RAM performance drops after upgrading the PC, now capped at 2133MHz instead of the expected 3600MHz.
RAM performance drops after upgrading the PC, now capped at 2133MHz instead of the expected 3600MHz.
Hey there, I recently upgraded my PC by swapping out the RAM, CPU, GPU, and PSU to the models linked here: https://au.pcpartpicker.com/user/tjbruce...ved/h48DjX. The RAM I have installed includes Corsair Vengeance RGB RT 32 GB (two 16 GB sticks) and Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro 16 GB (two 8 GB sticks), both DDR4-3600 CL18. When I power on the system and enter BIOS, the RAM is showing a speed of 2133MHz instead of the advertised 3600MHz. My supplier mentioned it should support either 3200MHz or 3600MHz, even though the kits differ in design. Anyone have ideas on how to fix this so I don’t need to buy new RAM? I’ve tried a few troubleshooting steps already—like enabling XMP profiles, using the Memory Try It feature, adjusting speeds manually, and checking if older RAM still works with newer BIOS updates. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Turn off the system completely, disconnect the power cable from the PSU, and remove the CMOS battery. Allow a few minutes before reinserting it. After replacing key parts such as memory and CPU, reset the BIOS fully first. The MSI support list indicates that certain modules function optimally in pairs rather than groups of four on this motherboard. If the CMOS reset fails, test the modules individually, starting with two DIMMs at a time to confirm proper memory operation and XMP performance.
Consider testing with just two sticks as they come with the kits. Mixing RAM occasionally causes problems. Additionally, Corsair RAM may not always work well with Ryzen processors. A BIOS update can sometimes resolve the issue, though it isn't guaranteed.
I plan to perform a complete CMOS reset, but would replacing all components clarify that the RAM only operates at 2133 MHz after the BIOS update and before you began upgrading? The RAM was already running at that frequency before the upgrade.
This setup seems quite puzzling... what kind of motherboard are you running at the moment? Which BIOS version is active? It’s hard to understand why previous issues didn’t occur on different hardware, especially after the upgrade. You can’t just swap RAM without adjusting it properly, and even then results are often disappointing—speed promises rarely match reality. Consider resetting the CMOS and testing each kit individually. It might be a faulty stick, but more likely you’ll need a fully compatible set. Some RAM models, like the one you purchased, don’t integrate well with Ryzen processors, so a complete kit is usually better than mismatched parts. Also, look into the BIOS documentation on their website for any compatibility notes.