Before I get into my question, the system I am building might have the following parts:
https://ark.intel.com/content/www/u...-10105-processor-6m-cache-up-to-4-40-ghz.html
https://www.kingston.com/dataSheets/HX432C16FB3K2_16.pdf
Now to my question. For years, I have read about people downclocking memory for the purposes of buying higher spec sticks at cheaper prices and for future upgrade potential. Also, potentially to run the faster sticks at CPU stock frequency at lower voltages.
I personally haven't really be doing this in practice as I have been building i3 machines on B chip motherboards for the last 10 years or so. Now, for the first time, B560 boards allow memory overclocking (potentially) so I really need to understand the pros and cons of using sticks that can run at frequencies above CPU stock speed (i.e. the memory controller).
Ideally, what I am wanting to do is use lower end performance RAM such as Hyper X Fury at 3200MHz so that it is future proof for 11th gen CPUs etc. The issue is that the i3 has a stock speed on the memory controller of 2666MHz. There is no guarantee that the XMP profiles @3000 and @3200 will work so based on the spec sheet, without manual adjustments, I could find myself with 3200 RAM running at 2400 JDEC speed and timings. The Kingston website does say that this stick has plug n play automatic memory overclocking at 2666 speed but Kingston could not confirm this when I emailed them about this. I quote "It features Plug N Play automatic overclocking at 2400MHz and 2666MHz speeds"
If the XMP profiles, cannot be achieved, I would hope that the stick would automatically configure itself to run at decent timings and voltage at 2666 (i.e. CL16-18-18 1.2V). At least that way, it is no worse than an actual 2666 stick and the sticks still have upgrade potential down the line.
I have searched the web everywhere for cheap performance 3200 sticks that might have a 2666 XMP profile lurking or at least confirmation of plug n play decent timings and voltage at 2666. Best I have found is this 3000MHz stick: https://www.kingston.com/dataSheets/HX430C16FB4_16.pdf
You will notice this 3000MHz stick has a loaded XMP profile of DDR4-2666 CL16-18-18 @1.2V. Unfortunately this only exists on 16GB modules. The 8GB modules do have a 2666 XMP profile but it is set for 1.35Volts. While these sticks are getting close to what I am looking for, 3200 would be preferred.
In closing, I think all the underclocking threads over the years have glossed over some of the cons of doing so. In my case, this is for a home user who won't be gaming etc. Just basic operation. Running the system at 1.35 Volts doesn't seem ideal with stock fan etc. Also, the B560 is very confusing and I could end up in a situation where the RAM runs at 1.35 volts with no gains in speed or timings or even worse, run at 2400 JDEC.
Once all these things are considered, the idea of just tracking down some stock 2666 RAM starts to make sense. A long post (rant
) I know.
https://ark.intel.com/content/www/u...-10105-processor-6m-cache-up-to-4-40-ghz.html
https://www.kingston.com/dataSheets/HX432C16FB3K2_16.pdf
Now to my question. For years, I have read about people downclocking memory for the purposes of buying higher spec sticks at cheaper prices and for future upgrade potential. Also, potentially to run the faster sticks at CPU stock frequency at lower voltages.
I personally haven't really be doing this in practice as I have been building i3 machines on B chip motherboards for the last 10 years or so. Now, for the first time, B560 boards allow memory overclocking (potentially) so I really need to understand the pros and cons of using sticks that can run at frequencies above CPU stock speed (i.e. the memory controller).
Ideally, what I am wanting to do is use lower end performance RAM such as Hyper X Fury at 3200MHz so that it is future proof for 11th gen CPUs etc. The issue is that the i3 has a stock speed on the memory controller of 2666MHz. There is no guarantee that the XMP profiles @3000 and @3200 will work so based on the spec sheet, without manual adjustments, I could find myself with 3200 RAM running at 2400 JDEC speed and timings. The Kingston website does say that this stick has plug n play automatic memory overclocking at 2666 speed but Kingston could not confirm this when I emailed them about this. I quote "It features Plug N Play automatic overclocking at 2400MHz and 2666MHz speeds"
If the XMP profiles, cannot be achieved, I would hope that the stick would automatically configure itself to run at decent timings and voltage at 2666 (i.e. CL16-18-18 1.2V). At least that way, it is no worse than an actual 2666 stick and the sticks still have upgrade potential down the line.
I have searched the web everywhere for cheap performance 3200 sticks that might have a 2666 XMP profile lurking or at least confirmation of plug n play decent timings and voltage at 2666. Best I have found is this 3000MHz stick: https://www.kingston.com/dataSheets/HX430C16FB4_16.pdf
You will notice this 3000MHz stick has a loaded XMP profile of DDR4-2666 CL16-18-18 @1.2V. Unfortunately this only exists on 16GB modules. The 8GB modules do have a 2666 XMP profile but it is set for 1.35Volts. While these sticks are getting close to what I am looking for, 3200 would be preferred.
In closing, I think all the underclocking threads over the years have glossed over some of the cons of doing so. In my case, this is for a home user who won't be gaming etc. Just basic operation. Running the system at 1.35 Volts doesn't seem ideal with stock fan etc. Also, the B560 is very confusing and I could end up in a situation where the RAM runs at 1.35 volts with no gains in speed or timings or even worse, run at 2400 JDEC.
Once all these things are considered, the idea of just tracking down some stock 2666 RAM starts to make sense. A long post (rant
) I know.
Last edited:
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