Help overclocking memory/CPU
Help overclocking memory/CPU
I’m new to overclocking and just need some clear advice tailored to my setup rather than sifting through many confusing threads.
My current configuration includes:
- Gigabyte GA-AB350-Gaming 3 motherboard
- Ryzen 5 1600 CPU
- G.Skill 4x8GB 2400mhz memory (only two sticks are stable)
In short, I can’t run all four memory sticks unless I lower the speed to 1866mhz, which still feels a bit shaky. I think adjusting timings and voltages might be necessary.
If I decide to experiment with timing and voltage changes, I’d prefer to overclock rather than underclock.
Here are my questions:
1. Should I overclock the CPU before trying to speed up the RAM?
2. Is it better to stabilize the CPU first and then work on the memory?
3. Can I just increase speeds manually and let the system adapt?
4. What should I start with when changing speeds, voltages, and timings?
5. Would overclocking my CPU and/or RAM actually help me, given my usage (photo/video editing, AutoCAD, 3D rendering)?
1) No.
2) Yes, that's what I would do.
3) No, you'll have to adjust voltages and timing yourself—it won't change by itself just by increasing clock speed. I wouldn't exceed 1.35v DRAM voltage with that setup. Share your kit model and I can suggest timings that might help reach 2400mhz stability.
4) Post the model number of your kit and I can offer some guidance on starting points.
5) Not completely certain. Overclocking the CPU will slightly lengthen render times. It's unclear if faster RAM speeds or higher CPU speeds would aid CAD work.
First, update your bios to the latest version and try again.
1. No, even though the memory controller is on the CPU, you don't have to overclock the CPU just to overclock the RAM.
2. It's not really necessary, but they tend to be more independent; it's a good practice to isolate issues.
3. For the CPU, adjust your voltage, set the LLC, and experiment with the CPU multiplier—avoid using the base clock of 100 MHz.
I’m not very familiar with Gigabyte bios, but the main idea remains the same.
4. With RAM, if it’s not running at 2400 or 1200, it might be at 2133 or 1066 depending on the presentation, you can enable the XMP profile to run it at 2400 MHz, which should cover all timing requirements for those speeds.
5. For Ryzen processors, performance improves when the CPU and RAM are optimized together. Also, the CPU works better with faster RAM because of the internal bus that benefits from rapid data transfer.
I aim to resolve a few points and address both of you here.
I’m currently using the F22 bios, but there’s an F23b available, though I’m hesitant due to reports of issues.
My system runs at 2400 with stability, but only when using two sticks in dual channel and XMP on Profile 1 (my sole profile). Adding the other two sticks prevents posting at 2400, so I must reduce speeds to 1866 to get it running, though occasional BSODs persist. This suggests adjustments to timings and voltages might be necessary.
If I proceed with changes, would it be better to tweak settings with the installed sticks and increase speeds instead of lowering them?
most recent 2400 ram models can reach up to 2666 or 3000 with 1.35v and somewhat relaxed timing at c16 or c18. based on my experience with the ryan 1600, the memory controller is far less stable compared to the intel version. you might consider increasing the soc voltage by about 0.1 (possibly around 1.2 as the default) and relaxing the timing on 2400 mhz. for higher speeds, i don’t see any information in gigabyte’s manual, though my asus guide says 2666 and above are only compatible with a 2 dimm setup.
i’m using my 1600 with a 2400 kit from teamgroup at 3000 16-18-18-38. i went to the memory maker’s site, selected a ram sku that runs at a higher frequency, and used its timing.
If memory can't execute all four modules at 2400MHz, perform MemTest.
https://www.memtest86.com/
Any issues - replace the entire kit under warranty.