Issue with overclocking Ryzen 1400, maybe linked to RAM?
Issue with overclocking Ryzen 1400, maybe linked to RAM?
Thanks for your input! I agree with your assessment that 3xxx mobos weren't optimized for overclocking, especially since they were the first on AM4.
Still, I updated my BIOS to 4.x and didn’t feel the need to push further. Before that, I couldn’t even boost RAM speeds past 2133 MHz.
Noticing my CPU getting hot even with a slight voltage increase, it would make sense to upgrade the cooler. But after thinking it through, I don’t think I’ll spend more on this build—I might instead assemble a new one. Selling my old rig could help recoup some costs, though I’ll likely have to scavenge the GPU for parts.
🤣
The next decision comes down to whether I stick with AMD’s last Zen generation or opt for one of the newer Alder Lake Intel CPUs.
It is advisable to refresh the BIOS, as this will provide the system with improved firmware and potentially enhance overclocking capabilities. Similar to my friends' B450M Steel Legend, which struggles to reach 3200mhz on an R5 2600, but after the latest update achieved 3200C16, swapping their CPUs to the R5 5600G allowed them to hit 3600C16 with assistance. Their RAM setup includes one 8GB Klevv Bolt X 3200mhz and another 8GB Avexir Core Blue 2666mhz, both using the Hynix CJR-VKC chip (2666mhz). This combination seems fortunate to have different RAM sticks yet share the same IC. I was very impressed that these components could run at 3600mhz CL16-16-19-19-36-66 1T GDM on the motherboard. It appears the BIOS updates are truly enhancing the performance of the motherboard itself, making it impressive in terms of the motherboard, RAM, and CPU.
Interesting, thanks for the information.
It’s possible to boost RAM speed beyond what the CPU specifications indicate supports.
This makes sense since, for example, B550 motherboards accommodate very high RAM speeds, whereas there isn’t much official data on Ryzen CPUs exceeding 3200 MHz.
I should probably test my Ryzen 1400 by adding an extra pair of RAM sticks—seems like I wasn’t as fortunate as others in pairing different models. Officially it allows up to 2666 MHz, while the board can go up to 3200 MHz. I hope I can achieve better results with RAM, but I doubt I can significantly overclock the CPU without a more efficient cooler.
If the motherboard supports unlocking for RAM overclocking, then yes. You could purchase affordable 3600mhz kits from various sellers such as Team (team dark z alpha, team t-create), Klevv (klevv bolt x and xr), and Patriot (viper blackout and viper steel, the cl17 models). These options come with solid processors. I own Patriot Blackout 3600 cl17 units and bought them at a discounted price similar to regular low-cost timing kits. They experienced CJR die, but the performance was significantly improved compared to expectations. The reason for choosing 3600mhz is that it allows fine-tuning between 3200-3533mhz using the latest BIOS on your board. The kits I mentioned typically use Hynix CJR and DJR chips, especially Klevv, which consistently uses Hynix ICs.
Additionally, CPU Official states that if the motherboard is fully locked, no overclocking is possible, and the maximum speed equals the highest supported RAM speed listed in the JEDEC table.