Crosshair VII/2700x - How to get faster speeds w/ 4 DIMMs?

[Zefram]

Is there any way to get faster speeds on this board with 4 DIMMs populated?

I have a use case that needs more than 16GB of memory, so I ended up using a 4x8gb config totaling 32GB. At 16GB (2 sticks) I had no problem running at 3600Mhz (the rated speed of the G.Skill memory), but with all DIMM slots populated, I can't get above 2800Mhz even with upped voltages. I know more DIMMs stress out the memory controller or whatever, but is there a way to get more speed?

This is a pretty common problem right? What are some strategies to get better speeds with all the slots filled?

I have G.Skill Trident Z F4-3600C18D-16GTZRX sticks. 4x8GB.

Thanks!

[MeanMachine]

Hi Zefram 🙂 Not much help I know however.

You may have a Latency mismatch by combining two different kits especially using 32GB @3600MHz with all slots occupied. If it continues and you can't combine the two kits then return what you have (if you can) or continue playing with your Timings and Voltage to get the best stable frequency.

You would stand a better chance of getting them to their rated SPD with F4-3600C17D-32GTZR (2X16)single kit.

Take a look at this article by RAJA : https://rog.asus.com/forum/showthread.php?57038-Don%92t-combine-memory-kits!-The-meat-and-potatoes-o...

[Zefram]

yeah, I didn't put that into consideration. I figured if they were the same kit, they might work. Didn't realize that 4 sticks binned together would make such a difference. Not sure I want to go through the trouble of buying a new set, then returning the 2 new sticks, then ebaying the old 2 also.

Maybe I should just hold out until a new bios revision or X570 and Ryzen gen 3 to come out this summer and just hope all 4 sticks will run well.

They're stable now at 2800 at 1.4 volts... it's probably a 10% difference in games and a few other things I'm doing.

[Frostie36]

Zefram wrote:
yeah, I didn't put that into consideration. I figured if they were the same kit, they might work. Didn't realize that 4 sticks binned together would make such a difference. Not sure I want to go through the trouble of buying a new set, then returning the 2 new sticks, then ebaying the old 2 also.

Maybe I should just hold out until a new bios revision or X570 and Ryzen gen 3 to come out this summer and just hope all 4 sticks will run well.

They're stable now at 2800 at 1.4 volts... it's probably a 10% difference in games and a few other things I'm doing.

Mixing two sets of identical ram isn't always doomed to fail, i have 32gb of gksill flare x 3200mhz made up of two sets of 2x8 sticks running at their rated speed with no problems, I purchased both pairs of ram about 4 months apart. the flare x is samsung b-die , not sure what chips your ram is using, if it isn't samsung b-die then that could be why your having issues getting 4 sticks at their rated speed.

[Stalkholm]

Hey, I've got that RAM! Well, I have the CL15 version, anyway. Dumb question: Have you tried any of The Stilt's settings? I've got 4x3600CL15 running at 3333CL14 thanks entirely to The Stilt's presets. I've yet to have any luck with Ryzen DRAM calculator, but it's the gold standard for overclocking so it's a good choice for everybody but me. Let me know how things turn out, I'll be curious to know what you can get! 😄

[Zefram]

Stalkholm wrote:
Hey, I've got that RAM! Well, I have the CL15 version, anyway. Dumb question: Have you tried any of The Stilt's settings? I've got 4x3600CL15 running at 3333CL14 thanks entirely to The Stilt's presets. I've yet to have any luck with Ryzen DRAM calculator, but it's the gold standard for overclocking so it's a good choice for everybody but me. Let me know how things turn out, I'll be curious to know what you can get! 😄

I'll give the Stilt's settings a shot, the Ryzen DRAM calculator had no luck.

[Zefram]

What's the safest max voltage for ddr4? 1.5v? because I have a stable system at 1.45v at 3333mhz. If I can run that 24/7, I'd be pleased.

[MeanMachine]

Zefram wrote:
What's the safest max voltage for ddr4? 1.5v? because I have a stable system at 1.45v at 3333mhz. If I can run that 24/7, I'd be pleased.

1.5V with DDR4 RAM is excessive. Max is 1.35v for longevity. Keep an eye on their temperatures.

[Zefram]

MeanMachine wrote:
1.5V with DDR4 RAM is excessive. Max is 1.35v for longevity. Keep an eye on their temperatures.

I'm not quite sure that's true. There are DDR4 kits rated for 1.4v 24/7 usage ... and the max tech spec for ddr4 is 1.5v. I've got my 4 sticks at 1.425v @ 3333Mhz, so I'll be sticking with that for now.

[Delta9K]

Zefram wrote:
I'm not quite sure that's true. There are DDR4 kits rated for 1.4v 24/7 usage ... and the max tech spec for ddr4 is 1.5v. I've got my 4 sticks at 1.425v @ 3333Mhz, so I'll be sticking with that for now.

Honestly, I think that you're doing pretty well @3333 using four dimms. Pushing hardware to the limits always has some risks and only you can decide what your tolerance level is. That voltage is creeping up there but, you're correct about the ddr4 spec. Keep an eye on your dimm temps and keep some airflow over them you should be OK.

From Der8auers Everything you wanted to know about C7H X470 ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0mR4IoNWkQ )
X470 RAM speed targets