Suggest ways to boost memory speed while reducing CL.
Suggest ways to boost memory speed while reducing CL.
I own a Ryzen 7 2700X build, ASUS Crosshair VII MB, and G.SKILL FlareX 3200 RAM configuration. The RAM is rated at 14-14-14-34. My previous attempts to increase memory speeds ended in instability (3333-3466 with tighter timings and voltages), resulting in threads crashing after a few days of stress testing with Prime95 and AIDA. This prompted me to focus on very precise timings at 3200 MHz. Windows doesn’t support 12-12-12 timings, but I’m unsure why that’s the case. While others have managed tighter clock speeds like 1600 for purists, I’m struggling to reach that level. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I think you need to research OC ram a little more. From what you've said you're pushing the timings of (already) OC'd ram but at stock voltage!? Is that right? If so, therein lies your main issue. To get them to work at faster than rated timings/speed, you need more juice. With the DIMMS already OC'ed and maxed out you have very little room to manoeuvre. Sadly it's a trial and error thing. But as jimmysmitty pointed out, its rated for it's designed speed. You're pushing the timings too low.
Also, if the purpose of your exercise is to get more performance from the memory subsystem (infinity fabric) once you go beyond 3200mhz, or CL16 the benefits apart from in benchmarks are tiny. You won't get any more FPS by lowering the timings so...
The opposite approach is often seen: faster memory tends to have higher timings, but occasionally you achieve better results with quicker speeds. Comparing the DDR4 3200 and DDR4 3600 shows the 3200 has lower timings. This reflects a common trade-off in design. Some premium memory options can offer even lower timings at higher speeds, though manufacturers typically guarantee stability within certain frequency ranges.
I think you need to research OC ram a little more. From what you've said you're pushing the timings of (already) OC'd ram but at stock voltage!? Is that right? If so, therein lies your main issue. To get them to work at faster than rated timings/speed, you need more juice. With the DIMMS already OC'ed and maxed out you have very little room to manoeuvre. Sadly it's a trial and error thing. But as jimmysmitty pointed out, its rated for it's designed speed. You're pushing the timings too low.
Also, if the purpose of your exercise is to get more performance from the memory subsystem (infinity fabric) once you go beyond 3200mhz, or CL16 the benefits apart from in benchmarks are tiny. You won't get any more FPS by lowering the timings so much, and having instability! For Ryzen systems faster ram can have a big affect, but most of that gain is between 2400-2933mhz. between those speeds the increase can be substantial, like 5-15% task dependant. But once you go beyong 2933 the effects diminish and the gains drop down to margin of error level, specially at 3200mhz+ speeds.
Stick with the DIMMS at stock. Enjoy your system. If you need more performance in 6 months, get some new faster DIMMS and sell the old ones to offset the costs.
You might consider slightly raising the SOC voltage, but don't go too far. Focus on one adjustment at a time—either tighter timing or higher speeds. Boost the stock voltage slightly and see if it improves performance. Use memtest to check stability (try 4 passes with memtest86+). Proceed gradually. Start by adjusting speed, then move to timing. Be careful not to overdo it, as high voltage could harm the DIMMS.