Question about RAM
Question about RAM
I'm updating my X99 setup. I used Corsair dominators 16Gbx4 (64GB) with a Samsung B-die before. Now they're part of my X570 build. I'm curious about why the X99 works at 3200Mhz with a 6850K when it only ran at 3200Mhz with 8Gbx8 or similar. Do the chips really matter? Should I consider Ballistix, Gskill, Hynix, or Samsung options? Which would be best? Thanks.
Ensure your chip uses quad-channel memory and select 4 DIMMS for optimal performance.
They are not significant. X99's performance issue stems from its underdeveloped memory controller during its early stages.
It looks like you're considering a Micron E-die for high capacity. The 3200MHz frequency seems adequate for your needs.
Most X99 boards struggle with memory OC, but the 4-channel setup makes it a bit smoother for the CPU to handle 16GB per channel compared to your Ryzen setup, which would need two 16GB sticks per channel. I suggest using B-dies with your X99 and opting for a Micron E-die for the Ryzen. The issue is that Intel's IMC can't adjust tRCD and tRP separately (Ryzen can), while Samsung B-dies usually support low tRCD and tRP. Performance differences aren't huge.
It doesn't really matter much, particularly for X99. Everyone else mentioned it's not ideal for high clocked RAM anyway (I avoid pushing mine because I've heard about IMCs failing and damaging chips). I stick with 4x8GB at 3200Mhz in quad channel. My setup is a HyperX Predator, and I don't even know if it's B-die or not—I just didn't bother checking. I've never seen an Intel build react badly to RAM (except skipping ECC because I was careless). Even my Ryzen 5 1600 worked fine at 2933Mhz.
Lucky, Ryzen didn’t work well for me with RAM. I had to sell my parts and switch to Intel, which handles hardware better.
Oof. I went back to Intel (X58) since overclocking the 2700X was nearly impossible. My $290 Crosshair VII runs smoothly at 4.2GHz or higher with all cores. The stock boost hits 4.35GHz or more. Being stuck at stock speeds feels frustrating, though I get why most people prefer the built-in performance. Still, I enjoy tweaking settings myself and noticing small gains in speed—though a full overclock on a 2700X usually means a slight hit in gameplay.