New Ryzen features advancements over its older counterparts, offering improved performance and efficiency.
New Ryzen features advancements over its older counterparts, offering improved performance and efficiency.
Hi, I own an ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII DARK HERO motherboard equipped with a Ryzen 5900X processor and two sets of G.Skill Trident Z Neo DDR4 3600MHz 32GB (four sticks). Each time I upgrade the BIOS, my RAM speeds drop. On older BIOS versions (like 3801 on Agesa 1204), I could run all four sticks at 3466 MHz. Now it caps around 3333 MHz (on Agesa 1207). My concern is whether a Ryzen 5900X or 5950X from around November 2022 can actually maintain higher RAM speeds than my current setup. I’m wondering if the newer chipsets and manufacturing improvements make it more likely to support faster RAM configurations now.
It would make more sense to purchase a 2 stick 32GB package rather than a new CPU, especially if the memory controller offers superior performance. The motherboard and RAM modules also play a role, so if you’re certain two sticks can handle the speed, buying a kit with two sticks is the better approach.
It seems like a BIOS setting might be interfering with your RAM. Unfortunately, there are too many factors to investigate to pinpoint the problem. It probably isn't related to your main clock settings, so swapping in a different CPU likely won't resolve it.
You mentioned earlier that the components are from two different kits. This indicates they weren’t tested together as a complete set, meaning there’s no assurance they’ll perform well in sync. Keep in mind: using a Ryzen 5000 series chip with DDR4-3200 is considered overclocking, and you can’t be sure it will work smoothly at DDR4-3600 speeds.
There are valid reasons to avoid BIOS updates unless there are problems, particularly on AMD platforms. Memory overclocking often fails with each BIOS release. Not upgrading to newer chips is wise either. The gains in just six months aren't substantial. Any drop would likely stem from excessive SOC voltage or hardware wear, not just software changes. The 5900X I own from early 2021 still reaches 4800MHz desynced with a solid motherboard and RAM setup—either the BIOS is deteriorating or you're applying too much voltage (over 1.3V) to the SOC, leading to performance loss.
@RONOTHAN## What's the default spec? I believe it's around 0.95v. I don't exceed 10% over the default power, which feels too risky. The RAM speeds are currently 1.37/1.38 (the one XMP sets to 1.35). That's higher than what I'm used to. Also, I've adjusted the RAM timings from 16/19/19/19/39 to 16/20/20/20/42. @YoungBlade I think I might have gone too far. If I already have two RAM modules each running at 3600Mhz, why buy another set?
Yeah, that rail. I've noticed some ASUS boards using it at high speeds when auto is enabled. It's not too different from what I've seen before. This particular board is an early model. Its core clocks all the way down, but the memory controller remains strong and supports 3800MHz 14-13-13-21 dual rank. Running it at 1.15V SOC gives it its best performance on my chip. Probably the memory overclocking has gotten worse with each BIOS update—try reverting to an older version to see if you can reach higher speeds. RAM behavior is tricky; manufacturers like G.Skill, Corsair, TeamGroup etc. push their available speeds. You might have used two different memory ICs that clash, or possibly all dual-rank sticks, which puts a huge strain on the controller. At around 0.95V SOC, you're likely limited to about 3466 MHz. Use a tool like Thaiphoon burner to check the SPD of each stick and confirm if they're single or dual rank.
They don’t work well with that specific RAM/CPU mix. You should check out the F4-3600C17Q-64GTZR model, wonder why it costs 25% more for the same amount of memory you have, and also question why the CL17 version supports four sticks while the CL16 doesn’t. Then read the G.Skill product page expressing disappointment about not purchasing the CMT64GX4M4Z3600C16 initially, and see if your setup functions when you set the CL to 17.