreader?

No. Removing the heatsink/heatspreader will void G.SKILL warranty.

TridentX's top fin, however, is removable without voiding G.SKILL warranty. To remove, remove the screws on the side, and then slide off the fin.
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