First time overclocking DDR4 memory, please help a bit!
First time overclocking DDR4 memory, please help a bit!
I obtained 32gb of DDR4 memory operating at 3200mhz on my stock system. Checking the motherboard manual, I was unsure about the permissible frequencies. I decided to adjust it to 3466mhz. After saving and exiting, I still couldn’t boot. I think I need to raise the voltage, but I’m not sure where to begin. Please help.
There will be a lot of "ooh scary scary" reactions since this has been a consistent pattern across several CPU generations.
3200Mhz is generally a practical overclock for many motherboards. It could also represent the maximum speed memory is officially supported.
You'll encounter many "ooh scary scary" reactions to this topic as it has been a consistent pattern across several CPU generations.
It's important to note that running DDR3 above 1.50 volts doesn't void the warranty—it actually goes beyond the JEDEC standards. During the time DDR3 was popular, more than half of the RAM products listed by Intel were designed for voltages over 1.5 volts.
Similarly, DDR4 should not be operated above 1.2 volts to maintain warranty coverage; again, it surpasses the JEDEC limits.
Over 99% of published specifications and the labels on RAM modules point toward Intel's XMP profiles, which many consider overclocking. If a product claims overclocking, it means it adheres to JEDEC guidelines. However, not all manufacturers support XMP profiles, and some may only back certain JEDEC standards.
It's wise not to invest in RAM that is rated for overclocking unless the manufacturer's BIOS supports that speed—though BIOS updates can sometimes enable this.
There isn't a standard RAM configuration that exceeds 3200 MHz without risking warranty issues, as production quality has improved over time.
For reference, if you're looking at high-end models like the X99 or Z170/Z270 with 4x8GB or 16GB configurations, you can expect stable performance around 3200 MHz under proper conditions.
These figures are often confirmed by checking manufacturer forums or official compatibility lists.
It's true that every CPU is unique, but RAM behaves similarly—different models may vary in their overclocking potential.
A 6700k processor might run at 4.7 GHz with overclocking, which is significantly higher than the advertised 4.2 GHz, but real-world performance gains are limited and depend on various factors.
For a reliable starting point, consult the RAM manufacturer's website forums or explore Intel's certified compatibility list to identify models that support specific speeds.
You're likely to receive many "ooh scary scary" reactions to this topic, as it has been a consistent pattern across several CPU generations.
Someone mentioned not to run DDR3 above 1.50 volts because it voids the warranty—though this actually goes beyond the JEDEC standard. At the time DDR3 was popular, more than half of Intel's certified RAM kits listed a voltage higher than 1.5.
Another warning about running DDR4 above 1.2 volts to avoid warranty issues; again, it doesn't work, but 1.4-1.45 can cause problems. The same applies to DDR3—stick to under 1.65v to stay safe.
JackNaylorPE :
You are going to get a lot of "ooh scary scary" responses to this question as they has been a steady stream of them for several CPU generations
"Don't run DDR3 over 1.50 volts, it voids you warranty"... No.. it doesn't, it exceeds the JEDEC specification. back when DDR3 was current, more than half of the RAM kits on Intel's certified compatibility list had a specified voltage > 1.5
"Don't run DDR4 over 1.2 volts, it voids you warranty"... No.. it doesn't, again, it just exceeds the JEDEC specification.
99+% of the specs published and what's written on the RAM package itself refer to the Intel XMP profile ... which by Intel's definition, is overclocked.... If it's overclocked, than it exceeds the JEDEC specification. So when you see OC on a MoBo spec, it's not because the MoBo manufacturer fees it's a higher speed than the MoBo might be able to handle, it's an OC because JEDEC spec says so. Any particular MoBo might or might not support XMP profiles; any particular MoBo might or might not provide support for certain JEDEC profiles. Of course you shouldn't invest in XMP rated or JEDEC RAM sppeds, unless the MoBo BIOS supports that speed ... but remember, BIOSs are sometimes updated to provide just that.
You will not find a set of RAM over 3200 speed which doesn't exceed....over time, as production yields improve, you will ... just as there was a day when to get 1600 on DDR3, you had to be at 1.65
So let's go to the source....
http://www.legitreviews.com/what-is-the-...ing_150115
If 4 x 8GB on X99 or 16 GB on Z170/Z270, you are guaranteed that that RAM will run at 3200 at the stipulated timings. ... just like you were guaranteed you 6700k would to 4.2 GHZ. But the mean OC on that 6700k was 4.7 Ghz, substantially higher than guaranteed. But with overclocking RAM:
a) You usually won't see anywhere near the same level of % increase
b) The impact of the greater speed has less of an impact on almost all desktop applications.
The best place I have found to get a starting point is the RAM manufacturer's web site forums. Oft staffed by employees, you can oft get good set of numbers that other folks have had success with. Another thing would be to check the Intel Certified compatiblity list and try and find 3466 models from the same manufacturer and try those settings.
Just like every CPU is "the same" but different , same with RAM... one 6700k, might OC to 4.5, most to 4.7 and some to 5.0... but they all came off the same line and have no intended differences.
When a RAM vendor sells RAM, it's tested at the best speed that has a reasonable pass rate for those specific modules ... so a fail at 3466 might turn out to be a pass at 3200... but as higher speeds bring higher prices, demand might be higher for 3200 and RAM that could be sold at 3466 may wind up in a 3200 package. Like any OC, it's all a crapshoot.
Im thinking to nudge it up a bit and stay under 1.2 v. If it fails, i guess it should not at least fry the mobo. but i will keep it under 1.2 v. I feel very curious. maybe that is bad but lets find out.