Issue with XMP settings on your latest PC build (memory overclock problem!)
Issue with XMP settings on your latest PC build (memory overclock problem!)
Main Board : MSI PRO Z690-A DDR4 LGA 1700 BIOS Version : 7D25v19 CPU : Intel Core i7-13700K
Video Card : ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 3070 V2 OC Edition 8GB GDDR6 PCI Express 4.0 Video Card TUF-RTX3070-O8G-V2-GAMING (LHR)
PSU brand and model : CORSAIR RM850 CP-9020235-NA 850 W ATX 80 PLUS GOLD Certified 12v rail
Rating of listed PSU : 70.8 A
Memory : G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series 32GB (2 x 16GB) 288-Pin PC RAM DDR4 3600 (PC4 28800)
Desktop Memory Model F4-3600C18D-32GVK SSD/ HDD : Kingston KC3000 M.2 2280 2048GB PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe 3D TLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) SKC3000D/2048G
CPU COOLER : DeepCool AK620 OC
No Operating System : None currently. Intend to install Windows 11 Pro 64-bit later.
I finished assembling my new PC after updating the BIOS to version 7D25v19 via Flash BIOS method as outlined in the manual.
Before booting, I attempted XMP settings but failed – system runs stock configuration.
Current BIOS state: operating with default values (no XMP enabled).
RAM performance: DDR4 3600 MHz is limited to 2666 MHz under these conditions.
Testing: Memtest86+ completed 4 passes with no errors at the RAM speed of 2666MHz.
The RAM you purchased fits the XMP compatibility list, but XMP settings can be complex. Adjust XMP to Enabled, keep the MHz speed at its default, let the BIOS handle the rest without manual changes afterward. If you receive a solid post, execute memtestx64. A newer version with at least eight full passes is available. If you don’t get a good post and memory compatibility fails, it may mean the MB can’t run at 3600MHz or the RAM slots are full—consider increasing voltage only if all slots are occupied and the system can reach the required voltage.
Updated my setup with QVL RAM, but XMP remains unresponsive. I managed to hit 3600MHz using "Memory Try it!" and attached screenshots of my configurations and the new RAM. Can I get advice on further boosting the overclock to match the tighter timings listed on the sticker?
Occasionally success depends on beating the "silicone lottery." Tested XMP RAM in QVL usually functions 99% of the time. Still, problems may arise. Check the CPU's top memory clock speed—your model is likely DDR4 3200. While many QVL RAM sticks fit, a guarantee isn't available beyond that point since it can be capped by the CPU controller. I'm facing the same challenge. The RAM I bought for an AMD 5700X wasn't listed in the motherboard QVL, so it won't run XMP at 3600. That's the standard setting. I'll gradually adjust the voltage to see if stability improves (never go above 1.4v). If that doesn't work, I'll compare specs with a similar DDR4 3200 from another brand and input those settings manually. The AMD 5700X uses a 3200 RAM controller as well. Pushing XMP overclocking can lead to instability. You might try XMP while keeping timings unchanged, or downgrade the clock speed if possible. Some BIOS updates support this. For instance, lowering it to 3400 instead of 3600 while maintaining the same timings. Remember, no assurance exists, and always stay below 1.4v. Generally, for RAMs over 3000MTs, the safe range is around 1.35v to 1.4v.