Reaching the breaking point with DDR5 issues – decide to quit or switch to a dual-density module for the Core i9 13900K
Reaching the breaking point with DDR5 issues – decide to quit or switch to a dual-density module for the Core i9 13900K
I'm at a crossroads and considering reverting to DDR4 with my ongoing DDR5 issues. While I wish for 6400 CL32 or better performance, reports suggest it still offers some CPU gains under certain conditions. Is achieving DDR5 speeds of 6000MHZ or higher on Samsung or Hynix systems fully reliable? Would active cooling be essential, or could strong case airflow keep temperatures between 40-45°C as noted in the hardware info? Could a dual-DIMM setup like the MSI Z690 Unify X make a significant difference? Or is it unlikely to succeed? Your struggles are visible in these discussions.
The NH-D15 could perform better than an AIO when it comes to maintaining high RAM temperatures. An AIO provides ample space but lacks airflow since the CPU block doesn’t have fans. Could you share the motherboard and RAM configuration you’re using? Which DIMM slots are currently in use?
It's a long tale of ongoing annoyances trying various solutions without success! I initially used an Asus ROG Strix Z790-F. Then I installed a G.Skill Trident Z5 with 32GB RAM, but it would freeze or crash during OCCT tests at high speeds. I also tried lowering the clock speed to 6200MHz and still faced the same issues. A Corsair DDR5 6000MHz CL36 kit worked better on my current board, though it still triggered BSODs or freezes. I've adjusted settings from memory, but advice from forums like overclock.net and Intel Reddit hasn't fixed the problem. I'm unsure if the issue lies with the RAM or the motherboard—possibly both—but I'm desperate for a clear answer. My CPU seems to have stability problems, and the RAM temperatures stay high (around 57°C) even under load. It's frustrating, and I need help figuring out whether my board or hardware is the main culprit.
Please relocate this post to the CPUs, Memory and Motherboards forum. I mistakenly added it to the wrong section.
For your query, the QVL indicates that only two ASUS G.Skill kits—both 2x16GB at 7200MHz—have been verified to function. Your G.Skill model is among those tested. The part numbers are crucial for confirmation: F5-7200J3445G16GX2-TZ5RK or F5-7200J3445G16GX2-TZ5RS.
I understand the concerns, but it seems some assumptions might not hold true for your setup. Unless all four DIMMs are installed, the difference from a two-DIMM board likely isn't significant. I've noticed that 2 DIMM ITX boards often deliver better RAM performance, though the gap is minor. Regarding temperatures, the biggest heat comes from your graphics card, not the RAM itself. OCCT doesn’t directly affect GPU load, so those temps probably aren’t the main issue. Have you ever seen crashes related to XMP settings in games?
It seems the concern might be about the CPU or motherboard rather than the RAM setup. Using a 2DIMM or 4DIMM board shouldn't be an issue. The problem could lie with the CPU itself, or perhaps DDR5 requires lower temperatures for stability. Buildzoid appears to favor 2DIMM boards even in such cases.
The gap between models is noticeable, yet Buildzoid acknowledged adjusting their view after seeing ASUS Z690 boards that perform well with 4 DIMM slots, and Z790 boards (especially the Z790 Master) capable of reaching 7000MT/s with two slots. For a 6400 MHz processor, a dual DIMM board isn't essential unless you're aiming for speeds above 7400MHz. If budget allows for a dual DIMM setup, I’d likely choose a single DIMM unit instead of a four-slot board, unless you require 128GB of RAM. Probably there are BIOS limitations preventing you from achieving those higher speeds.
Your concerns might stem from motherboard BIOS settings rather than RAM temperature. The high readings you're seeing could indicate a BIOS limitation at higher speeds, especially if your system hasn't been updated. Checking for BIOS updates is a good first step. Regarding RAM, temperatures around 57°C during XMP use are generally manageable, but stability depends on your specific hardware and usage patterns. A Z690 board might offer better BIOS support compared to older models like the Z790. The MSI Z790 Carbon could provide improved reliability for both BIOS and RAM performance.