Issue with overclocking Ryzen 1400, maybe linked to RAM?
Issue with overclocking Ryzen 1400, maybe linked to RAM?
Hello,
I'm attempting to overclock my Ryzen 1400 using AMD Ryzen Master, with Cinebench R15 and Prime95 as testing tools.
My motherboard is ASRock Fatal1ty AB350 Gaming K4, and the system has 16GB of RAM—two 4GB pairs, one Corsair Vengeance at 3000 MHz, and another Kingston Fury at 3200 MHz. They run together at 2933 MHz with XMP enabled.
After several BSODs, I achieved stability at 3.7 GHz and 1.3V.
Cinebench results were normal, about 15% better than default settings.
But Prime95 failed within the first minute.
It’s worth noting that when I turned off XMP and set the RAM clocks back to 2133 MHz, errors disappeared for at least the first five minutes.
What might be causing this inconsistency? How should I adjust things going forward?
Thanks in advance!
Unmatched memory kits are rarely advisable in normal situations. Pushing the CPU memory controller beyond its limits with unmatched memory is even worse, and adding more overclocking is a serious risk. It's better to stick with just one memory kit. Also, the maximum supported memory speed for the CPU is 2666. I should definitely ensure stability before making any changes to the CPU.
Initial Ryzen models don't tolerate four RAM sticks well. That's why instability occurs. It's better to use 2400 manual or maybe 2666MHz. The CPU is confirmed at 2666MHz, not officially approved. First-gen supports 3200MHz smoothly with two sticks and updated BIOS/Agesa files.
Thanks for the advice – it was just an error on my end, I didn’t realize these restrictions existed for first-gen Ryzens. Considering this, I’m becoming more hesitant to invest further in my current 4-5 year-old system. I’d need a new CPU cooler for overclocking and I’ve already spent money on RAM modules that I shouldn’t have bought. Plus, I’m thinking about getting an NVMe SSD, but there’s uncertainty about whether my old board will support it.
If I were to upgrade completely, what would be the impact on me? The latest Ryzen models seem a bit excessive for my needs (a mid-range CPU, similar to what was available back then, maybe slightly improved). If I wanted a CPU around 200 EUR and a motherboard in the 100-150 EUR range, could I find one from AMD or should I stick with Intel?
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU:
Intel Core i5-12400 2.5 GHz 6-Core Processor
(€207.99 @ Mindfactory)
Motherboard:
MSI PRO B660M-A DDR4 Micro ATX LGA1700 Motherboard
(€171.47 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Total:
€379.46
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by
PCPartPicker
2022-01-23 17:34 CET+0100
That's roughly what you'd be looking at. Plan to add another €30+ to find a decent ATX. You won't be getting a €100-€150 mobo unless you can get something uber cheap, or simply not worth spending on such as the H610 which is a seriously chopped down board missing most of what allows the 12thgen to be better than 11thgen.
What I'd do is look on ebay. Sell both kits of your current ram, buy 1 kit of 3200MHz 2x8Gb and a used 2600-3600 and don't bother with OC, undervolt instead.
Ryzens are not Intel. They don't work the same way. They are an efficiency engine. More efficient you make them, faster they perform. A Ryzen at 60°C and 4.0GHz literally thinks faster than a Ryzen at 80°C and 4.0GHz. That equates to higher fps. Just bumping clockspeeds in Ryzen Master often has opposite results to what you want.
Hi, Karadjgne!
I just joined the Systems subforum and found the same advice helpful.
If you think it’s useful, feel free to add your thoughts.
I’m considering a Ryzen 5600X with a B550 motherboard. The CPU is pricier, but the cheaper boards make up for it...
I also want a stylish PC case, I like the look. 😊
I bought two AB350-ITX boards from the Fatality line because I liked their options.
From my own trials, they could easily be overclocked for a 1200 at around 3.8 with a voltage of about 1.24V. I struggled to push RAM speeds past roughly 29xx, even though there are only two slots. I didn’t manage a substantial improvement with an R7 1700.
Some thoughts from my experience include choosing your RAM carefully or buying a matching set. As @Karadjgne pointed out, the Ryzen card likely won’t benefit much from overclocking on a 4-chip configuration compared to a 2-chip setup—this is true even with my Taichi X370, which has enough power delivery.
Another point is cooling: a standard cooler won’t handle significant overclocks beyond the stock clocks. Some users succeed, but you should plan for better thermal management.
Keep in mind that CPU and RAM overclocking are linked; adjusting one can affect stability on the other.
The 3xx boards weren’t originally designed for optimization. Follow the update notes on ASRock carefully to avoid dropping support for your 1xxx CPU (at least for now). There should be several BIOS updates that greatly improve RAM compatibility, stability, and overall performance.
A final note: ASRock is releasing BETA BIOS soon, which could let them run with 5xxx chips. I haven’t seen it yet for the Fatality boards, but it’s possible depending on chip size and other factors. If it happens, it could be a significant upgrade for your system.
Heh, cases are personal. Mine is mITX, straightforward as it gets, with only the native colors for the motherboard. My old PC was a Fractal Design R5. So what some see as unattractive boxes, others find them visually appealing. Bold lighting (against all expectations) just adds cost, a bright red sports car doesn’t make you go faster than the same model with a dull brown finish.
It’s up to you to choose your own style. You’re the one who has to check it daily, build in it, fix it, and handle it.
True! My setup uses a Corsair case, but the front appears like an oven with vertical grilles and red lighting from the fans behind.
The interior looks great with a red and black motherboard.
Regarding the Ryzen - B550 alternative to i5-12400, what thoughts do you have?