Issues with RAM performance despite XMP settings not working
Issues with RAM performance despite XMP settings not working
If you aim to boost memory performance, you'll need to disable Xmp modes and adjust settings to match the required voltage and latency. You should reduce the CPU core multiplier and consider overclocking the CPU's FSB in certain situations. Increasing CPU speed will raise memory speed, but higher frequencies demand more voltage to maintain stability. If your motherboard restricts voltage options, you might be limited to the stable frequency it allows. My issue is that the BIOS prevents manual voltage changes; otherwise I would have attempted it. This board is one of the top-tier MSI models designed for overclocking, so this seems unlikely to be the problem.
For what it's worth, as I discussed with vincent, most users with a comparable build seem to be experiencing no problems when using the same RAM at 3000 after turning on XMP. Checking Newegg shows a verified owner with a Z170 card running a 6700k had perfect results. "Everything worked perfectly." So what's the difference?
Midnight822 :
VincentP :
Midnight822 :
VincentP :
The CPU's memory controller is listed for "DDR4-1866/2133, DDR3L-1333/1600 @ 1.35V".
http://ark.intel.com/products/88195/Inte...o-4_20-GHz
The RAM supports higher frequencies, yet you're pushing the CPU memory controller beyond its rated limits.
That's correct, but I thought those numbers referred to the standard performance. They actually represent the potential with overclocking.
Generally, you can push your system this way, and running at DDR4-2400 should be fine on your setup.
Attempting DDR4-3000 on a CPU that only handles DDR4-2133 seems quite bold.
Using some of the built-in OC tools in the MSI card allowed the CPU to reach 5GHz while the RAM hit 2666MHz. 3000 might be a bit ambitious, though I thought the Skylake 6700K could handle it without major problems. From most online reviews I've read, people using the same RAM usually succeed at 3000 without issues. Could older Maxwell chips really perform better in this scenario?
Reaching 3000 isn't the main concern for me; I'm more interested in understanding the process and maximizing my hardware's potential.
Haswell and Broadwell were previous Intel CPU generations. Maxwell is part of Nvidia's GPU lineup.
These models supported DDR3 up to 1600 MT/s.
The highest RAM available for these chips was DDR-2133, but similar to your 3000 plan, the CPU's memory controller likely wouldn't run smoothly at that speed on most systems.
VincentP shared details about Haswell and Broadwell CPUs, Maxwell GPUs, and memory support. He noted DDR3 speeds capped at 1600 MT/s and mentioned issues with stability at higher rates. He followed up with advice from Corsair on testing modules and checking motherboard compatibility before proceeding.
Midnight822 :
VincentP :
Haswell and Broadwell were earlier Intel CPU models. Maxwell belongs to Nvidia GPUs.
These supported DDR3 only up to 1600 MT/s.
The best memory available for these was DDR-2133, but just like your DDR4-3000, the CPU memory controller probably wouldn’t run smoothly at that rate on most systems.
I get it now—what really bothered me is that nearly all reviews about this RAM say they perform just fine in real-world setups.
I opened a ticket on Corsair and they suggested:
- Test the modules one by one, then run memtest to detect errors.
- Verify your motherboard’s supported memory list to confirm the kit is included.
I’ll try them individually tonight and observe the results.
Thanks for the advice.
Have you ever solved this problem? I’m facing the exact same issue with the same motherboard, RAM, and CPU.
Corsair Dominator's are made by Samsung and I've consistently had issues with different motherboards.
The SE models are extremely frustrating to use.
Corsair Dominator Platinum CMD32GX4M4C3200C14M and the MSI Godlike Gaming Carbon are incompatible. Aida64 notes very slow read/write/copy speeds, well below 50 GB/sec even with XMP enabled.
Not a good choice.
Tests with Passmark Memtest outside Windows confirmed the same results.
Switching to Hynix-based components resolved the problem.
Stick with Hynix-based dimms for better performance.
Anton_Godlike_Gaming shares his experience with Corsair Dominator's, noting their Samsung origin and recurring issues across different models. He highlights poor performance in the SE series and criticizes the CMD32GX4M4C3200C14M and Godlike Gaming Carbon variants. Aida64 reports significantly low read/write/copy speeds, far below expected 50 GB/sec on XMP mode. He suggests testing with Hynix-based RAM instead and asks for advice on compatible options if the issue persists.
Midnight822 :
Hey everyone, my semester is done and I've finally started exploring overclocking. Right after, I decided to test the RAM I bought at its advertised speed, but I'm already running into issues.
My setup includes:
- Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor
- Corsair Dominator Platinum 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory
- MSI Z170A XPOWER GAMING TITANIUM EDITION ATX LGA1151 Motherboard
Following every basic online guide, I enabled XMP. But my system keeps failing to load. When I adjust the frequency manually, it works at 2400MHz, suggesting a possible issue at 3000MHz. Under voltage settings, DRAM Voltage is set to Auto and reads 1.216V, yet I can't change it manually. It's unclear if the voltage actually increases when XMP is active.
Someone, could you help me identify what might be missing?
I also have a nearly identical build: i7-6800k MSI x99a Gaming Pro Carbon (ms-7A20) with 64GB RAM (4 x 16GB) from Corsair Vengeance 3000mhz, but on my MSI Command center it only shows 2133. That's quite frustrating since I spent more for the higher speed.
I recall a time when I adjusted the BIOS settings and changed it myself, but after reformatting the system, I'm having to start over.