Unable to determine accurate RAM speed using the BIOS settings.
Unable to determine accurate RAM speed using the BIOS settings.
Hello! I'm using a Gigabyte GA-990FX-Gaming motherboard, and have a set of 16gb(4 x 4gb) RAM modules. Both sets are different brands. One set is a G.Skill Ripjaws X series, and the other is a PNY-XLR8 series. Both are clocked at 1866 by default, but I can't get the frequency past 1600. The BIOS overall is really trashy, and looks like something out of a 2006 motherboard. It's supposed to give you overclock features, but it feels completely broken. The only way to set my ram to the correct frequency is if I use the "Profile 1" setting, which causes Windows to not boot and gives a BIOS error. If anybody has any suggestions, please tell me. Thanks.
On that platform, 1866 MHz is only mentioned when using two modules. From my own experience with AM3+ platforms and four memory modules, I would be surprised to even reach 1600 MHz consistently. If you plan to use four modules, it’s strongly advised they should be single rank, though for higher density modules, building them as dual rank is often necessary. The main concern lies in the weak memory controller in the Phenom II and FX processors. According to what I’ve read, the controller performs worse in the FX line instead of improving.
Adjust the multiplier to x8 or x9. Avoid using the X.M.P settings when mentioning "Profile 1 setting". For stable overclocking, configure memory timings in the "memory timings" area. Enter the values as shown.
Combining even two sets of RAM from the same manufacturer and model comes with significant risks. Regarding the BIOS, it's been roughly five years since we were prompted to perform an AMD-based configuration, and I'm worried my memory of adjusting the BIOS on those older boards has faded.
On that platform, 1866 MHz is mentioned only in the context of using two modules. From my experience with AM3+ platforms and four memory modules, achieving 1600 MHz with full stability would be surprising. If you're planning to use four modules, it's advisable they be single rank, though for higher density modules dual rank construction is often necessary. The main concern lies in the inadequate memory controller in the Phenom II and FX processors. According to what I've learned, the controller performs worse in the FX line rather than improving. If you truly aim for 16 GB at 1866 MHz, it's better to opt for a single pair of modules. Using all four RAM slots may result in stability between 1333 - 1600 MHz, though results will differ.