ddr3 ram bsod during overclocking
ddr3 ram bsod during overclocking
I'm just starting out with overclocking and need some guidance. Here are my system details:
MSI Z87-G41 PC, MATE motherboard
Intel i7 4790 CPU
Corsair Vengeance 16GB (4x4GB) DDR3 at 1866 MHz
At normal speed the RAM runs at 1333 MHz, but when I set it to XMP in BIOS it reaches 1866 MHz. During gaming, it sometimes stalls after about 30 minutes, though I can play for up to 4-5 hours before that happens. When I power on the PC and browse the web, it stays stable even after leaving it on overnight. It only fails during gaming. I've also tried manually overclocking the RAM to 1866 MHz using the same timing as XMP, but voltage was set to 1.5 and it still stays at auto. The other options were 200 and 266 MHz. My BIOS is up to date, and some people online say OC tools can only reach 1600 MHz stable. I'm unsure what clock speeds would be at 1600 MHz, so I haven't tried that. Since I'm new to OC, I thought using the same speeds as XMP for 1866 MHz would work. I really hope to hit 1866 MHz and it could boost my performance—especially when running 3DMark11, my score jumps nearly 1000 points compared to 1333 MHz. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
The issue with the old chestnut.
Increasing the load or work memory demands more power from each RAM stick to maintain stability.
When memory is configured manually, verify all provided details about the RAM sticks—speed, timing values, and voltage—in the BIOS settings.
Even after adjustments, if instability persists at recommended settings, consider raising the memory voltage by approximately 0.250Mv in power.
Make sure to save these changes before exiting and re-test the system for stability during gaming.
The original description is kept intact, but wording is varied to maintain the same length and structure.
Shaun explains the issue in a straightforward manner. When more load or work memory is needed, each RAM stick demands greater power to maintain stability. If you configure the memory settings manually, verify all details about the RAM—speed, timing values, and voltage—and confirm they match the BIOS specifications. Even if the system remains unstable at recommended settings, consider adjusting the voltage slightly by about 0.250Mv in power. Save these changes before exiting and retest for stability during gaming. Sometimes, a minor voltage change is all it takes. This could stem from the motherboard being slightly underspecified in voltage for memory modules, or from a power supply that doesn’t deliver consistent voltage or output. Such fluctuations are more common with cheaper or poorly branded power supplies, especially when the unit is operating at maximum wattage, voltage, and amperage. Over time, voltage drops can lead to memory errors, freezing, or system resets under load. A small 0.250Mv increase is usually sufficient if the motherboard supports adjusting voltage in steps. Also, check whether your memory modules are buffered or unbuffered—most systems use one of these. If the BIOS indicates ECC mode is enabled, ensure it’s turned off if you want to prevent errors. Disabling ECC when using unbuffered memory can help avoid instability on certain boards. This advice aligns with what you observed in your BIOS settings.