Memory status for the first Gen Ryzen in 2022
Memory status for the first Gen Ryzen in 2022
Hello everyone, I recently bought a Ryzen 5 1600 for a great price ($93 shipping). I’m curious how much the newer BIOS updates have improved performance, especially since these chips were known for memory issues at launch. I struggled to get my 2666 RAM to run at full speed on my older system, and I want to avoid that this time. I already have an ASRock B450M Pro4 board with a 3.30 update, which I think is the right version for my memory. I checked the QVL list for older processors but couldn’t find any listings for 3200MHz kits, likely because they’re outdated. My knowledge seems a bit outdated, making it hard to find current results. From what I understand, Zen 2 and Zen 3 seem to have made progress here, so maybe I’ll go for the best available kit now and wait for an upgrade. Should I search for anything else besides speed and timing? Also, does AMD/Ryzen compatibility actually matter in practice? Thanks for your help—I need to rest now.
For two RAM modules, a range from 2933 to 3000 is achievable with most sticks rated for 2933, 3000 or 3200. With four RAM sticks, a 2666 should be sufficient.
I don't think it has anything to do with BIOS revisions. It's the chips memory controller, isn't it? I'd have just avoided it at all cost. Especially since first gen Ryzens performance isn't that great compared to what you can get now on new chips at the same price.
I also thought it might relate to the motherboard. It won't be a major upgrade, but I needed to refresh the BIOS either way. My system has a 2500k and should still perform well, especially with multi-core support. Based on the unboxed info, it shouldn't differ much from what I have now—a 1060 with 3GB RAM. I hope I can upgrade to a 1070 when my brother does, but it should work too.
Memory performance saw a notable boost after BIOS updates. These updates included microcode that was transferred to the CPU, expanding memory parameters and adjusting existing settings for broader chip compatibility. The DDR4 controller was obtained from a third-party provider by AMD and integrated into the chipsets. Originally, Samsung memory was preferred, Micron chips were average, and Hynix or other brands were less reliable. Since the updates, manufacturers have refined the controller, resulting in wider support. When choosing RAM, it’s advisable to opt for 3200 MHz or 3000 MHz, avoiding anything below 3000 MHz. Crucial Ballistix is a solid option, as they use Micron chips and should work well with Corsair modules. Different brands may use various memory types, depending on the specific model and chip version. Refer to the forum link for more details.
It seems your main challenges stem mostly from the CPU side. Keep following the QVL guidelines. I purchased a first-generation Ryzen processor to explore AMD options; I tested multiple motherboards and RAM setups, but none worked. I ended up selling it and switched back to Intel, which offers solid memory controller support for various RAM types. I plan to try Ryzen again for my next build, though the 5000 series is newer and I’m hoping it’s more stable.
I never managed to make my 1600 consistently stable with any 3200 memory. It stayed close to the limit all the time. Based on what I've seen, the first generation usually reached around 2933 max.