Compatibility of RAM with the system

The second most important thing everyone needs to keep in mind is whether the RAM he/she is going to buy will actually work with the system or will it get burned as soon as it is installed. You can be sure of the compatibility of RAM with the system by a very simple test. Just locate your motherboard manual (printed or online) and see what type and speed of RAM's are safe to use with the motherboard.
The motherboard documentation will usually include the following types of specifications:

• Memory Type: DDR3 1600/1333 MHz
• This means you can ONLY use a RAM of the type DDR3.
• This also implies that you will be safe to use RAM's with the speed of either 1600 or 1333 MHz. The rest of them might not work or might get burned in due course.

• Max Memory Size: 32 GB
• This specification specifies the maximum amount of memory you can install in your system without causing any harm to it.
• You are safe to use lesser amount of RAM than specified if you want or if you are on a tight budget, but make sure you do not exceed this limit.

You should also calculate the maximum RAM supported per slot by the motherboard by dividing the Max Memory Size by the number of sockets present on the motherboard.
For example, in a system with four RAM slots, you can install an 8 GB chip in each slot for a 32 GB motherboard.
However, in a system with eight slots, you can install 4 GB chips in each slot for a 32 GB motherboard. Using a chip with a higher memory size like 8 GB ones in this case will not be beneficial for your system.