Question 1

can you use 4000 ddr4 ram?

Accepted Answer

You should be able to use it, but the clock speed is going to be throttled back to whatever you set it to on the mobo. Unless you already have some DDR4 4000 or found a great deal, you're probably better off buying something with a lower clock speed but also a lower CAS latency.

Question 2

What size SLI  bridge should I get if I was running two cards?  I see some for 40mm to 60mm.  The board looks like it would be the latter, the 60mm bridge.  But wanted to be sure before I order.

Accepted Answer

It comes with a sli bridge. If you are on water, get an EK 3 slot terminal. It is 60mm.

Question 3

What is the difference between the Hero version versus the Ranger version? Only thing I can see so far is the memory speed it can provide, where its 3600mhz versus 2400mhz. maybe I missed something? 
thanks in advance!

Accepted Answer

I went with the Ranger because there is less clutter.  I compared them and the only difference I could find was it doesn't have the extra covering around the power chokes, rear input panel and the audio area.  Otherwise, the specifications are similar, e.g., same audio components.  Maybe the extra covering looks good in a window case but is otherwise, superfluous.

Question 4

Does this motherboard work with an Intel i7 7700k out of the box?

Accepted Answer

If you go to the Asus site they publish a list of compatible processors and hardware and memory.  I would strongly advise that you use this to select the components you wish to put in this board.  I would not build a system or even replace memory without consulting the QVL list.

Question 5

I plan to max out the memory to 64gb using the only choice from the qualified vendor list  (CORSAIR Vengeance LPX 64GB (4 x 16GB) 288-Pin DDR4 SDRAM DDR4 3000 (PC4 24000) Desktop Memory Model CMK64GX4M4B3000C15) . Has anyone else tried this (successfully)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you shouldn't have a problem. Try to buy a package of 64gb all at once rather than piecemeal for better performance and compatibility. I also used Corsair memory.

Question 6

Anyone else have an issue with  MOBO booting into bios and not recognizing drives unless manually selected? Updated BIOS and checked hardware installation and all seems fine.

Accepted Answer

I had no issues.  I booted into BIOS and all my drives where there.

Question 7

Have any of you guys had issues with a pop sound WITHOUT using speakers? I hear a pop when I turn on the pc, and a pop when I turn it off.

Accepted Answer

If I could test this, I would, but I already sent it back. I could also hear the loading of the pc. Like, when I move my mouse, I can hear a buzzing that coincided with the flashing led. Super annoying, and even audible with low music.

Question 8

I am building a rig for my son, just finishing the final selections.
WE NEED TO CHOOSE A CASE.  Recommendations?
We want plenty of ventilation, being able to look inside is cool, but not a must.
We have this mobo (part of combo with i7 6700K Skylake processor & ripjaws ram).  Planning on mounting the cooler master hyper 212 EVO cpu cooler,  adding GeForce GTX 960 vid card, TP-link wireless adapter, running a 120 GB SSD & 2TB HDD, Corsair CX750m p/s.

Accepted Answer

Corsair 550D is highly rated on review sites.  I bought one for my Ranger and 6700K build but still have to assemble it.  I don't like gamer bling cases so for your son it wouldn't be that exciting.

Question 9

can this take DDR3 ram?

Accepted Answer

No. DDR4 ports are not backwards compatible. DDR4 is well worth the upgrade though.

Question 10

can I connect 8, 4 tb hard drives in a raid configuration?

Accepted Answer

No. 6 drives max.

Questions & Answers