This configuration uses an I7-9700K processor paired with 3200MHz RAM.
This configuration uses an I7-9700K processor paired with 3200MHz RAM.
You recently upgraded your i7-9700K and are struggling to run RAM at 3200MHz. The issue likely stems from the CPU's default operating frequency being limited to around 2666MHz, which prevents it from supporting higher speeds. Running RAM at 3000MHz is within safe limits, but pushing it to 3200MHz could cause instability or performance issues. Keeping the RAM speed at 3000MHz might be more stable, even though the CPU can technically handle higher frequencies. It’s generally better to match the RAM speed to the CPU's capabilities for optimal performance.
Well yeah, thats the point, i have msi z390 a-pro board, which should be able to support 3200, but i cant go higher than 3000mhz even with xmp. And thats why it got me thinking that if the cpu doesn't even support higher spped that 2666, than whats the point of trying to make it higher. But from what you saying it sound like it actually does more good than harm making it higher then the cpu supported speed
I own the same motherboard and verified it can handle 3200MHz. You might try adjusting the XMP setting to 3200MHz manually, and the 9700K should also support up to 3600MHz. Also, just for fun, what RAM configuration do you have? There’s a possibility you might have missed out on the chipset and it can’t reach its listed speed.
I purchased the G.Skill Ripjaws V 3200MHz CL16 kit (2x8GB) from aqua.hu. I attempted to install it, turned on XMP in BIOS, adjusted the RAM speed to 3200MHz, but it didn’t boot. Then I changed it to 3100MHz and Windows tried to fix itself. Finally, I reset it back to 3000MHz and it worked properly.
Your motherboard is running BIOS version 7B98v1D from February 8, 2021. For better compatibility and updates, consider upgrading to 7B98v1C or 7B98v1B as they are more recent. There are ongoing microcode enhancements and memory compatibility fixes arriving alongside these BIOS releases. Your Z390 CPU supports DDR4-2666+ with XMP, and you're currently using a memory rated for DDR4-3000 via manual overclocking.
I attempted it but it doesn’t start. Please share your BIOS details here; I’m looking to figure out what’s going wrong. Your RAM specs show: 3200MHz, 16-18-18-38, 1.35V.