RAM / CPU overclocking issue
RAM / CPU overclocking issue
I recently assembled a new PC with:
DDR4-3000 ram (Corsair Dominator Platinum Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4 DRAM 3000MHz C15 Memory Kit)
i7-7700k (closed loop watercooling)
Asrock Extreme4 Z270 mobo
I was able to overclock the CPU significantly (currently at 4.8ghz with the built-in OC utility), but the RAM would default to 2133mhz. I attempted to use the XMP default profile to reach 3000mhz, but it failed to boot. I managed to get the RAM up to 2900mhz while keeping the CPU at 4.8ghz and it worked fine, but once I increased it to 3000mhz, no boot was possible.
I also removed the CPU overclock to try booting from stock speed; it came out to 4.2ghz (with a 4.5ghz turbo) and then I could use the XMP profile at 3000mhz without further increase. After that, I tried pushing the CPU up again using the built-in OC tool to 4.6ghz on turbo, but again failed to boot.
I looked through some guides and read a few discussions here, but nothing resolved the issue.
FYI: I've never manually overclocked RAM before, as I've only used built-in tools for overclocking the CPU. Any advice would be appreciated.
With RAM it's not solely about overclock stability, but also about compatibility, which varies between chipsets and BIOS versions. If I were you, I would even consider adjusting the RAM frequency to 3200MHz just in case there are compatibility concerns rather than overclocking issues. Remember to modify the timings and voltages accordingly to match those of a 3200MHz stick from the same brand or series.
You might also tweak the Eventual DRAM Voltage, selecting your desired voltage, and then set the regular DRAM Voltage to 1.45 or even 1.46V. This approach allows your BIOS to boot at 1.45-1.46V for a short period before returning to your chosen voltage.
Also ensure you correctly configure VCCSA, VCCIO...
You might need to adjust the RAM voltage or cas timings. Are you modifying the BCLK speed or the multiplier? Changing BCLK or base clock speeds can impact everything. The multiplier refers to the CPU itself. I adjusted the RAM voltage and BCLK speed. I’ve decided to stick with 4900 and 2900 now.
The_Staplergun :
Adjusting BCLK speeds impacts more than just your CPU. Have you considered modifying the maximum multiplier? This could lead to more stable performance.
I'm not sure why I mentioned BCLK in my earlier message; I meant the multiplier. I tried values of 46,47,48,49,50 (it didn't work, so I increased voltage, but it still failed)
Left at 49
Changed RAM settings and set up to 2900.
Booted successfully
Set to 3000
Failed to boot
Adjusted voltage gradually from 1.35 to 1.42 (step by step)
Still unsuccessful.
I'm losing interest in trying further and will settle for what I have now.
With RAM it's not only about stability at overclock levels, but also about compatibility, which varies between different chipsets and BIOS versions. If I were you, I’d consider adjusting the RAM speed to 3200MHz just in case there are compatibility concerns rather than overclocking. Remember to tweak the timings and voltages to match those of a 3200MHz unit from the same brand or series.
You might also modify the Eventual DRAM Voltage, choosing your desired voltage, and then set the regular DRAM Voltage to 1.45 or even 1.46V. This way, your BIOS will boot at 1.45-1.46V for a short time before returning to your chosen voltage.
Also verify that VCCSA, VCCIO, and VTTDDR are correctly configured so the RAM functions properly.
I know, RAM overclocking can be quite frustrating.
😛
P.S. Don’t get too comfortable with 2900MHz just yet—it’s a rare frequency and may lead to compatibility problems soon.
With RAM considerations go beyond just overclock stability; compatibility varies depending on the chipset and BIOS versions. If you were in my position, I’d even consider adjusting the RAM frequency to 3200MHz just in case there’s a compatibility problem rather than an overclock issue. Remember to tweak the timings and voltages to match what you’d expect from a 3200MHz unit from the same brand or series.
You might also modify the Eventual DRAM Voltage, selecting your desired voltage, then set the regular DRAM Voltage to 1.45 or even 1.46V. This way, your BIOS will boot at 1.45–1.46V for a short time before returning to your chosen voltage.
Also verify that VCCSA, VCCIO, and VTTDDR are correctly configured so the RAM functions properly.
I know RAM overclocking can be quite challenging.
😛
P.S. Don’t get too comfortable with 2900MHz just yet—it’s an atypical frequency and could lead to compatibility problems soon.
Hmmmm according to
Newegg,
'DDR4 3866+(OC)*/ 3733(OC)/ 3600(OC)/ 3200(OC)/ 2933(OC)/ 2800(OC)/ 2400/ 2133', so it doesn’t list 3000, but I assumed if it supports 2933 and 3200, it would cover the in-between. Is that what you mean by compatibility? (No 3000 listed, so 3200 should work?)
I’ve been following the guide here for my RAM -
overclock.net
Essentially:
Safe Voltages (Always TENTATIVE):
Vcore: 1.45v/1.37v
VCCIO: 1.25v/1.2v
System Agent (SA): 1.3v/1.25v
Vdimm: 1.4v/1.35v
The first number indicates voltages a daring user could use. The value after the slash corresponds to regular users who prefer not to risk too much. I haven’t found SA or Vdimm in my BIOS. I read it’s crucial to be able to adjust these settings, but I can’t locate them. I think I need to enable a feature to see this option, though I’m not sure if that’s necessary.
With RAM it's not only about overclock stability, but also about compatibility, which varies between chipsets and BIOS versions. If I were you, I’d consider adjusting the RAM frequency to 3200MHz just in case there’s a compatibility concern rather than an overclock issue. Remember to tweak the timings and voltages to match those of a 3200MHz unit from the same brand or series. You might also modify the Eventual DRAM Voltage, set your desired voltage, and then adjust the regular DRAM Voltage to 1.45 or even 1.46V. This way, your BIOS will boot at 1.45-1.46V for a short time before returning to your chosen voltage. Also, ensure VCCSA, VCCIO, and VTTDDR are correctly configured so the RAM functions properly.
I know RAM overclocking can be quite frustrating.
😛
P.S. Don’t settle for 2900MHz just yet—it’s a rare frequency and might lead to compatibility problems soon.