Maximum RAM velocity for Intel 9900K processor
Maximum RAM velocity for Intel 9900K processor
The Intel site lists the maximum supported RAM speed for the I9 9900K as DDR4-2666. I thought speeds above that wouldn't matter since the CPU couldn't use them. However, a video by Linus showed the I9 9900KS running with DDR4-3600 RAM. This suggests there might be ways to leverage faster RAM beyond what the CPU supports directly. Overclocking could help, or perhaps using different settings to optimize performance. It seems DDR4-3600 for an I9 could still offer benefits even if speeds aren't fully utilized. The video discusses this in detail.
He made several tests and checked RAM speeds for both Intel and AMD. You can watch the videos here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5Urz0J1r5A. For Intel performance, I captured the results image. I'm using a Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro with 3466 MHz at my 9900K system.
Every 9900k works with 3600mhz XMP memory, though it might need VCCIO and VCCSA adjustments. The DDR2666 mhz requirement is VCCIO=0.95v and VCCSA=1.05v. Higher speeds are generally seen as overclocking or overvoltage, which can void the warranty unless you opt for a replacement plan—though Intel originally introduced XMP standards. Some users have successfully achieved 4800-5000mhz memory on the 9900k, often needing extreme cooling and significant voltage changes. Purchasing RAM kits above 4533mhz usually fails at standard XMP settings; these are designed for elite performance goals.
Thanks! It's understandable if it's a bit unclear. Let me try to simplify it.
It can be challenging, but there are methods to adjust VCCIO and VCCSA voltages effectively.
Past 2666 means boosting the memory speed. If you think CPU overclocking is useless, then memory upgrading shouldn’t be ignored either. Each task reacts differently to memory changes, making it hard to decide how far to push speeds. Whether you should aim for faster memory depends on cost and performance gains, but a 9900k is expensive, while cheaper options like 3600 and 3733MHz kits are available for much less (many 2x8GB sets under $100). If you’re investing heavily in other parts, getting a 3600MHz kit would make sense.
In my earlier post I shared the excerpt from the maxx mem memory test. This image comes from his Shadow of the Tomb Raider test. The actual RAM speed is determined by both clock speed and timing. As you noticed, memory performance starts to decline after a certain point on Intel chips when the timings increase.