Is DDR4 3000 MHz RAM leading to crashes even with a successful processor overclock?
Is DDR4 3000 MHz RAM leading to crashes even with a successful processor overclock?
Hello,
After several months using an i7 6700K in an ASUS Maximus VIII Ranger motherboard (cooled by a Corsair H105), I began searching for guides and attempted to overclock the CPU. This was my first overclocking experience, even though I had worked with PCs before and previously achieved a 4.6 GHz setting at 1.325V and 3000 MHz RAM without success. I adjusted the voltage carefully, aiming to keep it below 1.4V, but progress remained slow. I suspected past BIOS changes might be the cause, so I reset the CMOS. After leaving everything in auto mode without an XMP profile, I successfully overclocked to 4.5 GHz at 1.325V and tested stability with demanding games.
I then switched back to BIOS and set the core voltage to adaptive to save power during idle periods. When I booted my machine, ASUS AI Tweaker indicated the core was running at 1.4+ volts continuously—possibly an error. Regardless, I restored it to 1.325V and everything functioned properly.
Next, I enabled XMP mode, setting RAM to 3000 MHz. The stability test succeeded initially, but it failed after a short time. I reduced the frequency to 2800 and then 2666 MHz, both failing. Eventually, I returned to manual mode and set the core voltage to 2133 MHz, as my usage is mainly for gaming and not demanding.
I’m curious about achieving 3000 MHz without exceeding 1.350V. I’ve noticed some users reaching 4.6 GHz on 6700K with voltages below 1.3V on premium Gigabyte boards, but most seem to hit 4.6 GHz around 1.3–1.35V. I haven’t tried 1.35 yet, but it’s close to my goal. I’d prefer not to risk CPU longevity by pushing voltage too high and would appreciate guidance on keeping it stable near 1.325V.
Additionally, I’ve read about people reaching 4.6 GHz with similar setups, though most aim for 1.3–1.35V. The AI suite kept showing 1.4V+ even after resets—could be a display or sensor issue?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
So, FYI I've been using 5Ghz with every CPU I've owned from 2500K to 3770K, and I think I'm really lucky!
As a matter of fact, yes. You should have won last night's $1.5 billion Powerball jackpot.
I've had a 2500K, 3770K, 4690K, and now 6600K, but only the 2500K managed to run at 4.9GHz. It booted at 5GHz, though it would crash when anything more than CPU-Z was loaded. I miss that thing.
Since you're so familiar with 5GHz... what settings would you suggest for a liquid-cooled Skylake to reach that speed?
Edit: Are you suggesting Matthew try running the RAM at 3000 with 1.2v? You mention timings, but not speed.
When the RAM doesn't perform at the expected speeds and timings (XMP settings), you should boost VCCIO and VCCSA (System Agent) — these are closely tied to RAM performance. IO's maximum recommended voltage is 1.25v, while SA's max is 1.3v. You're unsure why your Adaptive setting isn't working — it functions correctly on my M8G.
If the RAM isn't behaving as expected at the required speeds and timings (XMP settings), you should boost VCCIO and VCCSA (System Agent)—these are closely tied to RAM performance. Inputs should stay within 1.25v, while SA should not exceed 1.3v.
I’m unsure what’s causing the issue with your Adaptive setting—it functions properly on my M8G.
My RAM comes with a default spec of running at 3000Mhz @ 1.35 volts.
Regarding the processor, I adjusted it slightly last night; even at manual 1.3 volts, it still reached up to 1.4v during stress tests in Battlefield 4. It’s confusing whether the problem is a faulty chip or a failing motherboard, especially since I was considering purchasing an X99 build with a 5820K.
The discussion revolves around varying opinions about memory performance and overclocking techniques. Some suggest caution when relying on online guides, emphasizing the importance of verifying information with reliable sources. The referenced document highlights specifics about Intel's 6th Generation CPU design, particularly regarding DDR4 specifications. It advises ensuring compatibility and proper setup before attempting overclocking, noting that results depend on a solid base rather than just adjusting clock multipliers. The advice remains consistent despite updates to the hardware, such as the 6700K processor.
The discussion highlights concerns about online information and overclocking advice. It emphasizes the importance of verifying sources, especially when dealing with DDR4 memory. The author shares personal experiences with their system, noting that certain configurations yield specific results. They recommend providing exact memory details for better guidance.
Ryan--
Design specs are fine in theory, but they often don’t match real-world conditions. You’re right about this.
The numbers I provided came straight from ASUS’ Z170 guides.
You can push the CPU overclocked
and run memory at its intended XMP settings. Many people do this.
Matthew--
The 1.35v is the RAM voltage. This is quite different from VCCIO and VCCSA (System Agent) adjustments. You’ll need to raise both VCCIO and VCCSA to achieve stable RAM performance at XMP. This isn’t uncommon. Just avoid going beyond what I mentioned in my last post.
Regarding CPU voltage when Manual mode is selected, there should be a Load Line Calibration or LLC setting in your BIOS. I have seven levels, but I’m unsure how many yours support. Try setting it one or two levels below the maximum as a starting point.
Your XMP settings are 15,17,17,35 @ 1.35v
Memory can be adjusted manually at 1.20v, though Corsair's configurations vary widely at this setting. It's recommended to test each listed timing separately to identify the most stable options for 2133mhz @ 1.20v DDR4.
1 = 16,18,18,35
2 = 15,17,17,35
3 = 14,16,16,31
4 = 13,15,15,28
The tighter range is 1 to 4, beginning with 1 and evaluating each timing at your standard CPU configuration will help determine the most reliable settings.
You need to turn off XMP and manually apply these values in your BIOS to ensure stability.
Once you find consistent performance, you can gradually increase the CPU multiplier and voltage to support higher speeds, checking for stability at each step.
Progressing overclocking requires careful adjustment, testing until you hit the CPU clock limit defined by your cooling solution.
Leaps-from-Shadows :
Ryan--
Design specs are great in theory, but they don't always work in practice. You're right about this.
The numbers I shared come straight from ASUS' Z170 guides.
You can push the CPU overclocked and set the memory to XMP levels it should handle. Many of us do exactly that.
Taking CPU design specs into account has let me maintain a 5ghz overclock for more than three years, proving its value in real life!
Where are you pushing your overclock?
I suggest going through the completely unnecessary 1.2v and timing adjustments, since a minor voltage adjustment will quickly achieve XMP settings for his RAM.