Memory overclock. Do I have things right?

SirChumpalot · 21 Mar 2018 at 12:19

Hi all,

For a while now I've been running a modest overclock on my i5 4690k. According to the BIOS the memory frequency is at 1600Mhz. Given that I have 2400Mhz memory I have come to the realisation that I may not be running the memory to it's fullest.

Here are the settings in the BIOS where the memory is concerned:

DRAM Reference Clock : Auto
DRAM Frequency: Auto
Adjusted DRAM Frequency: 1600mhz
XMP: Disabled
DRAM Timing Mode: Auto
Memory Fast Boot: Auto

There are other settings for Advanced DRAM Configuration but I do not have these to hand. DRAM Voltage is currently set to 1.504v. Specs are in my sig.

Is it just a case of enabling XMP? I think I've tried this in the past and not had any luck. Any pointers would be great.

Many thanks
Chumpalot.

Bugbait · 21 Mar 2018 at 16:08

Try enabling XMP first. Failing that you can manually set the frequency to 2400 and leave everything else on Auto. If that fails then try using loose settings at first but you may have to tweak the voltage.

Taken from a review on OCUK:

Using with a Gigabyte Sniper Z87 motherboard along with a 4770k @ 4.5Ghz and fails to boot at 2400Mhz with the manufacturers claimed settings of 11-11-11-35 and 1.65v. Could only get it stable at 11-13-13-35 and 1.7v.

SirChumpalot · 21 Mar 2018 at 16:56

Thank you for this. I'll give it a go when I get in.

Cheers.

james_2k · 21 Mar 2018 at 17:20

xmp doesnt work on mine, best i can do is 4ghz with the 4266 kit. all down to the cpu. you may need some system agent and vccio increases too.

SirChumpalot · 22 Mar 2018 at 09:37

So I had a quick look last night (I decided my time was better spent playing some Zelda: BOTW) and in CPUZ the NB Frequency under the memory tab reads 3988mhz. The DRAM Frequency reads 900mhz. Is this right? Is it a case of the controller ramping up the frequency as and when it's needed?

Thanks.

Bugbait · 22 Mar 2018 at 10:09

The NB frequency is just what the NB is running at, has nothing to do with DDR frequency. If you're seeing 900Mhz then the DDR is running at 1800MHz (double it basically).

SirChumpalot · 22 Mar 2018 at 10:58

Thank you for that. I clearly need to bump it up a little bit. Will take another look tonight.

Cheers

SirChumpalot · 23 Mar 2018 at 09:23

Had a go at this last night. There seemed to be two XMP profiles on the memory. 2133mhz and 2400mhz. I turned on XMP and chose 2400. All seems to be working fine and CPUZ and the BIOS report the DRAM frequency as 1200mhz and 2400mhz respectively. I'll do a MemTest or something when I get time.

Bugbait · 23 Mar 2018 at 09:45

Sorted

SirChumpalot · 23 Mar 2018 at 10:29

Yeah, until I do a MemTest and I get "computer says no".

Could do with upgrading my system really. I fancy a new graphics card but can't justify the £500.

Bugbait · 23 Mar 2018 at 10:35

Try XMP at 2133? What volts is it feeding the RAM? CPUz should have a table that confirms the preset values, make sure BIOS matches it in case.

SirChumpalot · 23 Mar 2018 at 10:52

I haven't tested it yet... I was being pessimistic

Various emulators and games seem to like 2400mhz.