Overclocking my Ryzen rig?
Overclocking my Ryzen rig?
Hi, I was considering overclocking my CPU as it supports it but I am still very new to the whole thing and I'm not sure if I have the right components or not and im not even sure where to begin
here's my components' list:
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 1400 (With stock cooler)
RAM: a single 8 GB ram stick (its speed is 2133 MHz probably, not too certain)
MOBO: ASUS Prime b350m-A
GFX Card: AMD RX 560 4gb
HDD: 1 TB
PSU: Zalman ZM500-GV
Omarhsheta :
Hello, I was thinking about overclocking my CPU since it supports it, but I'm still quite new to this and unsure if I have the correct parts or where to start. Here’s what I have:
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 1400 (with stock cooler)
RAM: One 8 GB stick (its speed is likely around 2133 MHz, not entirely certain)
Motherboard: ASUS Prime B350 M-A
GPU: AMD RX 560 4GB
Storage: 1 TB HDD
Power Supply: Zalman ZM500-GV
The Ryzen 5 1400 with four cores is a solid choice for overclocking, as it won’t struggle with even weak VRM setups. However, the stock cooler won’t be sufficient; you might want to upgrade to something like a Hyper 212 for better performance. The Prime B350 M-A has its own issues, mainly the lack of heatsinking on the VCore FETs, but since your CPU is 4 cores and 1400 MHz, it shouldn’t be a major problem. I’ve seen people successfully overclock an 8-core 1700 MHz model on the Prime, though it’s important to remember that success doesn’t always guarantee it’s safe or necessary. If you manage to reach a comfortable overclock, consider adding a fan to help with cooling.
Also, regarding RAM: it could support speeds beyond 2133 MHz, so definitely explore that option. Even slower RAM might reach around 2600 MHz, which is better than 2133. If you decide you need more than 16 GB, avoid buying another single stick of 8 GB—usually you’ll need two matched sticks in DDR4 for optimal results.
Drea.drechsler shares her thoughts on the Ryzen 5 1400, noting its suitability for overclocking due to its low VRM load. She suggests considering a better cooler like the Hyper 212 for improved performance. She mentions the B350 M-A model has issues with the VCore FETs but isn't a major concern with a 4-core 1400. Regarding RAM, she recommends going beyond 2133 and possibly up to 2600 MHz if needed. For cooling, she asks about the type of solution for her MoBo FET and mentions the Cooler Master MasterLiquid Lite ML120L as a possible option.
Omarhsheta shared his thoughts on the situation, mentioning that the Ryzen 5 1400 with four cores is suitable for overclocking due to its minimal VRM load. However, he noted that the stock cooler won't be effective and suggested considering a better option like the Hyper 212 for improved performance. He also pointed out issues with the B350 M-A model, specifically the lack of heatsinking on the VCore FETs, but implied it shouldn’t be a major concern given the CPU’s specifications. He advised looking into FET upgrades or additional cooling if you plan to push overclocks. Regarding RAM, he recommended higher speeds and suggested 16GB modules for better performance, even if slightly above 2133. For cooling, he mentioned his current setup with two 120/140mm fans and considered the Cooler Master MasterLiquid Lite ML120L as a potential solution. He also warned against using four RAM sticks simultaneously, recommending dual-channel instead. Lastly, he advised against adding extra RAM modules unless necessary, as it can limit CPU performance.
If you're aiming for overclocking, avoid using four RAM sticks as they can overload the CPU's MMU and limit your performance, or cause extra issues. Two sticks in dual channel work best. AIOs with 120mm radiators don't have enough thermal capacity, leading to overheating. Consider a 240mm radiator or a good air cooler—like the CM Hyper 212—which is much cheaper and performs well. It should be ideal for a 1400 even over-clocked system.
I see...
Evo 212 is then! But regarding my RAM, should I purchase another 2400 MHz 8 GB stick or buy a brand new pair?
2400 isn't quite reaching a very high RAM clock speed, but if you opt for a single stick, aim for the same manufacturer and type, and even then don't be surprised if you're limited to no more than 2400. If possible, get a matched pair (kit) and try to reach 2666 or higher. 3200 is the sweet spot, though a 1400 might be tougher to achieve despite recent updates.
By the way, Ryzen really prefers faster memory because a crucial part of the processor (the infinity fabric) depends on memory clock speed.
Drea.drechsler shares tips on achieving optimal performance with the mentioned components. She suggests using a matching pair to reach speeds around 2666 or higher, noting that 3200 is ideal but 1400 models might be harder to obtain. She mentions Ryzen's preference for faster memory due to its architecture. The post also references the EVO 212 being discontinued in New Zealand and implies overseas purchases would cost more. Finally, she asks if the cooler would suit her needs.