Checking if this is typical RAM performance.
Checking if this is typical RAM performance.
I just changed the motherboard and CPU, and the PC started up properly. I adjusted the BIOS settings for fans and XMP. It worked well with RAM at its rated speed (Corsair Vengeance 2x8GB 3200MHz CL16). On my previous system, I kept RAM at 3600MHz without changing other settings. The new system (Aorus Elite Z690 AX, i5-12600KF) showed a DRAM error and wouldn’t boot. After waiting ten minutes, the boot drive became corrupted and couldn’t be fixed with Windows tools, so I had to reinstall everything. Could it be that RAM behaves differently on this new setup and can’t be overclocked?
Any attempt to boost performance is risky. Even two identical systems can behave differently, and a single type of memory may fit one but not another. No two IMC units share identical traits—similar to adjusting CPU speeds. You might need slightly higher voltage on your IMC, matching the System Agent settings in most BIOSes I've used. Alternatively, your previous overclocking parameters could no longer suit the new platform. LIGISTX provides further guidance in the post above.
I believe the 8-9th generation platform is ideal for this. My friend used a Z370 ASUS motherboard with the same CPU and increased RAM by 400MHz without any changes. I've run that configuration for more than two years and haven't encountered any problems, so it seems reliable.
If you ignored stability checks, you might be mistaken about its reliability. RAM OCing isn’t easy and shouldn’t be attempted lightly—it requires careful study and understanding before you proceed. This method falls into the category of extreme overclocking that can lead to problems, such as data degradation, unexpected crashes years later, or issues that aren’t obviously related to memory. Even if you aim for modest performance improvements, the risks often outweigh the benefits. Take the time to learn properly and thoroughly test stability before making any changes.
I used various methods to check RAM stability, but most CPU tests don’t really engage RAM in a significant way. I assure you, simply verifying RAM stability isn’t worth the tiny performance boosts. RAM OC settings are the only reliable approach that shouldn’t be overlooked. CPU OC is straightforward and secure, GPU OC is essentially safe, and it’s hard to go wrong with it.
I tried aida64 for the extended test and then spent around six hours on prime95.