Boards compatible with faster RAM rates
Boards compatible with faster RAM rates
The differences lie in how manufacturers list specifications. Some boards advertise speeds up to 3200 MHz, others up to 3200 MHz with OC enabled, and a few even support 4200 MHz. If you pair a 3600 MHz RAM with a board that claims up to 3200 MHz, it may not fully utilize the RAM due to the motherboard’s limits. For boards that mention OC, you might need to enable it manually to reach the advertised speed.
It hinges on the chip's memory controller and AGESA support on the motherboards. I believe 3200 is typical for most B450s and 3600 for most X570 models. There might be exceptions, but that's usually the case.
That’s purely marketing. The CPU houses the memory controller, making its performance tied to your CPU’s controller quality. Generally, any motherboard works for speeds above 3600MHz, but it depends on the board’s layout and design. Edited April 25, 2020 by LIGISTX
The motherboard layout and connections from memory slots to the CPU socket, along with its construction layers, play a role. A less expensive board might handle 3200 MHz with two slots but only 3000 MHz with four, since signals become weaker and more prone to noise at higher speeds. The maximum supported frequency is the highest one the board can handle. The OC note explains that these numbers are overclocking limits set by manufacturers; for instance, Ryzen 2 models are officially rated up to 2933 MHz, though they often run at 3200. Ryzen 3 models can reach 3600 MHz and beyond.