DDR4 3200 MHz memory question

[comprehendo111]

Just built first computer, trying to figure out if the memory is running at 3200MHz (advertised speed) in CPU-Z under memory it says 1064.1MHz I thought since it's DDR4 it would be 4 times that number but that doesn't make sense, can anyone explain? I was told I would probably have to set the speed in BIOS which I guess is technically overclocking it, but that wouldn't have any issues tied to doing that for just the RAM?

https://gyazo.com/4b17d02811e4233aed1d63bc770b9f17

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/D6RFf7/gskill-memory-f43200c16d8gvkb

 

[dvo]

DDR stands for Dual Data Rate. 1064.1 MHz x 2 (dual rate) is 2128.2 Mhz. it is probably set for 2133, which is default ram speed on every ddr4 system i've encountered. 3200 Mhz would read at (or around) 1600 mhz

edit: Double Data Rate, not Dual
edit (again): changing to 3200 would indeed require changing BIOS settings. I believe you would first enable XMP and then change your ram speed

 

[kerberos_20]

not all are 2133, some recent kits got 2400 jedec as a base

 

[terry4536]

I would consult your manual for setting the memory timings. Or better yet use XMP (or the AMD equivalent) to set your RAM to 3200 MHz using the 3200 MHz XMP memory profile.


What are your build components?

 

[comprehendo111]

DDR stands for Dual Data Rate. 1064.1 MHz x 2 (dual rate) is 2128.2 Mhz. it is probably set for 2133

edit (again): changing to 3200 would indeed require changing BIOS settings. I believe you would first enable XMP and then change your ram speed

Ok this makes sense, I was told this concept very vaguely about DDR2 memory which is why I assumed the number at the end was the multiplier

XMP is a setting in BIOS, do you know is this generally safe to do? my case airflow isn't GREAT i only have 2 case fans so not super confident in real overclocking but I was told I should get these ram because my mobo can handle it and it does say 3200MHZ OC*. (ASRock B450M Pro4)

I would consult your manual for setting the memory timings. Or better yet use XMP (or the AMD equivalent) to set your RAM to 3200 MHz using the 3200 MHz XMP memory profile.

What are your build components?

Yeah, I read the manual a lot, specifically the RAM part because I did not understand dual channel and it still does not really make sense to me, I was told to put my RAM in slots 2 and 4 so that's what I did.
Link to manual https://www.asrock.com/mb/AMD/B450M%20Pro4/index.asp#Manual
Page 22 & 23 - it does not specify 3200MHz RAM however on newegg it says 3200MHz OC*

this is my build https://pcpartpicker.com/list/wGVmmq + a Q300L case and one extra old fan from an old computer.

 

[terry4536]

The advertised 3200 MHz is an overclocked memory frequency that the particular lot of RAM was tested to be capable of. It isn't what the RAM will be set to by default though. You have to set that yourself. It is set in the BIOS.

 

[terry4536]

Here is a YouTube video on the topic of setting the RAM XMP profile. It may be different from your motherboard UEFI BIOS, but it will be similar.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTWEzTV8B54

 

[comprehendo111]

The advertised 3200 MHz is an overclocked memory frequency that the particular lot of RAM was tested to be capable of. It isn't what the RAM will be set to by default though. You have to set that yourself. It is set in the BIOS.

Do you know is this fairly safe to do? I only have two case fans so my cooling isn't super great.

 

[terry4536]

You should be fine. In the event that the motherboard crashes after setting the XMP profile, simply lower the frequency. But if that happens you should exchange the memory.

The memory temperature is usually controlled by the CPU cooler's fans. Populating all four memory slots can also increase the memory temperatures along with overclocking. You don't list the CPU cooler. An all in one CPU water cooler can be a problem, because it moves those fans away from the CPU and RAM. But if that is the case, you can also install a memory cooling fan.

 

[comprehendo111]

You don't list the CPU cooler. An all in one CPU water cooler can be a problem, because it moves those fans away from the CPU and RAM. But if that is the case, you can also install a memory cooling fan.

Oh sorry its the one that comes with the CPU it's the Wraith Stealth Cooler, just looks to be a pretty standard high quality fan and (aluminum?) heatsink.

I only have two case fans, one that is supposed to be exhausting that came with the case, but it doesn't feel like it is or I can't really tell as well as another old fan I installed from an old computer that i'm using to intake air. Not really sure how well it's doing me would like to get it set up better to keep er' cool maybe add a couple more case fans, I don't know it seems to be sitting 35-40C constant while i'm browsing/downloading

 

[terry4536]

You can add fans to unused case fan ports. I would suggest 4-pin PWM fans. The can be easily controlled by the motherboard fan controller. Then the RPM can be set to adjust to the temperature inside the case.

Here is a selection of 120mm 4-pin PWM case fans. (also available in other sizes)

https://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&IsNodeId=1&N=100007998%20600035590%204814%20600035623%20600035674

 

[comprehendo111]

You can add fans to unused case fan ports. I would suggest 4-pin PWM fans. The can be easily controlled by the motherboard fan controller. Then the RPM can be set to adjust to the temperature inside the case.

Here is a selection of 120mm 4-pin PWM case fans. (also available in other sizes)

https://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&IsNodeId=1&N=100007998%20600035590%204814%20600035623%20600035674

I currently have two 3pin fans which are working just fine with the fan controller I was thinking about getting one of those 27$ Noctua fans though, I was reading about one that went to like 3000RPM or something ridiculous sounded really great for air cooling.

I went ahead and went into BIOS and turned the XMP on and that set it to 3200MHz very easily, then I ran memtest86 I got 3 errors on test #9 not sure what that means. The RAM is running at 35C though. I am also concerned if I try to OC my CPU in the future it said that OCing the RAM will conflict in Jay's video.

 

[terry4536]

I would be concerned that your brand new memory is showing errors already. If the return period hasn't expired, I would return the memory and order replacement RAM. That way you can switch out the new memory little to no downtime.

I am a big fan of Noctua products. Their fans are high quality, and they are low noise. Here is an example of a fan that I use myself. It doesn't spin at 3000 RPM. but it does get the job done. And it is priced at $19.50 (not $27).


Noctua NF-F12 PWM 120mm Case Fan
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835608026

 

[terry4536]

I am also concerned if I try to OC my CPU in the future it said that OCing the RAM will conflict in Jay's video.

The extent that you overclock your system is entirely up to you. But using the RAM at the frequency stated on the label is entirely within the norm. I don't think twice about it. But on the other hand you can overclock to higher frequencies (until it crashes), and you do place more strain on the motherboard. I think that is what he is referring to in the video.

Jay is a big proponent of overclocking. He has many videos on PC's in general.
https://www.youtube.com/user/Jayztwocents