How do I OC DDR3 1600 RAM as much as it will go?

[HeatM1ser2k4]

I have THIS (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231443) RAM

I have THIS (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157271) motherboard

[HeatM1ser2k4]

Nobody knows how to get my RAM to run faster than 1600?

[MattNo5ss]

Loosen the timings, change the RAM multiplier to 18.66, then run MemTest86+ (to test 24/7 stability). If it fails, then you may have to start incrementally increasing the RAM voltage up to 1.65v. Once you get it to pass, then work on incrementally tightening the timings and retesting until you cannot pass MemTest86+ (may have to increase voltage here too, but still up to 1.65v). When you cannot pass the test, then go back to the last settings at which you passed MemTest86+.

You can do the same for the 21.33 multiplier too.

[EarthDog]

+1... ^^

Dont expect any gains out of it outside of benchmarking though. ;)

[HeatM1ser2k4]

Hmmm...I asked this question because I didnt se an option to change the multiplier in my DRAM BIOS settings...I must have overlooked something

[EarthDog]

In OCTWEAKER its labeled DRAM FREQUENCY (half way down the page). Check outmy review of a similar board (its in the 4th bios picture): http://www.overclockers.com/asrock-x79-extreme4-m

[psionic98]

Earthdog kinda has it right though, unless you're going to be benching it you likely won't see any increases.. maybe 1fps if that in games?

[HeatM1ser2k4]

Its to benchmark

[psionic98]

Probably better to get higher rated ram then and OC that.. there's no guarantee you'll squeeze a lot out fo the 1600.. you might get lucky and get it to 1800 or so.. or you might get stuck at 1602.

Use Matts advice in post 3 to start tweaking it up... its all trial and error.

[EarthDog]

+1 crap shoot. Seeing as how there is VERY little bclk available its either slightly over 1600Mhz or 1866. I have a set of 1600Mhz that didnt reach 1866 either...

[krose]

I have the same RAM and it doesn't OC at all. It will run 1866 but at 10-10-10-27 to be stable @ 1.5 volts, so no point to it. I tried increasing the volts to 1.6 and tried timings of 9-9-9, 9-10-9, 9-10-10, 9-11-9, 9-11-10, but none of these were stable. Also lowering timings at 1600 didn't work either. So its great for 8-8-8 @1600 and that's about it.

[HeatM1ser2k4]

I have the same RAM and it doesn't OC at all. It will run 1866 but at 10-10-10-27 to be stable @ 1.5 volts, so no point to it. I tried increasing the volts to 1.6 and tried timings of 9-9-9, 9-10-9, 9-10-10, 9-11-9, 9-11-10, but none of these were stable. Also lowering timings at 1600 didn't work either. So its great for 8-8-8 @1600 and that's about it.

Ok, good to know...guess I'll have to upgrade my RAM

Any suggestions on decent RAM at a reasonable price?

[krose]

To be honest faster memory isn't really going to do anything for you in everyday use. The only place you will notice is some benchmarks. Personally I wouldn't waste my money. But if you're dead set on it, you could get these (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231468) or these (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231476) for a reasonable price.

[thorianbsup]

Run it at 1600 1 7-8-7 24. I have this same ram. Doesn't oc properlt, bit you can shorten the timings

[thorianbsup]

Sandy bridge processors work better with lower latency ram than higher frequency higher latency memory, proven and tested

[Woomack]

@HeatM1ser2k4
If it's only for benching then don't waste your money and for sure not on 8GB kits.
For benchmarks try:
8-9-8-24 1.65V 1T and 2T, 1866 tRC 42-44 tRFC 90-100 all other timings auto
9-11-9-28 or 9-11-10-28 1.65V 1T and 2T, 2133 tRC 48-51 tRFC 110-130 all other timings auto
VCCIO ~1.15-1.25V should be enough
You can check tests in my sig for some info about timings that you can try too. Your memory is probably PSC so most that I was testing but hard to say how high can you make.
I see you have 4 sticks of this RAM. For tests use only 2.

@thorianbsup
for SB its higher cpu clock = higher memory performance , if you bench you go to the max , if you play games and browse net then anything is good , when you pass some cpu speed then higher memory clock counts more

[HeatM1ser2k4]

@HeatM1ser2k4
If it's only for benching then don't waste your money and for sure not on 8GB kits.
For benchmarks try:
8-9-8-24 1.65V 1T and 2T, 1866 tRC 42-44 tRFC 90-100 all other timings auto
9-11-9-28 or 9-11-10-28 1.65V 1T and 2T, 2133 tRC 48-51 tRFC 110-130 all other timings auto
VCCIO ~1.15-1.25V should be enough
You can check tests in my sig for some info about timings that you can try too. Your memory is probably PSC so most that I was testing but hard to say how high can you make.
I see you have 4 sticks of this RAM. For tests use only 2.

@thorianbsup
for SB its higher cpu clock = higher memory performance , if you bench you go to the max , if you play games and browse net then anything is good , when you pass some cpu speed then higher memory clock counts more


Thats so helpful! I just replacd my i7-2600k and have to find the multplier. Then I'll try the timing you suggested

[thorianbsup]

I have tested this with the2600k with 3 different types of ram. All higher or equivalent to 1600mhz. I seen no relative differences in benchmarks or games with the sb at higher frequencies of 1600mhz. Many others explain this as a wall for the sandybridge. I gained a small difference with tighter latency times. So, judging by my experience - I have yet seen a benchmark or testimonial stating otherwise. Don't get me wrong, you could push your cpu higher with a higher ram freq. But I can acheive 5 ghz stable with a 1600. 5+ ghz is for bragging rights.

I have the exact same ram as you . Turn xmp off, set the times yourself. Set it at 1600 1 7-8-7-24@1.529v

Its more cost efficient to buy 2x2x2=8gigs. Than sacrifice the cash for a 2x4 with the same timings considering you already have the 2x2. And who knows what the prices will be in the 3rd quarter of this year.