Basic RAM speed boosting tutorial
Basic RAM speed boosting tutorial
Yes, enhancing timing can marginally boost bandwidth and reduce latency significantly.
Depends on the schedule. Most main settings have little effect on data transfer speed. The most significant factors affecting bandwidth are the third-level settings. RDRD works well if set correctly, boosting your read speed. The challenge arises when timing is off—either too loose or too tight—and it affects how your RTL/IO-L offsets are trained (Intel terminology only). This can cause you to lose bandwidth while also raising latency. Optimal isn't always the lowest; it depends on what the IMC can handle without breaking other performance targets. Keep in mind that your actual speed is limited by your peak theoretical capacity. For instance, DDR4 3600 reaches up to 57,600MB/s in dual mode. No timing tweaks will push you beyond this limit, but you can enhance efficiency to approach it. The key metric for comparing memory performance is overall Round Trip Latency, which combines all timing and RAM speed. You aim to minimize this number while keeping stability intact. Achieving this requires a mix of ideal frequency and precise timing. Another way to cut latency is by extending the time your RAM stays active before refreshing and speeding up the refresh process. Raising TREFI to its maximum (65535) and lowering tRFC as much as possible, while maintaining stability, can significantly boost performance—provided you manage heat with proper airflow. I need to focus on Ryzen memory overclocking; it’s tough to know where to begin. I aim to create a comprehensive guide covering all aspects of Ryzen memory tuning, but the IMC differences between Ryzen 1000 and the latest 3000 models are quite substantial.
Fascinating. It's strange how vendors present different terms for the same concept—like ASUS calling it "DRAM Refresh Interval" while removing it from Ryzen listings. I wonder what determines the RAM refresh timing or if they're sticking to the old 7.8μs guideline. That rule essentially calculates memory clock speed (for example, 3200 MHz becomes 1600) and multiplies by 7.8. Using that example, it would equal 12480. I plan to test a Ryzen system to dig deeper.
The 32gb memory isn't making a difference at all, even when streaming or playing games. I've only noticed usage under around 10gb while running a game, even with background tasks running. Performance drops only when RAM is nearly full to the limit. With 8gb (double 4gb), a boost to 16gb doesn't usually help unless the game includes extra background processes like Steam, Discord, Chrome, etc. At that point it might make a small difference. 32gb is better suited for work than gaming. Once games start using more than 16gb, we're likely talking DDR5 and overclocking. The best balance right now is getting RAM that's fast enough for stable speeds—aim for something around 3733 MHz and 1866 MHz clock speed. If you have the Vipers, check if they sell in your area or search for "F4-3600C16D-16GVKC" to see what's available.
I didn't reference it due to size limitations. I noted it since it's probably a dual-rank option, and it tends to outperform single-rank versions slightly.
It's accurate, but dual rank also presents greater challenges when trying to overclock because of the extra timing details involved. For those familiar with RAM overclocking, dual rank is typically a superior option. Beginners should focus on single rank and 1DPC first. Once comfortable, progress to 2DPC, and if more capacity is needed, consider larger dual rank modules.
I also highlighted the challenges that increased capacity may bring during overclocking.
Interesting observation, but I wasn't told what to do with my setup either... I planned to work on video editing, thinking a 32GB stick would be sufficient for now. At least in the next couple of years. AM4 chips will switch to DDR4 permanently. They're the most affordable B-die kits around, though they're not the cheapest 16GB (two 8GB) options. The closest equivalent costs $2 to $10 more than the cheapest DDR4-3200 kit in USD. I chose this one because the "F4-3600C16D-16GVK C" aren't B-die parts, but they're a solid pick! They're significantly pricier than my current Vipers ($10 difference), but I can trade them for Ripjaws if needed. Fun fact: my local market has these boards as luxury items, making them very costly. Thanks for sharing all the details. Updated December 11, 2019 by junzhi2002 Added more info.
1DPC stands for using just one DIMM per memory channel. For instance, with four DIMM slots, select two and place one in Channel A and another in Channel B. Each board can accommodate a 1DPC setup, but to enable a 2DPC configuration you’d need more than two slots, which is why most standard ITX boards don’t support it.