R7 2700X is limited to 2933mhz cl14 on a 3200mhz cl14 4X8GB setup
R7 2700X is limited to 2933mhz cl14 on a 3200mhz cl14 4X8GB setup
Initial details:
Processor: AMD R7 2700X
Cooler: NZXT Kraken X62 280mm
Motherboard: Asus Strix ROG Hero VII X470 (1103 bios version / AGESA 1.0.0.6)
Memory: G.skill Trident RGB 3200mhz cl14 (B-die)
Graphics: AMD RX Vega 64 Asus Strix OC
Clock speeds and voltages:
Current memory clock: 2933mhz @ 14-14-14-32-48-1T
CPU overclock: PBO level 2 with -125mv undervolt (120% Current & LLC)
IMC VSOC: 1.03125-1.0375 (120% current & LLC)
RAM VDDR: 1.42V (tried 1.4V - 1.43V but think IMC is limiting performance)
CPU temperatures stayed below 80°C on the hottest day, usually around 40°C-50°C during gaming.
For about six months, I've been pushing for stable speeds above 3266mhz with just 2X8GB. The 3200mhz @ cl14 worked fine initially. After upgrading to 4X8GB (same clock, different batch) and switching from AGESA 1.0.0.2C to 1.0.0.6, I haven't consistently reached 3000mhz or higher. While 2933mhz is decent, I invested in a 3200mhz model and paid extra for the ability to hit that frequency. From what others say, my setup should support 3200mhz with 4X8GB after some adjustments. I've experimented with power management settings and relaxed timings (though I avoid CL15), but haven't tried the Ohms adjustment yet. It might help, though the IMC appears to be a major hurdle. I attempted voltages from 1V to 1.17V without success, even after adjusting power limits. I'm uncertain if I've overlooked something, but I'm giving it a shot now.
I'd appreciate any advice from someone with experience in Ryzen memory overclocking, as this has been a challenge for six months. Thanks for your time.
Unfortunately, Ryzen remains somewhat unpredictable with memory, particularly when using 4 DIMMs.
Given the mismatched setup (same make/model/timings but uncertain compatibility), it’s not surprising you’re having trouble reaching over 2933MHz.
The QVL is a useful starting point, though it isn’t perfect.
It’s worth mentioning there aren’t any verified 4xAnything kits supporting >2933/3000MHz.
You might be looking at either 2933MHz at CL14 or over 3000MHz after adjusting timings, but not both.
A CL14 would suggest a Samsung B-Die configuration, offering the highest likelihood of achieving the higher frequency.
Unfortunately, Ryzen can still be somewhat unpredictable with memory, particularly when using 4 DIMMs.
This is compounded by a mismatched setup (same make/model/timings but no assurance), which makes it hard to achieve speeds above 2933MHz.
The QVL is useful but not a complete solution.
It's worth mentioning there isn't a verified 4xAnything kit supporting speeds over 2933/3000MHz.
You might be looking at either 2933MHz at CL14 or over 3000MHz after adjusting timings, but not both.
The CL14 would point toward Samsung B-Die, offering the best chance for higher speeds and lower timings, though I wasn't aware a 2x8GB 3200MHz kit exists.
Are you certain about the exact DIMM specifications?
The QVL list for that motherboard has a very limited selection of memory, all being 3200 MHz and 2 DIMMS. I’d prefer just 2 DIMMS if you’re trying to overclock the memory, since it’s more challenging to optimize multiple sticks compared to just two.
Barty1884 :
Unfortunately, Ryzen can still be a bit of a crapshoot when it comes to memory - especially when utilizing 4 DIMMs.
Add to the fact you have a mis-matched kit (although the same make/model/timings, there's no guarantee), and I'm not too surprised you're struggling to hit >2933MHz honestly.
https://www.asus.com/ca-en/Motherboards/...pDesk_QVL/
While the QVL is not always the be-all-end-all, it's a good starting point.
Interesting to note, there's not a single 4xAnything kit verified for >2933/3000MHz.
I would suspect you can either have 2933MHz @ CL14, or >3000MHz @ after loosening timings, not both.
While the CL14 would indicate Samsung B-Die, which would give you the best chance of the higher speeds/lower timings, I didn't know there was a 2x8GB 3200MHz kit available? 2x8GB @ 3000MHz/CL14 or 4x8GB @ 3200MHz/CL14.
Do you have the exact kit numbers for the DIMMs you have?
Yeah I heard about Ryzen and it's memory compatbility and that 4X8GB let alone not a matching kit won't exactly play nice. I am willing to constantly put in time towards tweaking until I can achieve something a little closer to 3200mhz, I just feel like I'm out of things to try.
Thanks for telling me about the QVL, I checked and my PSU as well as my kit of ram is qualified. This is the number for all 4 DIMMs: F4-3200C14D-8GTZR
Here's a screenshot of my SPD stats:
https://imgur.com/a/Ue2x8xs
JamesSneed shares his thoughts on the QVL list, noting a limited selection of memory options that support 3200 MHz and only offer 2 DIMMS. He mentions he would prefer sticking with just 2 DIMMS if overclocking, as it's more challenging to optimize four sticks compared to two. He expresses disappointment in his current setup but feels he could benefit from more performance than the 2933mhz rating suggests. He appreciates the advice given.
Hmm, I wasn't aware that such a kit was available.
You might be able to adjust it to reach 3200MHz, but it's probably going to cost you in terms of timing and CL—meaning any real benefit from switching from 3000MHz to 3200MHz could disappear. Performance might even drop if you push too far.
xXxREBELOxXx :
I’m a bit disappointed with the situation, but I should have bought all my RAM at once. Going back to 16GB would make sense, though I usually run it at full capacity with multitasking, so leaving 32GB would be tough. I think I’m asking too much here, but I feel like there’s more potential in my setup than just 2933mhz.
Thanks for the advice!
While the QVL isn’t a complete list (it only covers what the manufacturer tested), it serves as a solid starting point.
If you absolutely need 3200MHz and 32GB, your choices will be limited.
Even though your current setup isn’t ideal, a 2x16GB kit at 3200MHz could work better than selling your existing RAM, or it might be tailored for Ryzen—like G.Skill’s FlareX kits (which offer 4x8GB at 3200MHz).
Unfortunately, even with that option, there’s no certainty.
This 2x16GB unit should have a decent chance of achieving CL14 at 3200MHz on your board, though it comes with a $370 price tag.
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/WtjWGX/...14d-32gtzr
Unfortunately, the FlareX option could be a better bet, but it’s quite pricey.
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/pcyV3C/...c14q-32gfx
Barty1884 :
Huh. I did not know that kit existed.
https://www.gskill.com/en/product/f4-3200c14d-16gtzr
While you likely could tweak to get to 3200MHz, it's almost certainly going to be at the expense of timings/CL - at which point any theoretical gain from 3200 vs 3000MHz is negated.... and performance-wise, might even be worse depending on how loose you have to go.
Ah yep, that's the same kit. Yeah if I would have to loosen timings to go above 3000mhz then I'll stay at 2933mhz for now and tighten my timings as much as I can. Before I cave though, I'm gonna try to make sure I didn't miss something that *could* have helped me achieve a higher clock.
Yeah, thinking back, a 3200mhz cl14 4X8GB setup tuned for Ryzen would have made a big difference, and a 2X16GB version might have been even better.
That equipment is quite costly, but I understand I spent a bit more for both sets together. Sadly, I don’t want to spend too much more now that I’ve already put in so much effort. Maybe later, if I decide to sell or trade in my current unit, I’ll consider getting a matching one optimized for Ryzen. I was unaware at the time it would matter, but you learn from your mistakes, right?
Looking ahead, a newer Ryzen CPU upgrade and additional RAM seem like the smartest choice, even if they’re pricier. If I manage to sell my current kit for a fair price, I’ll be able to buy a better one. Until then, I guess I’ll have accepted it.
Thanks again for your advice—it means a lot.
Even then, the "Ryzen-optimized" kits adhere to the same formula, mainly being B-Die. If you could sell your kit(s) and recover most of the cost, the 2x16GB kit seems like the optimal choice—the IMC appears to have difficulty with 4xDIMMs, which limits 'good' performance. You're essentially choosing between:
1. Investing more (by selling 2x8GB twice or opting for 4x8GB and a 2x16GB kit).
OR
2. Accepting reduced performance by adjusting timings to reach 3200MHz.
Personally, I’d stick to 2933MHz and fine-tune timings if possible.