What is a QVL? Will My RAM Work if it isn't on the QVL?

A QVL, or Qualified Vendor List, is provided by motherboard manufacturers and lists memory kits that have been tested to work with a specific motherboard model. QVLs are generally updated when new BIOS revisions are released.

QVLs serve as a great resource when researching memory compatibility as they guarantee compatibility from the motherboard manufacturer for a specific CPU, motherboard, and DRAM combination.

However, QVLs may be limited as motherboard manufacturers may focus on a selection of kits from different memory manufacturers or a new memory kit is released after the latest QVL revision. With this in mind, you may find memory kits that are not listed on a QVL, but are still compatible with your chosen CPU/motherboard combination.

Guaranteeing compatibility is important when researching components and if you need additional resources, our PC Builder and Memory Finder & Compatibility Checker are great tools that'll help you sort through a wide variety of component choices and may be used alongside motherboard QVLs to help you plan out your next build.