Getting started with some overclocking basics on my system

[Renegadeandy]

Hi all,

My setup is:

Motherboard: ROG Strix Z790-E running latest bios version 2503

CPU: 13th Gen i5-13600KF - 5100mhz

Memory: GSkill Trident Z5 32gb (2 x 16gb 7200 -- F5-7200J3445G16G) - 6667mhz

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I am looking for some getting started advice specific to my CPU and motherboard for overclocking basics first steps. I have tried many different things in bios, most of which end up frequent crashes, and the system is not stable.

Here are a list of things i have tried:

• X.M.P 1, 2 & 2 Tweaked
• Any speed higher than 6667 for RAM and memory test fails, that appears to be the maximum at the CPU speed as it stands.
• Tried AI Tuning turning on - and it sets XMP and the system becomes completely unstable again.
• I have watched many video guides etc but they either don't work for me, or they are specific to ryzen cpu combos.

Current settings as we stand:

I am hoping the community can share some specific next steps for me, or, some links to some specific details on how with my CPU / Mobo combo I can start the overclocking journey?

[Renegadeandy]

I can confirm that the system is stable at 6000mhz during gaming.

I can also now confirm that a single stick of this RAM at 7200mhz both passes Memtest and also is stable during gaming...........(!).

[Silent_Scone]

If running a higher frequency is stable then feel free to use that. Not all CPUs will be able to achieve 7200MT on  2 DIMM per Channel boards.

[Renegadeandy]

Hi @Silent_Scone ,

I wonder what the best action from here is. Do you have any suggestions on what I can do to take little steps towards a higher frequency with 2 sticks?

6667 with 2 is stable  - higher causes problems. Is there anything I can try when problems occur? Increasing voltage to the ram for example? Any guides on these sorts of next steps?

[Silent_Scone]

You can checkout my 8000MT guide for some reference. However, please note that each CPU is different and overclocking is subject to variance between parts.

[Renegadeandy]

Hi @Silent_Scone 

This article makes for very interesting reading - thank you.  I am somehow surprised, when you see this ram on the QVL, at 7200 - but it only works one stick? I assume this is the normal status quo and it's my lack of experience which suggests I should be able to reach this with 2 sticks?

I still seem to be *stuck* at 6667mhz with the 32gb. I am wondering if I would reach better success by getting some different ram, perhaps something like this. 

My hypothesis is , I would be aiming for 7200, which is not as close to the top speed it is certified to work for, and thus may give me a better chance (despite it not being in the QVL list for this motherboard).

Would you go down a road like this?

Which CPU are you using in the 8000MT guide?

[Silent_Scone]

13900K for the guide. Note that 8000MT is only possible on 1DPC boards such as the Apex/Apex Encore. You may have some luck tuning manually, however, there's only so much advice one can give in this instance and your mileage will vary depending on the condition of the OC, and the CPU sample in question.

You can try increasing tCAS by one or two clocks when selecting XMP II and retesting.

[Renegadeandy]

Hi @Silent_Scone 

So I have done some experimenting - please see results below.

Do you have any pointers on what you would try next?:

[Renegadeandy]

All others within the community please offer some advice. The top table are settings which failed memtest, bottom table are settings which are stable

[Silent_Scone]

All of those results are within the margin of error and aren't helping, i.e. the issue isn't with the voltage supplied to the memory.

Experiment with increasing IMC VDD [Memory Controller Voltage].

Experiment with tuning VCCSA [CPU System Agent Voltage].

Increase tRCD and tRP clocks.

Increasing secondary timings may also help increase the stability margin.

• tRFC (Row Refresh Cycle Time)

  • Increase by: 10–20 clockg

• tFAW (Four Activate Window)

  • Increase by: 4–8 clocks

• tRRD (Row-to-Row Delay)

  • Increase by: 1–2 clocks

• tWR (Write Recovery Time)

  • Increase by: 2–4 clocks

• tWTR (Write to Read Delay)

  • Increase by: 1–2 clocks

As already stated, not all CPUs will achieve 7200MT on 2 DIMM per channel topology.