Varying RAM rates across various ports
Varying RAM rates across various ports
Hello, your recent upgrade to a Ryzen 5 3000, Asus B450-F Strix and HyperX Fury (2x8GB) at 3466Mhz seems unusual. I noticed the system didn't recognize RAM slots with frequencies above 3200Mhz, but switched to the recommended slots (2nd and 4th) and it worked perfectly at the same speed. This behavior might be normal, but it’s worth checking if future upgrades will behave similarly. Let me know if you need further clarification.
The solution is outlined in the question itself. Manufacturers suggest arranging components based on CPU specs and board design, including CPU orientation and slot placement. For dual CPUs, the correct installation sequence is essential. Some CPUs are built into specific sockets, so using the right one is necessary. I worked with an older system having mismatched RAM modules that didn’t fit in certain slots, spending a long time to find the right setup.
You can mix RAM sticks with different speeds, but they must all be at the same speed. For a 2 DIMM motherboard with space for two slots, place the slower stick in the first slot and the faster one in the second. This way, all sticks will operate at the same rate. If you swap the fast and slow stick, the slower one might struggle to keep up and the system could fail to boot.
I don't think you meant to combine RAM modules. Initially I was wondering if it's typical for a single RAM package to only work in certain slots (like 2 and 4, not 1 and 3). Then I realized my worry is whether a 3200 MHz speed in a 1 and 3 slot setup means the other slots can run faster if I add more sticks. I understand each stick needs to match the same speed, but my main question is if the motherboard can support all sticks at 3400 MHz.
It's typical behavior. I haven't tested slots 1 and 3 yet, but the manual says 2 and 4. Using slots 1 and 2 or 3 and 4 means RAM won't be in dual-channel, which is another consideration. With 3200 MHz sticks, running them at 3400 might require overclocking beyond specifications—this could work, but it's risky. You might need higher voltages or looser timings, though stability isn't guaranteed. We're using the same board and RAM, so it's likely the board won't exceed its limits, but I'm not certain. Also, this RAM isn't top-tier, so overclocking could be challenging, particularly if you're using all four DIMMs. Overclocking two sticks is simpler than four.
I tried slots 1 and 3 just to see if they functioned. I had to return my last board (from a different build) since some slots weren’t working. This was just for peace of mind. I got this result because the DDR3 version I used on that build worked well and matched my twin tower cooler. I actually own the 3466mhz kit, which is why I’m avoiding running them at 3200.