Can I trust my CPU's official memory speed specs, or is it a gamble?

It’s a gamble. The official spec lists supported speeds, but high-frequency kits require overclocking the integrated memory controller (IMC), and some chips handle it better than others—even identical models vary. Check your motherboard’s QVL for your CPU generation, then search forums for your exact combo. To avoid risk, stick to the official supported speed; otherwise, buy a QVL-listed kit, enable XMP/DOCP, and hope for the best.