Does RAM speed affect CPU overclocking speed?

numnums · March 13, 2015

Hi everyone,

This is probably a silly question but does having a high RAM speed affect how high a CPU would overclock and vice versa? And what scenarios would having a high RAM speed would be best? Any opinions is greatly appreciated!

Glenwing · March 13, 2015

Overclocking your RAM a lot puts extra strain on the CPU's integrated memory controller. This can make high CPU overclocks unstable.

High RAM speed is good for some workstation applications like 3D modeling and HD video editing.

runit3 · March 13, 2015

If you are using the XMP profiles designed for your RAM, no.

If you are tightening timings, or overclocking outside of an XMP (even underclocking) profile it will likely give you instability, which would throw your OC. The BSOD codes, should they show up, will be indicitive of what failed. Ex. 01A is a common RAM OC fail code. 024 and 101 are common CPU OC fail codes (usually related to voltage).

The failure points of the OC would be separate. I've never OC'd my RAM and had it throw a 024 when the CPU OC is solid.