Solved: R7 1700 / MSI x370 Gaming Plus / RipJawsV 3200 Overclock Guide
Solved: R7 1700 / MSI x370 Gaming Plus / RipJawsV 3200 Overclock Guide
Hello Everyone,
This is my initial PC build four years back and it has worked quite smoothly over the years. However, recently my Windows system froze and refused to load into BIOS. My hardware specs include an R7 1700 3.5 OC at 1.275 Volts, MSI x370 gaming plus BIOS version 7A33v5H prior to the 3000 series beta, and RipjawsV F4-3200C16D-16GVK configured at 3200Mhz in XMP profile. This setup performed well for many years until last week. After disassembling and cleaning my PC, I realized it was time for maintenance. I managed to achieve a better CPU overclock of 3.4Ghz @ 1.1875 volts offset. Temperatures stayed at 35°C during idle and did not exceed 65°C under heavy load. Still, I’m struggling to get my RAM to reach 3200MHz. I’ve tried both XMP and DOCP settings, adjusting voltage to 1.35 and timings to CL16-16-16-36 as per the module’s instructions. I’d appreciate any advice to improve my system’s performance.
It's not unusual when adjusting CPU power settings to boost clock speed, that it also affects memory OC parameters. Often you need to strike a balance between the two.
I discovered that maintaining memory speeds around 29xx or 30xx performed better than pushing to 3200+ on my older systems. I faced significant instability until I decided to stick with lower speeds. Besides that, I spent a lot of time testing new BIOS versions (read as trial and error). My X370 Taichi and AB350 Fatality are running on BIOS updates beyond what was recommended. I’m not recommending it, but both machines have stayed quite stable so far.
Yes, you can share your thoughts now and I'm here to assist with your overclocking questions. Your message might be a bit confusing.
I'm glad I can post and run my machine smoothly with the CPU OC set to 3.4 @ 1.1875 volts. However, my RAM speeds won't be able to reach 3200Mhz anymore—they're now stuck at the default 2133Mhz. It's unclear how to restore them after such a significant improvement for my 1700 CPU.
Adjust the timing and pace, then increase the voltage from 1.35 to 1.4
It’s not unusual when adjusting CPU power settings to boost clock speed, to also tweak memory OC parameters. Often you need to strike a compromise between the two. I’ve discovered that maintaining a memory speed of 29xx or 30xx performed better than pushing to 3200+ on my older systems. Initially, I faced many issues until I accepted the lower speed option. Additionally, I spent considerable time testing new BIOS versions, with my X370 Taichi and AB350 Fatality running BIOS updates beyond their recommended stages. I’m not recommending this approach, but both of my setups have remained quite stable.
On another point, I think your initial memory overclock was a bit too low for the voltage you used. While each chip behaves differently, my unit stayed steady around 3.7 @ 1.2125. The problem arose because the OC suggested it would be acceptable for about seven months of the year, but summer heat could raise ambient temperatures too much to maintain reliability even with cooling.
Thank you both. Adjusting the voltage to 1.4 brought stability, and my system performed well at 3200Mhz RAM. Initially, dirt buildup caused thermal issues, so I reapplied thermal paste. Temperatures rose, prompting a re-tune and cleaning. After fine-tuning the voltage, temps dropped to 35°C. With memory set to 3200 and CPU at 3.4V (1.1875V), idle is around 40°C. Under load it reaches 68°C, which works fine on a stock cooler for me.