After correcting ram timing, cpu will not overclock

[starkvdub]

CPU: FX 8350

MOBO: ASRock 990FX Extreme9

RAM: Kingston Hyper Fury Blue @ 1866 2x4GB (Dual Channel)

PSU: Corsair 750W

 

After setting my ram timing for 1866 in BIOS, my cpu will not allow me to overclock at any frequency. I restart and load Windows, it shows the correct DRAM frequency in CPU-Z @ 906 MHz, but the processor is showing 3.98 where it was at 4.6 overclocked. So no matter what I set as a multiplier, it won't accept it and I have to power cycle and it's actually showing .2 MHz below it's stock 4 GHz. I'm at a loss.

 

Does it have anything to do with voltage? Or my timings? I set the timings according to the manufacturers site, I probably have left out important details, but I just wanted to get this started. 

 

Thanks!

[runit3]

1) What is your exact RAM model #? I'm guessing, http://www.kingston.com/datasheets/HX318C10FK2_8.pdf or something very similar. If that is the case make absolutely sure ALL of the timing settings are correct within the BIOS, even if you selected JEDEC 1866 manually go in and confirm that the timings are exactly the same as what is contained within the spec sheet for your specific kit. (not just CL, but tRC, tRFC, tRAS, etc.)

2) Run Memtest86 for ~30-45min and make sure your RAM isn't throwing any errors. (After making absolutely sure the RAM settings match manufacturers spec's -you can throw errors from being out of spec).

3) Make sure the RAM is installed in the correct DIMM slots on your MOBO, if there is a compatibility sheet for your MOBO check it against your RAM modules.

4) If none of the above things have popped up any problems check your MOBO manufacturers website/forum to see if any other customers are having compatibility issues with that RAM module/CPU combo, or if there is an available BIOS firmware update that indicates there could have been a problem in compatibility for your current revision (if it's not the most up to date BIOS version).

 

RAM timings can definitely have an effect on OC/OC stability, although I've never experienced your particular symptoms. Voltage is an unlikely culprit as long as you're not getting BSOD's or hitting a thermal limitation. I have had one AMD CPU be completely intolerant of certain OC settings, but it was somewhat anomalous and I was already at a point that I was satisfied with, so I didn't push the trouble shooting process (although I did test the RAM). AMD OC's are well out of my comfort zone, but the above steps are general suggestions for any hardware OC that you're having trouble with.

 

*edit* the correct DRAM frequency that should be showing in CPU-Z is 933Mhz, not 906Mhz (for dual channel 1866/2=933). Not a huge inaccuracy, but an inaccuracy nonetheless.

[starkvdub]

Thanks for the reply. That is the model I have and I manually set my timings according to the JEDEC listing in the bios, and leaving auto where it had no field. 

 

I will go ahead and try Memtest and see what pops up. If that comes out good, I might try another kit I have @ 1600 and see what happens. 

 

Note: This kit that I have is not listed in the mobo's compatibility list, so i don't know if that has anything to do with it as well..

[runit3]

Thanks for the reply. That is the model I have and I manually set my timings according to the JEDEC listing in the bios, and leaving auto where it had no field. 

 

I will go ahead and try Memtest and see what pops up. If that comes out good, I might try another kit I have @ 1600 and see what happens. 

 

Note: This kit that I have is not listed in the mobo's compatibility list, so i don't know if that has anything to do with it as well..

I've had some MOBO's take anything I threw at them, and others like an ASUS Z97-A, that were very picky and wouldn't even post, despite the RAM being well within the maximum limits of the board. As soon as I plugged in modules on the compatibility list it worked perfectly.

 

If you want to be overly thorough you can try testing one DIMM at a time in Memtest, alternating DIMM's between tests/modules, then test them together. Although at this point I would hazard a guess that it's a compatibility issue and not a hardware failure.

[starkvdub]

Just in case, anyone want to trade some brand new 1866 RAM? http://www.kingston.com/datasheets/HX318C10FK2_8.pdf http://www.amazon.com/Kingston-HyperX-FURY-2x4GB-1866MHz/dp/B00J8E8YSY  

 

I'm guessing it's compatibility also, but if anyone has compatible RAM, I'd be willing to trade, I'd pay price difference or if mine is more, I'll evenly swap. 

 

http://www.asrock.com/mb/AMD/990FX%20Extreme9/?cat=Memory - If your RAM is on this list, then let me know if you're interested. I'm just past the 30 day return from Micro Center. I don't mind if your RAM is older. I just want mine to work correctly for my system.