Home » Computers » (SOLVED) Why my RAM Won’t Overclock?

(SOLVED) Why my RAM Won’t Overclock?

Why does my RAM not overclock?

The main reason why your RAM does not overclock is because the motherboard may not support it, your CPU does not support it, or XMP is turned off.

 

Motherboard Doesn’t Support

There are three primary reasons why your RAM may not be working at maximum speed, and one of the most significant is motherboard incompatibility.

Some motherboards do not support RAM speeds that exceed a particular threshold. If you look up your motherboard model number, you’ll be able to find what RAM frequencies it supports.

It will run at the RAM module’s minimum specified speed and maintain that speed.

 

CPU Doesn’t Support

Another reason your RAM may not be operating at maximum capacity is because your CPU does not support it.

CPUs, particularly earlier CPUs, supported only a restricted range of RAM frequency ranges. It would limit anything over that range to the maximum speed enabled by your CPU.

However, CPUs are much more open to varied speeds these days, particularly when it comes to DDR4 memory, so you don’t have to worry as much about your CPU not supporting your selected memory.

 

XMP Is OFF

The final of the three primary reasons your RAM may not be working at full speed is that you haven’t enabled XMP.

When you install RAM, XMP profiles are not immediately established. To instruct your RAM to run at the desired rates, you must manually configure the desired profile in the BIOS.

Assuming all other components in your PC are compatible, your RAM will function at the quickest rates possible.

 

RAM won't overclock

 

How to fix RAM not overclocking

To fix RAM that is not overclocking, you will need to replace your motherboard, replace your CPU or turn XMP on.

 

Replace Your Motherboard

If it turns out that your motherboard isn’t supporting your RAM speeds, there’s not much you can do other than replace it.

However, most current motherboards now accept a broad range of frequencies, so you don’t have to worry about purchasing a high-speed RAM kit only to be able to use it at the default rates.

Even if you don’t achieve the full speed of the RAM package, you should be able to come close.

Now, if you’re a skilled user with a motherboard that supports this feature, you might be able to manually overclock your RAM over the limit that your motherboard enables.

 

Replace Your CPU

Nowadays, CPUs are much more open to varying speeds, especially when it comes to DDR4 memory, so you don’t have to worry as much about your CPU not supporting the memory you’ve chosen.

So, if your CPU is the component causing poor RAM performance, the situation is the same as with a motherboard.

It isn’t much you can do except obtain a CPU that supports the RAM speeds you choose.

 

Turn XMP On

If your XMP is not turned ON, then your RAM will not be able to overclock. You can use the following steps below to turn your XMP on:

  1. Turn on CPU-Z and record the DRAM’s frequency and timing.
  2. Also, take note of the timing table on the SDP tab since these are the XMP parameters that BIOS uses.
  3. RAM operates at the double the frequency of DRAM).
  4. Enter the BIOS, navigate to Ai Tweaker, and then choose “manual.”
  5. Other settings should have changed by now, and you may begin by raising the DRAM voltage in 0.015v increments.
  6. You can raise the CPU VCCIO voltage and the CPU system’s proxy voltage by 0.05v.
  7. Proceed to the timing, also known as DRAM timing control: just roughly three timing string modifications are required.
  8. It’s time to put the system through its paces. It is a success if the outcomes are consistent.
  9. Otherwise, repeat the procedure.

 

Why I can’t overclock Ryzen RAM?

The reason why you can’t overclock your Ryzen RAM is because your system may not be compatible to run at such high speeds with the required stability.

 

How to Overclock DDR4 Ram ForRyzen

You can overclock DDR4ram for Ryzen by modifying its speed through BIOS settings.

  1. Start your device and enter the BIOS. Your Ryzen will require you to restart the device and continually hit the F2 or Del key.
  2. Look for your memory settings and apply your XMP profile values there.
  3. Enter the values from your DDR4RAM Calculator into this box and begin typing.
  4. Some of these value settings may have various names depending on your motherboard. Fill in the blanks with the numbers you obtained from your DRAM calculator.
  5. You will adjust settings such as active timing.
  6. Enter the frequency values in the preceding memory section, navigate to the part that addresses your module’s voltage.
  7. Input the voltage advised by your DDR4RAM calculator’s result. Remember that voltages beyond 1.45 V might be harmful, so you’ll be OK as long as you stay below that level.
  8. Save your changes to the settings and restart your computer. Don’t be alarmed if your computer does not restart at this point.
  9. Wait thirty seconds before starting it in safe mode. Reset your settings to the previous safe configuration and restart.
  10. This can occur if your values are not perfect and your system’s power-on self-test fails. Don’t be alarmed if the safe mode starting also fails.
  11. Clear your CMOS by removing and resetting the battery connected to your motherboard.

 

What happens if I overclock my RAM?

What happens if you overclock your RAM is that your system will run faster, making tasks easier and faster to complete.

 

Every software on your computer consumes RAM as it runs. Your RAM runs at a fixed speed defined by the manufacturer, but a few minutes in the BIOS may boost it much above its rated specification.

In certain cases, increasing the speed at which your RAM runs will immediately boost your CPU’s performance.

Nevertheless, there comes a threshold of diminishing returns when the CPU cannot churn through additional memory quickly enough.

A few nanoseconds quicker RAM may not matter in day-to-day work, but any minor speed boost will assist if you’re crunching figures.

You must be careful when overclocking your RAM to not overdo it, because this can lead to certain errors that are discussed below.

 

Is overclocking RAM harmful? 

Yes, overclocking RAM can be harmful if you are not careful, as it can cause issues in your PC system in the long term, leading to overheating and damage to your RAM.

Overclocking RAM is not as dangerous or frightening as overclocking CPU, GPU, and other components, but it will affect them.

When overclocking components from the latter category, your primary worry is if the cooling technology/component can keep up with the processing speed.

Some individuals also discover that their other components cannot keep up with overclocked RAM. Thus it may require system modifications to protect the machine from slowing down or malfunctioning entirely. Furthermore, any warranties that came with the computer equipment may be lost when it is overclocked; therefore, there is a chance of completely losing the RAM during efforts to boost its performance.

Though it is normally advisable to have extensive computer expertise before overclocking RAM, even computer specialists might damage the component; therefore, you should address this risk before beginning the procedure.

 

Is it worth it to overclock RAM?

It can be worth it to overclock RAM as it can improve speed, performance, and more control over the system.

One of the primary motivations for overclocking any computer component is to increase or speed up your computer’s performance.

When RAM, a crucial component of a computer, is overclocked, it dramatically increases a machine’s performance.

One of the most noticeable benefits of outperforming RAM is faster desktop performance and easier access to files and programs.

Overclocking RAM has the added benefit of making many video games run quicker. Overclocking RAM also gives many passionate computer users a sense of power over their systems.

The most visible benefit of overclocked RAM is that the desktop runs a little faster and is typically simpler to access files and apps.

Another advantage is that many video games run quicker once RAM is overclocked, albeit the frame rate is generally only slightly boosted.

However, when paired with other overclocked components, this enhancement may significantly impact how effectively the computer operates.

 

What are the disadvantages of overclocking RAM?

The disadvantages of overlocking RAM are that it can increase power consumption, void your PC warranty and deteriorate the lifespan of parts.

 

Boosts Power Consumption

While overclocking may be advantageous, you should know that the increased voltage and clock rate increase power consumption.

In the long term, this means that your power expenses will most certainly rise.

The increased heat generated by overclocking raises the ambient air temperature within the system case, potentially affecting other components.

 

Could Void PC Warranty

If your machine is still under warranty, you should refrain from overclocking it. If overclocking is done incorrectly, it might negatively impact the PC.

If the manufacturer discovers that you have overclocked the system, it will cancel your PC’s warranty.

 

Component Life Is Reduced

The increased heat and voltage impact on your system’s semiconductor components will shorten their lives. Low voltage should be used to avoid this from occurring.

 

Does overclocking RAM affect CPU temperature?

Yes, overclocking RAM can affect your CPU temperature. It can increase the temperature significantly as your RAM and CPU work overtime and for more than were built.

 

One of the biggest side effects of overclocking is greater heat production since you normally have to increase the CPU’s stock voltage for it to function at higher rates consistently.

 

Is overclocking worth it for gaming?

Yes, overclocking is worth it for gaming as it completely changes the performance and your game experience.

 

Overclocking allows you to get more performance out of your components. You may use the extra power to improve visuals or increase FPS to make gaming more enjoyable.

Depending on the game, you can overclock the GPU or the CPU.

 

How do I fix memory overclock failure?

To fix a memory overlock failure, you will need to run troubleshooting and diagnose the problem accordingly. If you get to the Memory Overclock Fail screen, it’s quite simple to fix.

  1. Press “F1” on the keyboard to return to the BIOS and alter the parameters; it’s more difficult if it displays no output.
  2. If this occurs, you must clear the CMOS to restore the motherboard to its original state.
  3. After shutting off the computer, push the “Clear CMOS” physical button or pin for around 2 to 3 seconds, and then restart it to reset.
  4. When the computer is switched off, remove the mercury battery from the motherboard and reinsert it to reset the BIOS.

 

Can RAM be damaged by overclocking?

RAM can be damaged by overclocking if not done the right way and exceeding the limits of what your RAM can handle.

 

Overclocking RAM is technically not detrimental for your PC if done within the RAM’s real limits.

 

When you overclock the GPU or CPU, you must be concerned about noise and the cooler’s ability to withstand such high clock rates.

Even without changing the voltage, overclocking raises the current draw and temperature. It may easily destroy RAM.

Furthermore, most RAM is under-tested by the manufacturer and is under-cooled in many consumer PCs.

Ernie Lo

Ernie Lo is a qualified web designer and web developer. He works as an IT support technician and website manager at Benleigh Vending, and he also fixes vending machines.

Recent Posts