Issue on frequency with new 2x8 RAM Sticks (was using 2x16 in Dual Channel). Total of 48GB 3200MHz (capable) RAM.

[folsk]

Previously:
32GB (2x16) 3200MHz Dual Channel RAM (slots 2&4) XMP on 3000MHz due to crashing issues.

 

Upgrade:
+ 16GB (2x8) 3200MHz RAM (slots 1&3)

 

Problem:

1. Frequency stays on 2133MHz on Task Manager with both new and old RAM installed

2. Tried XMP profile on BIOS (Gigabyte) with 3000MHz but TM keeps displaying 2133MHz

 

FYI:

- With previous build, frequency stayed in 3000MHz (2X16)

- RAM sticks are NOT the same brand or capacity (2x8)-(2x16)

- I am not looking to make the new RAM work with the old one on 3000MHz by brute force. If uninstall is needed or recommended in terms of PC speed, I'll do it.

- I only game on this PC (This might influence your answer)

 

I will attach CPU-Z Screenshots below

 

 

PC Specs:

Ryzen 5 3600 running on 3.6GHz

48GB of total RAM after upgrade

        (2x16) Corsair Vengeance

        (2x8) Kingston Fury

Mobo B450 Aorus Elite

GeForce RTX 2060 Super

 

[Vishera]

What is the RAM layout?

the optimal way to handle it is to have 1x 16GB + 1x 8GB on Channel A and the other DIMMs on Channel B.

Also i would recommend installing it like this:

A1 - 16GB

B1 - 16GB

A2 - 8GB

B2 - 8GB

[-rascal-]

XMP profile memory timings are different between the two kits, so that can also be a problem.

Your best bet is to set the memory timings (manually) to the lowest denominator to have the best shot of all 4x sticks working at DDR4-3200.

In your case, set all the memory channels to run at DDR4-3200 16-18-18-74.

 

Also keep in mind, the more slots occupied, the more stress / load on the CPU's Integrated Memory Controller (IMC).

It is more difficult to get 4x DIMMs running stable at higher frequency VS 2x DIMMs at the same frequency.

 

Task Manager sometimes doesn't show the correct memory frequency.

Also best to check within BIOS, or something like CPU-Z / HWiNFO.

[xFluing]

Usually motherboards (at least mine) has a pair of "best slots" that support the higher speeds, then the other two slots being much weaker. For instance I think my Tomahawk supports 3200 on A1 B1, but only something like 2800 on A2 B2, so that's what might be happening to you.

[Vishera]

34 minutes ago, -rascal- said:

Also keep in mind, the more slots occupied, the more stress / load on the CPU's Integrated Memory Controller (IMC).

It is more difficult to get 4x DIMMs running stable at higher frequency VS 2x DIMMs at the same frequency.

In general 3200MHz is not an issue with 4 DIMMs installed.

33 minutes ago, xFluing said:

Usually motherboards (at least mine) has a pair of "best slots" that support the higher speeds, then the other two slots being much weaker. For instance I think my Tomahawk supports 3200 on A1 B1, but only something like 2800 on A2 B2, so that's what might be happening to you.

There is also the issue of capacity,

It's likely that an 8GB DIMM on channel A1 won't play nicely with a 16GB DIMM on channel B1.

 

At least that solved the issue for OP.

[xFluing]

18 hours ago, Vishera said:

In general 3200MHz is not an issue with 4 DIMMs installed.

There is also the issue of capacity,

It's likely that an 8GB DIMM on channel A1 won't play nicely with a 16GB DIMM on channel B1.

 

At least that solved the issue for OP.

He never said he dual channels mismatched sticks...