Issues with XMP and RAM overclocking
Issues with XMP and RAM overclocking
Hey, I'm facing some trouble getting my RAM to reach 3600MHz. I have a 16GB x 4 configuration of the CORSAIR VENGEANCE RGB PRO (CMW32GX4M2D3600C18), but it doesn't OC to that speed. It works smoothly up to around 3066MHz. I originally had two modules and it handled up to 3900MHz. Now I've added the other two, but I'm encountering problems with XMP settings.
Hardware details:
Intel Core i9-10900K
RTX 3080
MSI Z490 Gaming Edge Wi-Fi
64GB (16GBx4) of CORSAIR VENGEANCE RGB PRO
There could be 2 potential things at play here:
1) All systems are worse with 2DPC than 1DPC so it is possible that's what is going on.
2) You may have bought the same DRAM but they might not actually be the same chips or have the same subtimings.
If it's #1 there isn't a whole lot you can do about it, because it's luck of the draw. If it's #2 you could pull all of the timings for one of the sticks and then manually set all of them to the same, though this may still not work. This is the reason why you want to buy a matched kit or get them out of the same run.
Do you believe it's better to exchange the RAM I purchased and opt for a 64GB compatible kit instead?
That would be the easiest way to figure out the problem.
You can check the modules in CPU-Z that will tell you what the chips are. ASRock Timing Configurator and Thiaphoon Burner can both give more detailed data on your memory.
I'm assuming there's a specific reason, but out of curiosity why are you jumping up to 64GB?
It wasn't too costly and I bought a 970 Evo Plus 2TB. I've been testing various virtual machines.
You have mismatched RAM.
RAM is sold in kits for a reason.
A motherboard needs to handle all the RAM according to the same voltage, case, and speed requirements.
The internal design is tailored for the capacity of the kit.
RAM from the same manufacturer and part number may contain different manufacturing parts over time.
Some motherboards are particularly sensitive to this.
It becomes more challenging when multiple modules are used.
RAM must be compatible for optimal performance.
If you can send back the RAM for a single kit, that would be ideal.
Alternatively, you might attempt to specify the exact XMP settings for speed and timing, but raise the voltage beyond what the XMP guidelines recommend.
To confirm correct operation,
execute memtest86 or memtest86+
They boot from a USB drive without using Windows.
You can find them here:
MemTest86 - Official Site of the x86 Memory Testing Tool
MemTest86 is the original self-booting memory testing software for x86 and ARM systems. It supports both BIOS and UEFI, with options to boot from USB.
www.memtest86.com
Memtest86+ | The Open-Source Memory Testing Tool
Memtest86+ is a powerful, free, open-source standalone memory tester for 32- and 64-bit computers (supports UEFI & BIOS, USB booting)
www.memtest.org
If you manage to complete a full test with no errors, your RAM should be functioning correctly.
Performing additional passes may sometimes reveal problems, though it requires more time.
Unless you strongly suspect a RAM issue, it’s probably not worth the effort.