Question Overclocking Intel i5 3570k
Question Overclocking Intel i5 3570k
I'm working with a Patriot Intel Extreme Masters 2x8Gb 1866MHz. It uses the default 1333MHz/1600MHz configuration like other Intel units, with XMP set to 1866MHz 10-11-10-30 at 1.5v. I've increased it to 2133MHz at the same settings (stable) and reached up to 2400MHz at 11-12-11-34 at 1.55v (stable). I've also lowered it to 1866MHz 9-10-9-27 at 1.5v.
These third-generation CPUs are much more tolerant compared to DDR4 systems.
Regarding the QVL, it's just a joke. Only a few genuine RAM OEMs exist, and they produce RAM for all vendors. My motherboard is Samsung, matching many other builds regardless of whether they're on the QVL or not. Most Corsair LX series boards also use SK-Hynix, which is the same.
Just because the model number isn't visible doesn't mean the RAM isn't present—it might be under a different brand, color, speed, or heatsink name.
It seems your current timing matches a RAM frequency around 2400MHz. I'm observing similar patterns at 2400Mhz, running at 11-12-11-31 2T with 1.65V, maintaining 1.65V even for 1.75V over ten years across various processors and RAM modules. There haven't been any IMC issues or other complications.
I wonder how you manage to achieve a command rate of 1 at such high speeds. I've tried VTT voltage adjustments after 2133Mhz, but it's still working well at 1.2V until reaching 2400Mhz. Raising the VTT voltage significantly was necessary before that point.
I noticed degradation on Westmere 32nm chips when increasing VTT beyond 1.350V. Is there a similar problem with Ivy Bridge? I haven't encountered any degradation from 1.65V DRAM even on Westmere, though my knowledge is limited to that generation.
Also, I agree the QVL list seems problematic, as it often raises concerns. People usually mention manufacturer RAM support lists in forums, but I don't have a clear picture beyond that.
Sheep are everywhere and they all sing the same song. You'll encounter many people who genuinely want to help, some with limited knowledge and others with extensive experience, but a QVL is black and white documented work. They tend not to think beyond the page—assuming that the RAM worked on that specific motherboard, but it doesn't ensure the same model will function on another for a different owner.
The QVL serves as a guide, and using it wisely is beneficial, provided it's used correctly rather than blindly followed.
I started with VTT at its default setting. I made only minor adjustments to the timings and added the voltage. The CPU OC handled any additional requirements.
The only difference in my OC was the PLL, which most people increase from 0.8v to 0.9v. However, I found greater stability by lowering it to 0.7v. I'm not certain if this affected the RAM performance, but it allowed all OC configurations starting at 4.7Ghz to remain stable.
It appears the VTT mainly improves higher BLCK performance and cache speed on these DRAM frequencies. My PLL voltage was set at 1.80v initially, increased to 2.10v once for successful booting at 225BLCK, which is impressive; I’m comfortable with 1.90v until around 205BLK. I’ve had a heated debate about QVL RAM support before and almost got banned, so I guess I’m still learning. I’m currently using three systems with RAM not listed in the QVL, and everything works perfectly.
But that's the point. It most likely is supported. Samsung D-die is a well-known IC. It appears in most of gskill’s range, from Aries to RipJaws, Snipers, Value line and Trident, as well as Patriot and Adata, among other vendors. If a QVL checks a blue RipJaws with its model number, it evaluates that specific model, without implying that the exact same RAM with a red heatsink has a different model or that the Trident-Z with another heatsink and model shares the same IC.
Testing one model actually covers hundreds of model numbers, which is why the QVL serves as a helpful tool rather than an absolute guarantee. QVL provides a Qualified VENDOR List, not a Qualified RAM List. It indicates that we tested this vendor with certain ICs and they function at those speeds, not that one specific model is the only one that works.