Can't OC Corsair RAM
Can't OC Corsair RAM
Hello,
I wanted to thank you for your patience while reviewing my situation.
The issue I’m facing is that my RAM doesn’t reach 2133MHz despite being rated for 3000MHz. I own four Corsair RAM modules, each 8GB and 3000MHz. Two models have RGB LED heatsinks, while the other two do not. They’re installed in dual-channel slots.
I’ve attempted to use XMP in BIOS, but it still caps at 2133MHz regardless of settings. I’ve also tried adjusting voltage, timings, and speed manually with XMP both enabled and disabled, without success.
I’ve updated my BIOS and drivers to the latest versions, but nothing seems to resolve the problem.
Please let me know if there’s anything else I can try.
Note: CPU overclocking functions properly
Hardware
CPU: Ryzen 7 1700
RAM: 2x8GB CMK16GX4M2B3000C15 & 2x8GB CMK16GX4M2C3000C15
MOBO: Gigabyte AB350 Gaming 3 -- BIOS Version: F10
GPU: EVGA GTX 1070
Software
Windows 10 Pro 64bit
Corsair Link 4.9.4.28 (possibly for fan control only)
EVGA Precision XOC 64bit 6.1.2
Kindly share any additional details that might help. I’ve looked into similar cases and found others encountering the same issues with Corsair RAM and this Gigabyte motherboard during overclocking. No clear solution has emerged yet.
Thank you for your time and support!
XMP (Extended Memory Profile) created by Intel is a list of SPD values for one-click overclocking that works with BIOS, Overclocking your RAM beyond standard settings involves adjusting DRAM Timing and Voltage to improve stability. With Ryzen, the similar function is D.O.C.P., so you should try it. During the post-cycle phase, BIOS will run various training codes to set the most stable RAM configurations (which can cause a few reboots). CPUz will confirm if your RAM has an XMP profile and they likely do. Gather these details, note them, and test manually. Unless you require high overclock performance, 16GB is sufficient for gaming.
Hi Soundboard Nightmare
The Gigabyte AB350 Gaming 3 supports up to 2667Mhz, which is impressive but pushing 32MB at 3000MHz is quite a challenge for the IMC. Mixing RAM kits, even with similar specs, can be risky because of small differences in latency, and manufacturers design modules to match. Using an XMP profile won’t work with 'OC' RAM since it doesn’t follow the JDEC standard, so your system might default to 2133MHz. Adjusting DRAM timing and voltage can be tried, but there’s no certainty and it can be frustrating. Do you need 32MB and are you looking for stability with just 16MB from the same kit?
MeanMachine41 :
Hi Soundboard Nightmare
The Gigabyte AB350 Gaming 3 officially supports up to 2667Mhz and anything above that are considered 'OC' RAM and 32MB at 3000MHz is quite a bit to ask of the IMC.
Also it is never a good idea to mix RAM kits even of the same spec due to minor variations in Latency and that's why RAM manufacturers bin their modules to ensure conformity.
An XMP profile would not work with 'OC' RAM as it not the JDEC standard so your system Bios would default to the lower 2133MHz. Playing around with DRAM Timing Control and Voltage can work but no guarantee and it can be a frustrating exercise.
Do you have a need for 32MB and can you attain stability with 16MB from the same kit.?
Hi MeanMachine41,
Thanks for a quick reply! No, I can definitely manage with 16GB of RAM. I had the other two sticks, so I figured why not!
I thought the XMP profile was OCing, am I not correct with that assumption? If we can get two sticks at 2667, then that would be awesome! Would I just need to remove the other two and turn XMP to see if it works?
Memory comes with it exactly as it is offered, and what remains unguaranteed are the combinations formed by matching part numbers. XMP profiles are also provided in the kit as it was originally sold. Additional combinations may be achieved through a "do it yourself" compatibility check. Since the two kits were never tested together, there is no certainty about their compatibility.
If you don’t have an XMP profile for the target memory speed, you can adjust the memory settings manually.
XMP (Extended Memory Profile) by Intel is a list of SPD values for one-click overclocking, accepted in BIOS. Adjusting DRAM Timing and Voltage control outside standard methods can improve stability. For Ryzen systems, the equivalent is D.O.C.P.; try it. After the post-cycle, BIOS will apply various training codes to set optimal RAM parameters (which may cause a few reboots). CPUz will confirm if your RAM has an XMP profile—likely it does. Save these values and test them manually. Unless you require high overclock performance, 16GB is sufficient for gaming. For heavy rendering or video editing, a tested kit listed on MB QVL is ideal.
Calvin7 explained that the memory comes with its original form and what isn't guaranteed is the matching of part numbers. XMP profiles are also provided in the kit as it was originally sold. Other combinations can be tried using a self-testing approach. The two kits were never tested together, so their compatibility remains uncertain. If you don’t have an XMP profile for the memory speed you want, you can adjust the settings manually. Thanks for your response, Calvin!
MeanMachine41 :
XMP (Extended Memory Profile) from Intel is a list of SPD values for one-click overclocking that works with BIOS. It involves adjusting DRAM Timing and Voltage to improve stability. For Ryzen systems, the equivalent is D.O.C.P. You should try this method. After the post-cycle, BIOS will run various training codes to set the most stable RAM settings, which may cause a few reboots. CPUz can confirm if your RAM has an XMP profile—this is likely the case. Save these values and test them manually. Unless you really need overclocked RAM, 16GB is sufficient for gaming. For heavy rendering or video editing, a tested kit listed on MB QVL is best.
I successfully got it working after your first message! I removed two sticks, adjusted their timings, and reached 2667MHz. Thank you very much for your assistance—I really value it!