This product is designed for enhancing performance through overclocking capabilities.
This product is designed for enhancing performance through overclocking capabilities.
I am getting ready to boost my i5-4690k using a noctua NH-D15 and now I’m thinking about whether my RAM should also be upgraded. I’ve been told that the RAM needs to match the performance level even if I’m just increasing the CPU speed slightly. I currently have two 4GB G.Skill Sniper 1866 MHz sticks, and I’m wondering if I should buy another pair of 4GB or switch to a 16GB package that’s better suited for CPU overclocking. I plan to only overclock my i5-4690k moderately, not dramatically.
CPU can be overclocked separately from RAM, meaning better RAM won't increase the overclock level. The key factor is the DRAM frequency; a higher frequency will yield more improvement. For optimal performance, aim for a high DRAM speed such as DDR3-2400, which is usually the upper limit for Haswell K CPUs. Whether you need an upgrade depends on your specific requirements. If you regularly use 6-7GB, consider 16GB DDR3-2400. Otherwise, stick with your current setup and overclock it. This memory should support speeds above 2133 with faster timings and higher voltage. Avoid adding another pair of sticks, as they may not work together effectively.
CPU overclocking can happen separately from RAM, meaning better RAM won’t increase the overclock limit. The main factor is the DRAM speed you set; a higher frequency will bring more noticeable gains. For optimal performance, aim for a high DRAM rate such as DDR3-2400, which is usually the upper limit for Haswell K CPUs. Whether an upgrade is necessary depends on your specific requirements. If you regularly use 6–7GB, consider going up to 16GB DDR3-2400. Otherwise, stick with your current setup and overclock it. This memory configuration should support speeds above 2133 with improved timings and voltages. Avoid adding extra sticks unless they match; mismatched or incompatible modules can reduce performance. If you plan to upgrade, a full 16GB package is recommended.
Gskill support information:
CPU overclocking can be done separately from RAM, meaning you won't achieve higher overclocks due to better RAM. The key improvement comes from increasing the DRAM frequency, especially with DDR3-2400, which is usually the upper limit for Haswell K CPUs. Whether an upgrade is necessary depends on your specific requirements. If you regularly use 6-7GB, a 16GB DDR3-2400 might be suitable. Otherwise, stick with your current setup and overclock it. This memory should support higher timings and voltages, though the heatsink removal for NH-D15 may affect temperatures if you aim for 2400. Avoid adding extra sticks as they can disrupt performance and compatibility. If you decide to proceed, let me know how it goes! =)
Start with XMP first, ensuring stability, then modify CPU ratio and Voltage for OC CPU frequency.
Temperatures will remain safe, except when 1.75V+ is reached, which is fine.