Core i9 9900K supports RAM up to 64GB.
Core i9 9900K supports RAM up to 64GB.
Hi, let's talk about your memory situation. Your current setup uses DDR4 RAM up to 2666 MHz on a CPU that supports it. The Intel Core i9-9900K is quite old but still handles 3600MHz speeds well. Upgrading to 64 GB at the same speed won’t be a problem for your processor—it should work fine.
For your motherboard, you’re already using a good one (MSI MPG Z390 Gaming). If you plan to upgrade further, you might need a newer board, especially if you move beyond Intel 9th gen. But right now, a single RAM upgrade is reasonable and won’t strain your system.
To keep your PC running smoothly longer, consider these tips:
- Keep your BIOS updated.
- Use reputable power supplies.
- Avoid overheating by ensuring proper cooling.
- Regularly clean dust from fans and vents.
- Monitor temperatures with software if needed.
The new GPU can be managed by the 9900K. An overclock might also work with the system. Adding more RAM won’t be much help unless you’re fully utilizing it. Look at the Task Manager. You can use OC to run DDR4 at speeds above 2666 MHz.
You can achieve higher speeds with RAM exceeding 2666MHz on that board/CPU. I tested 3200MHz on a 9900K and had to turn on XMP or overclock it via BIOS. Still, 32GB works fine.
The recommended RAM speed is what Intel advises. Actual performance depends on the CPU, and even among all i9 9900K chips, speeds can differ. Intel only confirms that 2666MHz RAM will function. It's also important to remember that using two sticks is more convenient for the controller than four, so achieving 3600MHz with two sticks doesn’t ensure the same result with four sticks.
You're starting out with overclocking? Your motherboard's VRMs should handle a stable CPU overclock if they're decent, but check the specs. As for cooling, your AIO setup with the NZXT Kraken X63 seems solid for current temperatures—just keep an eye on heat buildup as you push performance higher.
Begin overclocking in BIOS at the point where your system is running smoothly but you want to push its performance further.
This suggests you're facing challenges with memory overclocking on your MSI board. Setting the try it frequency too low might limit performance gains, but it doesn't necessarily mean you're completely out of options.
Switch to Expert mode for OC Explore. Set CPU ratio offset to +2 while using AVX at -1.