Unable to exceed 3733MHz on the 5900X and earlier models using a 32GB G.Skill 4x8 3800MHz chip (CL14).
Unable to exceed 3733MHz on the 5900X and earlier models using a 32GB G.Skill 4x8 3800MHz chip (CL14).
I possess a G.Skill 32GB (4x8) 3800mhz CL14 RAM package, installed on a Crosshair VIII Hero WiFi motherboard with BIOS version 3302. I also added new chipset drivers. My processor is a Ryzen 5900X. I cannot make the RAM support 3800mhz DOCP (XMP); it can only be limited to 3733mhz or lower. I experimented with various settings—DRAM voltage, ProcODT, etc.—but nothing worked. The RAM refuses to run at 3800, just like with the 3900X CPU where 3733mhz was the max. What’s going on? Could it be a motherboard issue, a memory controller problem, BIOS limitation, or a faulty RAM kit? I’m running out of ideas and feel stuck.
It seems the controller might be causing issues with four sticks running fast. Try lowering the speed to 3600 and see if you get a perfect 1:1 ratio.
I understand your frustration. On my 3600XT I can complete 4x8 at 1900, while on the 5600X it only manages 4x8 at 1833. It's odd since I'm able to match 2100 with two sticks on the 5600X.
Having two distinct CPU caps at 3733 strongly suggests the issue lies with the motherboard. While Asus 4 slots are solid, memory overclocking isn't a major benefit. MSI and Gigabyte perform better in this area, though even they aren't foolproof—other issues remain, and no absolute certainty exists. Even if you manage to reach 3800, the difference would be minimal (under 1%) and could be compensated by fine-tuning timing or optimizing PCB layouts, since some configurations simply can't hit that speed on four chips.