Old RAM might lead to compatibility problems depending on the system and components.
Old RAM might lead to compatibility problems depending on the system and components.
Hello. I'm looking at selecting a motherboard for a new budget build. I'm considering adding an old 4GB RAM stick (two 2GB sticks) to a Gigabyte B760M DS3H DDR4 Micro ATX LGA1700 board that already has 16GB RAM. Will this cause compatibility issues or slow down the project? The existing RAM models are: Kingston 2GB 2RX8 PC3 8500U, Hynix 2GB 2RX8 PC3 8500U. The build will likely include the model you found here: https://cz.pcpartpicker.com/list/zQYfGP. Updated February 9, 2024 by Water Tower.
These components are DDR3 and won't work with your motherboard.
These components don't fit because they're DDR3 compatible. They seem outdated if they're dual-rank 2GB, but I think they'll still perform well above 2000 unless it's a damaged unit and the clock speed is really low. Unless you're an OC fanatic, this setup isn't valuable. You could upgrade to something like a used 5600X + B3/450 for a similar or better configuration, especially if you have a 12100 with four cores. Even with a ~4.7GHz all-in-one, the power supply won't last long, so consider reducing its size to save money on the GPU. A used 750/850W RMA or equivalent would be cheaper than the new RMA650, which usually costs around the price of a lower-end model. If you can, get a used 6700X instead of the 6600XT for the same budget. Samsung SSDs are priced poorly; you might find a better 1TB NVMe drive for the same cost as the cheap 500GB 980 model.
I’d save some money with used hardware, but I’m not sure there are any internet stores in my area offering it except on Facebook Marketplace. I might have to look elsewhere. I’m not very experienced with anything and heard Samsung makes good SSDs, so that’s why I picked this. What SSDs would you suggest?
Here’s a revised take on your list. It offers a more budget-friendly option while including a Ryzen 5500+ B550, a 32GB RAM upgrade, and a 1TB SSD with DRAM cache. The PSU has been reduced in size but now delivers higher power output. You can add a used GPU if you like, though I suggest pairing it with a used 5600X (if available) and a B3/450 for better performance and value. A used RPM should also be considered—it’s likely to last longer than the new parts. For tuning, I recommend setting RAM speeds between 4400-4600 MHz, as the B550 will perform better with higher speeds thanks to reduced cache. The chipset supports up to 5000 MHz, but I’d avoid pushing it too far unless you’re comfortable. If you’re unsure, look for new or used OEM RAM resellers on Facebook or other platforms and request the Hyundai HMA82G6D7R8N. You don’t need to adjust settings immediately if you’re not ready—just enjoy your system now and tune later for extra gains.
I discovered several more affordable B450 motherboards, but I’m unsure which one is best. All of them are priced similarly. The options include ASRock B450M HDV R4.0 MSI B450M A PRO MAX Gigabyte B450 S2H rev. 1.0 and Gigabyte B450M K ASUS PRIME B450M-K II. Regarding the difference between B550 and B450, you mentioned that B450 is expected to outperform B550.
These are budget boards, don’t purchase new ones unless you’re willing to pay a premium. If you really need used options, midrange models like Gaming Plus, Tomahawk, Pro4, Steel Legend, Aorus Elite, Strix-F, etc., are available at similar prices. Most of them have comparable specs, and some HDV revisions match Pro4’s settings, making them among the better choices if you can find them at half the cost. Otherwise, go with the B550m-K or even the B550m DS3H for a more powerful VRM and a used 5600X.
I'll stick with the option you initially selected. It's hard to decide between good and bad motherboards without any experience. I don’t really understand what makes a good one versus a bad one. I’m unfamiliar with PCs in general. For instance, I think adding four memory slots isn’t necessary if I won’t be using four RAM sticks, and setup can be complicated. Personally, I’d pick a board with just two slots to save some money. But maybe I’m mistaken. Thanks for your patience and the help you provided.