Basic RAM Overclock Advice Please

[JohnAb]

Hi All,

My system spec is below. Memory is 5200 DDR5 with XMPI on (current setting). I have no XMPII option. Everything is totally stable.

Current settings are VDD & VDDQ = 1.25V and timings are 40-40-40-77. tRC = 117. VPP (SWC) = 1.8V.
RAM is 32GB (2x16GB) Corsair DDR5 Vengeance Black, PC5-41600 (5200) - CMK32GX5M2B5200C40

I fancy having a go at a little memory overclocking and I haven't tried to do this for a 2 or 3 years since I had my i9 9900K. DDR5 timings and voltages are quite different to DDR4, so my questions are:

1. How much more speed might I be able to get?
2. What starting settings might be good to try?

I'm not really too worried about pushing it hard, I just fancy having a go and learning how to do it again. Think I've found all of the settings I might need in the BIOS, but I'm not sure how they all work together. I'm on 2204 with everything memory related on defaults right now (just XMPI enabled).

Thanks for any guidance/suggestions.

[Nate152]

Hi JohnAb

It depends on what type of IC's your memory has, usually lower clocked memory uses Micron chips which don't overclock very well.

I have 16GB Kingston Fury Beast 6000MHz 40-40-40-80-2T, this memory has Hynix IC's which seem to be the best for DDR5 overclocking.

I'm able to overclock my memory to 6200MHz 34-36-36-40-2T

There are five voltages that will help with memory overclocking.

In the bios reset to defaults (F5 key)

AI Overclock Tuner - Manual

BCLK Frequency: Dram Frequency Ratio - 100:100
Memory Controller: Dram Frequency Ratio - 1:2

1) VDD - 1.41v
2) VDDQ - 1.41v
3) CPU System Agent voltage - 1.35v

Advanced memory voltages

4) IVR Transmitter VDDQ - 1.41v
5) Memory Controller voltage - 1.35v
Sync All PMIC's

Dram Timing Control:

Primary Timings
40
40
40
77
Command Rate 2N

You can try these settings, raise the Dram Frequency a step at a time and see how far it lets you go.

Here is a screenshot of my HWinfo, click the pic -

[JohnAb]

Hi Nate,

Thank you. I do indeed have Micron memory, dual channel. I don't know if single/dual channel makes a difference, but your guidance makes it super clear and that's a nice simple way to try it. I'll keep a copy of the above.

Since posting my question, I've realised that I probably won't gain much improvement, as I found somebody overclocking almost identical Corsair RAM on YouTube - perhaps 5-10% if I'm lucky. As an example, let's say that I got it to 5400, do you think I would notice a real world improvement in daily use?

If I go ahead, I'll post the results here and thanks again for your help 🙂

[Nate152]

You're welcome

I doubt you'd notice any real world improvement with a 200MHz overclock, although benchmark scores should increase slightly.

With the settings above, I'd expect you to at least get to 5600MHz and possibly a little higher. But, this is just an expectation and no guarantees.

[JohnAb]

I understand, appreciate your input thanks....

[ShonMM]

Hi there. I recently helped a friend create a course on this topic. 😎 In general, when it comes to memory overclocking, there are a few things you should keep in mind: 

Start slowly: Don't jump right into the deep end with your overclocking attempts. Instead, start by increasing the memory frequency by small amounts, and then test your system for stability. Keep doing this until you start to see instability, then back off a little bit.

Research: Before you start overclocking, make sure to do your research. Look up guides and articles specific to your hardware and the particular overclocking you want to attempt.

Keep an eye on temperatures: Overclocking can cause your system to generate more heat, so make sure to monitor your system temperatures closely. Use software tools like HWMonitor or Core Temp to keep an eye on your system temperatures.

Understand your limitations: Not all memory can be overclocked to the same degree. Your overclocking potential will depend on a variety of factors, including the quality of your memory, the power delivery system on your motherboard, and the capabilities of your CPU.

As for your questions, It's hard to give a specific number without more information. As for starting settings, this will depend on your specific hardware and the particular overclocking you want to attempt. Start with small increments and test for stability along the way. I hope this is helpful and wish you every success.

[iBruceypoo]

Ian "8Pack" Parry once told me in this forum to "buy the most expensive memory kit you can afford and overclock the heck out of it".

I think he was onto something, higher binned kits are 1) easier for nooobs like me to get good results and 2) the talented benchers can push them to unbelievable levels.

If only they didn't cost so much, the prices can really get crazy. 🙄

I'll help you John when you get into A-die, I only began adjusting IVR like a week ago, so that tells you how bad I am at ddr5 overclocking lol, but I can at least get you to "the noob level". 🤣