How to verify it isn't being overclocked
How to verify it isn't being overclocked
Hello, I’ll begin with the facts; my system is functioning properly. Everything is operating smoothly except for Photoshop, which is the exception. I understand this isn’t the right place for Photoshop issues, but let me explain.
In PS v21, when I attempted to save any image in any format, it would trigger a cold reboot every time. This stopped after I turned off XMP completely, and everything functioned normally. (Reminder: the cold reboots were specific to PS, with no other problems). In PS v22, the issue reappeared during testing of new features, which are still in beta. However, this doesn’t seem to cause a full system crash—just an expected error like freezing or closing. I think the problem might relate to BIOS settings or drivers.
I’d like to know how to configure both the CPU (i7-4790k) and RAM (24 GB 1333 MHz) to maintain their factory clocks. In the BIOS, they’re currently set to Auto, which allows the CPU clock to increase if needed. There are various options and toggles in the BIOS, but I’m not familiar with them. Any guidance would be appreciated.
Note: Using Gigabyte Z97 Gaming 5 motherboard. BIOS version F4
I know they could not be part of a matched kit except that there were some 3 x 8gb kits for triple channel systems.
You are correct on the ram.
Your motherboard supports up to 4 sticks, totaling 32gb. That would be 4 x 8gb.
Here are the specs for your motherboard.
https://www.gigabyte.com/us/Motherboard/...v-10/sp#sp
There is a ram QVL list with explicitly supported ram kits, but I do not think your motherboard is particularly sensitive to the ram type.
https://download.gigabyte.com/FileList/M...aming5.pdf
I can not think of anything particular about photoshop other than it uses lots of ram.
In the long past, I did experience a similar issue when an app used a particular location in...
XMP won't function well at the moment; I assumed disabling it would help, so I considered adding two more older RAM modules that operate at 1333 MHz but lack XMP support. The system has been running smoothly (including Photoshop v21), with no real issues. Now it's only affected by the newer version of PS, especially when trying some beta features. My worry is this might trigger an immediate shutdown—possibly requiring a reboot. I've read before that PS depends more on bandwidth than on RAM size, so a critical error could occur if PS attempts certain operations. I plan to remove the older RAM and test with the 16 GB total memory setup; XMP would set it to 2400 MHz by default. It's unclear if that speed is excessive. I'm using the Corsair Vengeance Pro CMY32GX3M4A2400C11. Any other advice would be appreciated.
It’s unlikely you purchased a 24gb ram kit since none are available for sale.
Ram needs to be compatible to function correctly.
Kits exist for a specific purpose.
A motherboard must handle the ram according to its voltage, case, and speed specifications.
The internal design is tailored to the kit’s capacity.
Rams from the same vendor and part number may vary in manufacturing over time.
Certain boards are particularly sensitive to these changes.
This becomes more challenging with multiple modules.
XMP settings allow overclocking to reach rated speeds, but each stick may have unique configurations.
Run memtest86—it boots from a USB drive without using Windows.
You can download the free version here: https://www.memtest86.com/download.htm
If it completes a full test with no errors, your ram is likely fine.
Photoshop benefits from ample memory, so you might want to consider replacing your 24gb unit with a matched 4 x 8gb kit that matches your required speed.
I never claimed to have purchased them all together. They come in 2x8 GB and 2x4 GB packages, sharing identical CAS values and supporting a 1333 MHz speed. However, I’m not attempting to question you, since I confirmed the system functions adequately with 24 GB of RAM. The problems I faced were limited to Photoshop, the software’s cold reboots (which occurred only when the 2x8 GB kit was installed with XMP enabled).
I’ll still run memtest86 to check for errors. Thank you for the advice.
P.S.: I suspect 2x16 GB RAM kits aren’t available for DDR3 modules. My previous motherboard only supported up to 4 GB per module, though I couldn’t find details about whether it permits more than 8 GB in a single slot. The search so far hasn’t turned up any 2x16 GB DDR3 options.
I understand they wouldn't fit into a matched kit, except for some 3 x 8gb kits designed for triple channel systems.
You're right about the RAM.
Your motherboard can handle up to four sticks, which equals 32gb. That's four 8gb modules.
Here are the details about your motherboard:
https://www.gigabyte.com/us/Motherboard/...v-10/sp#sp
There is a RAM QVL list listing supported kits, but I don't believe your model is very particular about RAM types.
https://download.gigabyte.com/FileList/M...aming5.pdf
I don’t see anything specific about Photoshop other than it requires a lot of RAM.
In the past, I faced a similar problem when an application accessed a certain RAM location.
Memtest86 can help identify such issues.
RAM generally comes with a lifetime return policy if Memtest86 detects a defect.
Since you’ll need to set your own RAM configurations (avoid XMP), consider adding extra voltage.
The XMP settings for one stick group will vary from another, which might cause confusion.
The issue here is that your corsair ram operates at 2400mhz while the other has 1333mhz with identical timing, which makes it run significantly slower. Adding that ram slows down your system considerably. However, if your workloads require those speeds, it might be worth it.
I would definitely run memtest—it seems like an error is leading to the system restart.