F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Updated to a 32gb ddr4 but still doesn't boot past 2133mhz - thanks for the help

Updated to a 32gb ddr4 but still doesn't boot past 2133mhz - thanks for the help

Updated to a 32gb ddr4 but still doesn't boot past 2133mhz - thanks for the help

L
LuvmyKitty
Member
179
11-02-2025, 12:45 AM
#1
I already had 16GB, then I added two more sticks, they don’t match exactly but are quite similar. I heard that’s sufficient for compatibility. It took a while to get the system to boot; I suspect one of my USB drives might have been involved after unplugging everything, which allowed me to reach the BIOS. Now I can boot into my computer mostly without issues and it recognizes all four RAM modules, though it keeps looping during startup whenever I try to set the frequency to 3200MHz—it automatically reverts to 2133 again.

The two RAM sets in my system are:

- G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) 288-Pin PC RAM DDR4 3200 (PC4 25600)
- Team T-FORCE VULCAN Z 16GB (2 x 8GB) 288-Pin PC RAM DDR4 3200 (PC4 25600)

Both are rated the same, matching DDR4 3200 (PC4 25600), with timing specs 16-18-18-38, CAS latency CL16, voltage 1.35V.

I also have an MSI B450 Tomahawk, a Ryzen 5 5600G, and an RX 9070 X. I’ve been adjusting the MHz manually by clicking the “3200mhz” option, which usually worked fine before now causing problems.
L
LuvmyKitty
11-02-2025, 12:45 AM #1

I already had 16GB, then I added two more sticks, they don’t match exactly but are quite similar. I heard that’s sufficient for compatibility. It took a while to get the system to boot; I suspect one of my USB drives might have been involved after unplugging everything, which allowed me to reach the BIOS. Now I can boot into my computer mostly without issues and it recognizes all four RAM modules, though it keeps looping during startup whenever I try to set the frequency to 3200MHz—it automatically reverts to 2133 again.

The two RAM sets in my system are:

- G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) 288-Pin PC RAM DDR4 3200 (PC4 25600)
- Team T-FORCE VULCAN Z 16GB (2 x 8GB) 288-Pin PC RAM DDR4 3200 (PC4 25600)

Both are rated the same, matching DDR4 3200 (PC4 25600), with timing specs 16-18-18-38, CAS latency CL16, voltage 1.35V.

I also have an MSI B450 Tomahawk, a Ryzen 5 5600G, and an RX 9070 X. I’ve been adjusting the MHz manually by clicking the “3200mhz” option, which usually worked fine before now causing problems.

S
Sadelor
Junior Member
7
11-02-2025, 12:45 AM
#2
sometime yes, sometime no.
S
Sadelor
11-02-2025, 12:45 AM #2

sometime yes, sometime no.

O
Ondratra12
Member
190
11-02-2025, 12:45 AM
#3
Avoid using mismatched kits. Choose a matching kit that suits your needs.
O
Ondratra12
11-02-2025, 12:45 AM #3

Avoid using mismatched kits. Choose a matching kit that suits your needs.

P
Pandalaf
Junior Member
33
11-02-2025, 12:45 AM
#4
If you truly wish to explore further:
These are the primary schedules. Memory chips also include smaller settings. You might notice these in your BIOS.
Install each group individually. Navigate to your BIOS and examine your precise memory configurations after applying XMP/AMP/EXPO. It’s also possible to boot into Windows and execute zen timings, a useful tool that displays comprehensive details about the memory.

ZenTimings v1.36 Beta 2 Download
ZenTimings is a straightforward, lightweight Windows app designed to read and track the memory timings of AMD Ryzen processors on the AM4 platform.
www.techpowerup.com
P
Pandalaf
11-02-2025, 12:45 AM #4

If you truly wish to explore further:
These are the primary schedules. Memory chips also include smaller settings. You might notice these in your BIOS.
Install each group individually. Navigate to your BIOS and examine your precise memory configurations after applying XMP/AMP/EXPO. It’s also possible to boot into Windows and execute zen timings, a useful tool that displays comprehensive details about the memory.

ZenTimings v1.36 Beta 2 Download
ZenTimings is a straightforward, lightweight Windows app designed to read and track the memory timings of AMD Ryzen processors on the AM4 platform.
www.techpowerup.com

J
jabby8934
Junior Member
16
11-02-2025, 12:45 AM
#5
The GSKILL appears to be designed specifically for Intel and might not function properly with Ryzen processors.
J
jabby8934
11-02-2025, 12:45 AM #5

The GSKILL appears to be designed specifically for Intel and might not function properly with Ryzen processors.

Y
YangYang
Member
131
11-02-2025, 12:45 AM
#6
Four RAM sticks increase the demand on the CPU's IMC channels, often resulting in reduced overclocking success.
It makes sense that achieving a 3200MT/s boost with four DIMMs is difficult, particularly when mismatched pairs are involved.
Even identical part numbers from different pairs can cause issues due to timing variations, leading to inconsistent performance.
To improve chances, consider using a set of four compatible DIMMs or opt for larger capacities instead of smaller ones.
An example of a suitable quad pack is available here: https://www.scan.co.uk/products/32g...20...amd-x399-o
You might need to adjust your expectations for dual-channel setups when using four sticks. This detail is often overlooked by manufacturers, which can surprise those who overlook it.
Y
YangYang
11-02-2025, 12:45 AM #6

Four RAM sticks increase the demand on the CPU's IMC channels, often resulting in reduced overclocking success.
It makes sense that achieving a 3200MT/s boost with four DIMMs is difficult, particularly when mismatched pairs are involved.
Even identical part numbers from different pairs can cause issues due to timing variations, leading to inconsistent performance.
To improve chances, consider using a set of four compatible DIMMs or opt for larger capacities instead of smaller ones.
An example of a suitable quad pack is available here: https://www.scan.co.uk/products/32g...20...amd-x399-o
You might need to adjust your expectations for dual-channel setups when using four sticks. This detail is often overlooked by manufacturers, which can surprise those who overlook it.

T
tonny0950
Member
67
11-02-2025, 12:45 AM
#7
hey so ive been starting to try and figure it out, i tried manually tweaking the things to the lower of the two values for everything. i got the numbers from my bios because there was a thing in there telling me what the xmp settings would be. but afterwards it stopped booting entirely, i cant figure out a way for the pc to turn on when there are 4 sticks plugged in at all anymore. i did then try doing xmp with just the new ram and just the old ram to see the differences in zentimings. can include pictures of it all
https://imgur.com/a/kKKrP1j
View: https://imgur.com/a/kKKrP1j
i can plug in one extra stick and get the xmp settings to look like this,
https://imgur.com/a/FV2KQBr
View: https://imgur.com/a/FV2KQBr
even putting it down to 2133 myself doesnt make the 4 sticks boot anymore though
i dont have more money to spend on this i need to get these sticks working. i got a gpu upgrade for 1000$ but then wasnt able to play half my games because they were stuttering because they need more ram, which only became an issue after i started being able to use the higher graphics settings of the new gpu. so i wait for ram to arrive so i can stop getting below minimum warnings from forza and oblivion and now theyre stuck being way slower so i cant play anything anymore. this was supposed to be one upgrade where i plopped one thing in and now i havent been able to use my computer in fucking weeks.
also. what is the performance impact of it not having an even amount of sticks because rn i can seem to have 24gb of ram at 3200mhz but 3 sticks sounds like it would have problems of its own
T
tonny0950
11-02-2025, 12:45 AM #7

hey so ive been starting to try and figure it out, i tried manually tweaking the things to the lower of the two values for everything. i got the numbers from my bios because there was a thing in there telling me what the xmp settings would be. but afterwards it stopped booting entirely, i cant figure out a way for the pc to turn on when there are 4 sticks plugged in at all anymore. i did then try doing xmp with just the new ram and just the old ram to see the differences in zentimings. can include pictures of it all
https://imgur.com/a/kKKrP1j
View: https://imgur.com/a/kKKrP1j
i can plug in one extra stick and get the xmp settings to look like this,
https://imgur.com/a/FV2KQBr
View: https://imgur.com/a/FV2KQBr
even putting it down to 2133 myself doesnt make the 4 sticks boot anymore though
i dont have more money to spend on this i need to get these sticks working. i got a gpu upgrade for 1000$ but then wasnt able to play half my games because they were stuttering because they need more ram, which only became an issue after i started being able to use the higher graphics settings of the new gpu. so i wait for ram to arrive so i can stop getting below minimum warnings from forza and oblivion and now theyre stuck being way slower so i cant play anything anymore. this was supposed to be one upgrade where i plopped one thing in and now i havent been able to use my computer in fucking weeks.
also. what is the performance impact of it not having an even amount of sticks because rn i can seem to have 24gb of ram at 3200mhz but 3 sticks sounds like it would have problems of its own

G
godzillaslime
Member
177
11-02-2025, 12:45 AM
#8
Lower of the two values is usually faster, and wasn’t what I recommended. That was your attempt to make the slower ram catch up to the faster one. What you’re aiming for is the reverse—choosing the bigger number and using it across both memory sets.
Working with three sticks is intriguing; it suggests there’s some middle ground, but it might only work well with a single channel unless the board allows dual channels. A1/B1 seems to be intended for dual channel use.
Setting the main speed isn’t the real objective.
Memory is relatively inexpensive, though it looks like you may have gone beyond the return window already—I’m guessing. You could always sell the two memory kits, but you won’t gain much from it. Still, you should be able to halve your costs when purchasing a 2x16GB kit.
G
godzillaslime
11-02-2025, 12:45 AM #8

Lower of the two values is usually faster, and wasn’t what I recommended. That was your attempt to make the slower ram catch up to the faster one. What you’re aiming for is the reverse—choosing the bigger number and using it across both memory sets.
Working with three sticks is intriguing; it suggests there’s some middle ground, but it might only work well with a single channel unless the board allows dual channels. A1/B1 seems to be intended for dual channel use.
Setting the main speed isn’t the real objective.
Memory is relatively inexpensive, though it looks like you may have gone beyond the return window already—I’m guessing. You could always sell the two memory kits, but you won’t gain much from it. Still, you should be able to halve your costs when purchasing a 2x16GB kit.

D
DerpyPig9
Member
98
11-02-2025, 12:45 AM
#9
When you refer to "the lower of the two values," are you intending to pick the smaller integer for the two different DIMM sets? If yes, instability is a probable outcome. For most configurations, it's better to choose the higher value instead.
D
DerpyPig9
11-02-2025, 12:45 AM #9

When you refer to "the lower of the two values," are you intending to pick the smaller integer for the two different DIMM sets? If yes, instability is a probable outcome. For most configurations, it's better to choose the higher value instead.