What Brands are Overclockable?
What Brands are Overclockable?
I'm considering purchasing the final component for my computer next week—DDR4 RAM. It's creating some uncertainty about whether it's worth buying. Comparing prices and speeds is tricky since all options list a MHz and CAS clock speed. I'm aiming for something around 3600MHz and 16CAS, but I'm curious if overclocking is possible. There seems to be a lot of variation in what's available, so I'm wondering if different manufacturers standardize their RAM specs. G Skill comes to mind, but with so many choices, it feels like only certain models are advertised at maximum speeds. Are you correct about brands binning their RAM?
Consider sourcing 3600 C14 DIMMs or higher-speed kits. You could also downclock and see if you can reduce the clock speed further. It’s unclear which option works best, but I don’t plan to modify RAM myself.
I understand your concerns about choosing the right RAM for your ROG Strix X570-E Gaming. The tech specs indicate that Crucial and Corsair offer the most affordable options for a 3600MHz 16GB (below 100USKP), while other brands can be significantly more expensive. However, it’s unclear which brand consistently delivers above 3600MHz. Would it be better to explore alternative brands for higher potential? Or should I focus on what’s currently available, assuming a maximum of around 4000MHz at best? The added premium from 14 CAS is raising my interest, especially if it helps avoid extra costs.
You'll struggle to reach such high speeds. You'd need RAM already significantly faster. But since you're using AMD, that's not a big issue. You should opt for RAM that aligns with the infinity fabric clock (FLCK). Anything quicker will actually reduce performance, as the FLCK will only run at half speed, making even 5100MHz RAM feel like 2666MHz. I don't know your exact CPU, but FCLK maxes around 1800MHz on Zen 2 and 1900MHz on Zen 3. You can try to change the FCLK, though outcomes differ. Zen 2 can hit up to 1933MHz, while Zen 3 might reach 2000MHz with a golden chip. DDR stands for double data rate, meaning it handles two transfers per cycle. Because of this, manufacturers list higher clock speeds but actually deliver lower speeds—like 3600MHz being around 1800MHz and 3600 MT/s. In short, to get the absolute fastest RAM, you must first determine your chip's FCLK limit and then purchase RAM claiming double that speed. If you're capped at 1800MHz, 3600MHz will be your top choice. Anything else will lag, even with higher clock rates.
The chip model is 5800X, and what I hear or read about AMD is around 3600MHz CL16, which generally means lower performance. Different RAM designs work better with Intel or AMD depending on the style. Brands tend to use the same die batch for production runs, but if a product lists a specific MHz and CL, it only counts if it's compatible with AMD. So far I think I should focus on which brands are recommended for AMD and stick to listings around 3600MHz and CL16. The cosmetic RGB effects are mainly important if they're not too expensive.
Only a few firms truly produce RAM, while most just use their branding.
Samsung B-die kits are my top suggestion. 3600mhz settings will work at 16-16-16-36, handling 4000 with only a slight voltage increase. Above 4000mhz, higher-end options starting around 4267mhz with ratios like 19-19-19-39 are better. The 5800X is a single CCX, so the Infinity Fabric ratio won’t significantly affect performance differences between 3600 and 4600 in a 1000mhz memory OC scenario. You’re not too old for this either—most of the people I’ve worked with are in their 60s and beyond.
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