Using RAM training for overclocking?

[oemlegoem]

My CPU is i7-6700K running at 4.7GHz. RAM is HyperX Fury 2x8GB 2666MHz. I was overclocking the RAM to 3000MHz with 1504 Bios. I found a setting which was running fine. Then I wanted to further optimize Refresh Interval and REF cycle time of the RAM at 3000MHz. Bios was set to enable RAM training (MCR fast disabled). RAM training seem to have destabilized the settings, even the settings which originally worked at 3000MHz.

As a solution, I cleared CMOS and took the opportunity to install the latest 1601 Bios. First run at CPU 4.7GHz and the RAM at 2666MHz XMP, with RAM training enabled. Everything works fine.

Question: I gradually want to increase RAM to 3000MHz. When I do this overclocking, should I keep the RAM training enabled or disabled (Bios setting MCR fast)? Or keep it enabled up to a certain speed e.g. 2800MHz and disabled at a higher speed?

 

[Woomack]

It would be easier if you said what motherboard you have.
Generally if you set all memory timings at auto, main timings at 15-15-15-35 2N or 15-16-16-35 2N 1.35V and tRFC ~350 then on nearly every Z170 motherboard this memory should work at 3000 without additional settings. In some cases the same settings let to run at 3200.
You don't need any additional training for that clock and best is to keep it at auto ( or default value ) if board is acting weird.

 

[oemlegoem]

hello Woomack,
Thanks for the help. Further info: Mainboard is a Asus Maximus VIII Ranger. Memory is HyperX Fury 2x8GB 2666MHz. I had this already running well at 13-16-16-48 3000MHz 1.39V. Only when trying further secondary timings, did the system become weird -with memory training- and I could not get it right again. From that I got the impression that memory training can get off track at high speed. Hence the question whether it is better to use memory training when overclocking.
Question: when memory training is at Auto: what does it do?
Remark: I am a beginner, so any further helping remarks are very welcome.

 

[philipew]

Using 16 GB (4 x 4 GB sticks) of Kingston HyperX Fury (C14 2133), these are my settings (3200 MHz), perfectly stable under 1.28 V but slightly increased to 1.30 V to ensure even more stability (no change in temps):
System Memory Multiplier (32),
CAS Latency (15),
tRCD (17),
tRP (17),
tRAS (28),
1.30 V, and
Memory Enhancement Settings to "Relax OC".

 

[philipew]

DRAM Voltage (CH A/B) at 1.300 V

- - - Updated - - -

Using 16 GB (4 x 4 GB sticks) of Kingston HyperX Fury (C14 2133), these are my settings (3200 MHz), perfectly stable under 1.28 V but slightly increased to 1.30 V to ensure even more stability (no change in temps):
System Memory Multiplier (32),
CAS Latency (15),
tRCD (17),
tRP (17),
tRAS (28),
DRAM Voltage (CH A/B) 1.30 V (from 1.28 V stable to ensure increased stability), and
Memory Enhancement Settings to "Relax OC".

 

[Alaric]

Using 16 GB (4 x 4 GB sticks) of Kingston HyperX Fury (C14 2133), these are my settings (3200 MHz), perfectly stable under 1.28 V but slightly increased to 1.30 V to ensure even more stability (no change in temps):
System Memory Multiplier (32),
CAS Latency (15),
tRCD (17),
tRP (17),
tRAS (28),
1.30 V, and
Memory Enhancement Settings to "Relax OC".

If it passes Memtest at 1.28v then use 1.28v. "Extra" voltage isn't a good idea.