Faster memory for an overclocked system?

[mageej]

I have the Asus P6X58-D Premium with an i7 920 overclocked to 3.6ghz. My sticks are CM3X2G1600C7 x3=6gb. CPU-Z sees them running at DRAM 1379mhz. Using X.M.P doesn't run them at 1600mhz, but I would like them to. I'm using manual settings @ 7-7-7-20 2T. My question is; do I need to buy faster memory to run them at 1600 with the overclock, or won't it make a difference?

 

I need fast memory for video editing (Blu-Ray) and running MS Flight Simulator, which requires high density, fast RAM. Thanks

[trackrat]

The memory you have is rated to run up to 1600 MHz. - asuming it's ONE tested, matched kit and not three individual modules you bought?

 

Your Intel i7-920 CPU by default runs RAM at 1066 MHz. To run it at 1600 MHz. you need to overclock the RAM. XMP profiles attempt to overclock the RAM but manually setting the BIOS options may lead to better results depending on your specific hardware. There is no guarantee that your CPU will be able to run the RAM @ 1600 MHz. but you can try.

 

This link may be useful?

 

http://www.techreaction.net/2010/09/07/3-step-overclocking-guide-bloomfield-and-gulftown/

[mageej]

It is a matched set, and without overclocking using X.M.P they run at 1600 no problem. If I try to run them with the CPU overclocked, they go down to 1379. Trying to run them with OC on the CPU @ 1600 gives me a BSOD. Do I have headroom to overclock these sticks, or do I need 1800 or 2000 sticks?

[trackrat]

XMP is overclocking of the RAM. ;): Your default RAM speed is 1066 MHz. 1600 MHz. is a 50% RAM overclock.

 

You should try manually setting the BIOS options as the RAM has been tested and confirmed to run OC'ed @ 1600 MHz. The RAM is likely capable of running slightly above 1600 MHz. depending on your CPU/mobo and BIOS settings.

 

You should read the link I supplied for specifics on BIOS settings that might work for you.

[mageej]

So I CAN run them at 1600 even with the overclocked CPU? That would be great! I assume you mean manual settings? What about DRAM voltage? Do I need to drop to 8-8-8-22 or something in that range?

[trackrat]

Yes you can run the RAM @ 1600 MHz. with the CPU overclocked - if your CPU/mobo are willing to do so. The RAM is fully capable of running at 1600 MHz. with or without the CPU overclocked. Looser latency timings prevent data errors so when you increase the RAM frequency it's often useful to use looser the timings.

[Yellowbeard]

What BClock are you running?

[mageej]

I'll try your suggestions! Thanks! I'll let you know how it works out. Check this post tomorrow after 5pm Pacific time.

[mageej]

Bclk? 172. Sorry, didn't see your question because I was typing.

[Yellowbeard]

Your only options on memory speed are 1376 (172 x 8x memory multi) or 1720 (172 x 10). So, running XMP is out of the question if you are OCing. You can use it as a baseline but you are going to have to try some different settings to use your current memory. Try 8-8-8-24 or even 9-9-9-24. You may also need a little bump over the XMP amount for the memory controller voltage. Or, you may simply need a faster memory kit if you want to run your OC and also run the 10x or even 12x memory multi.

[mageej]

Those two numbers are X.M.P right?

[mageej]

After a little tweaking, I'm now running my memory @ 8-8-8-24 1T timings, and a 1720mhz speed. NB is at 3440. DRAM/FSB of 2:10.