The RAM voltage is higher than the CPU's maximum voltage—any issues?
The RAM voltage is higher than the CPU's maximum voltage—any issues?
So you've dealt with this question before — I've seen the discussions, but I wasn't sure if it was an issue or what a proper safe voltage should be. After checking my memory kit on the motherboard's QVL and running a system through PC Parts Picker with an AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D and a 64GB (2x32GB) G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RAM (6000 MT/s; CL26), I got this advice:
Of course, in this situation the extra voltage comes out to just .006 V. I think it's safe to assume this isn't a major concern on its own. But even if it's only slightly above the recommended level, could it cause the system to lower the voltage and thus hurt performance? And if I have to adjust the voltage manually to compensate, what should I aim for?
Should I keep it at 1.35V for regular tasks and increase it to 1.45V (or even higher) when running more demanding games like Cyberpunk or encoding CinemaDNG files? Or should I stick with 1.45V all the time? I just want to avoid overloading the memory controller and ensure everything runs smoothly.
Could you clarify the general guidelines for this configuration? I'm trying to find a balance that protects the components while still giving me good performance. Thanks in advance!
Consider testing at 6000 MT/s CL26 @ 1.35V and check stability using memtest86. If it doesn't work, adjust the timings to CL28 and recheck. Or test at 1.4V instead.
You can safely overlook that warning and it's unclear why it's included. This set is built for AM5 and it's completely acceptable to operate at 1.45V (in fact, I think all CL26 kits need that voltage). Higher performance DDR5, particularly when using higher voltages, usually tends to generate some heat unless proper cooling is provided, which should be considered. Another choice would be to opt for a CL28 kit that operates at 1.4V.
I adjusted the settings to 1.35V and, if the system becomes unstable, lowered the DRAM frequency to 5800mhz (or even lower). For DDR5, the standard voltage is 1.1V, with OC/XMP ranging from 1.2V to 1.25V. It's best not to exceed 1.35V on DDR5.
False. There is absolutely zero issue with running memory kits at their rated voltages unless they overheat due to insufficient airflow/bad thermal pad contact.
Then there's literally no point in spending extra money on such a kit in the first place.
JEDEC is a standard which is 1.1V, however XMP and EXPO are not a recognized standard thus there is no such thing as a "1.2-1.25V" anything. In fact if you were to look up
any
sub 10ns memory kit you'd find that
none
of them use less than 1.35V. Even if you were to look up 10ns memory you'd be hard pressed to find anything below 1.35V.
You have the freedom to adjust settings as needed.
You can operate DDR5 at various voltages, including 1.45V or even higher if desired.
The concern is about how long it might take for the CPU memory controller to fail.
It's not advised to exceed 1.35V for DDR5 or 1.35V for DDR4.
Still, feel free to experiment.
Stryker, feel free to ask me a few quick questions. Anyone who wants to contribute is welcome.
1.) I'm new to PC building, so my mental image needs some tweaking before it matches reality. The IMC is on the CPU, right? So you're suggesting that the voltage going into the RAM module can't damage the memory controller because the voltage is sent there, not to the CPU where the IMC is located? In other words, if I send too much voltage into my memory, would I risk damaging it, but not the CPU or IMC? Am I understanding this correctly?
🙂
2.) I've seen many discussions about overloading the memory controller with high RAM timings or clock speeds. Is there any truth to this? And what risks are involved—like shortening the lifespan of the IMC, reducing its effectiveness, and thus hurting system performance? Or is it something else?
Both? None?
3.) Lastly, a lot of people mention "system instability." If the system becomes unstable, lowering the voltage seems like a solution. What does that actually mean in practice—crashing? Poor performance? How would I tell if the system is unstable?
Thank you all for taking the time to reply and help here. Stryker appreciates your valuable feedback.