Identifying performance limits in a CPU is essential for optimization.
Identifying performance limits in a CPU is essential for optimization.
It isn't always necessary; the 5600X offers significantly more cache and a quicker cache system, which reduces the impact of memory speed. While faster RAM helps, it doesn't provide as much gain as seen with the 3200G. A reliable way to check for memory bottlenecks is by overclocking the memory and observing performance improvements. Unless you're using specialized chips like Hynix AFR or Micron Rev A, reaching 3200MHz CL16 should be feasible without major issues.
You're on an ASUS Prime A320M-A motherboard and haven't found a way to adjust the DRAM speed in BIOS. You remember doing overclocking before needing to reset the CMOS, but you're unsure about the steps now. Consider checking the motherboard manual or forums for recent updates, or look into BIOS update options that might allow speed adjustments.
I've mostly used a Rampage III Formula board recently, so I'm not sure how their memory configuration is set up. Still, it's likely that boosting the CPU to 5600X will reduce reliance on memory speed thanks to the larger cache, and it should perform well at 2666MHz. It wouldn't be wise to purchase this slow chip right now, but the processor should handle it at those speeds.
I've been using this PC for about three years. I bought the CPU shortly after its release, and I was just checking the BIOS settings on the DRAM speed. It showed increments of +0.005, so I set it to 0 and was able to overclock the DRAM speed. My speed went from 1.2 to 1.205, and everything started working properly. Are there any other adjustments you should consider?
It seems you're adjusting the DRAM voltage. You can raise it to 1.35V (either set it above that or add a small offset). You should also increase the frequency to something higher, like 2933MHz or 3200MHz. However, depending on your CPU, 3200MHz might not be feasible—Zen+ had limited memory controller support. You might need to adjust some timing parameters; CL16-18-18-38 should work well at those speeds. Still, if you really want to push your memory overclocking, wait until you have the new chips ready. The Zen2/Zen3 controllers perform much better than the Zen+ one, and stable settings on 3200G will likely become irrelevant on the 5600X. Doing this takes a long time, so plan accordingly before investing your effort.
I maxed out my CPU to 2933MHz according to the AMD site. I probably won’t need much from my old processor once I’m done, so I think selling it on eBay for a 3200MHz kit would be a good idea—something capable like DOCP is perfect instead of my current RAM. Thanks for the advice!
I tested 2933 in the meantime. A minor boost, though it's a free upgrade. When I reach the 5600x version, I'll keep that RAM and check if you can boost it to 3200 MHz. You might not need a replacement. The Ryzen DRAM calculator is available at https://www.techpowerup.com/download/ryz...alculator/, and Taiphoon Burner can help identify the memory chips at http://www.softnology.biz/files.html