Memory Overclocking.

Ps_domingo · November 14, 2013

I 'm fairly new to overclocking.. so obviously I don't have much experience and knowledge about the matter.

So far I O'ced my CPU (keep in mind its a locked CPU) to 3.8

and my 760 to +115 on the core and +338 on memory

so my question are:

1) What are the benefits to RAM overclocks?

2) can I overclock modules without heat spreaders?

(based on experience having owned modules with and without HS, they don't really get toasty under normal operation)

3) Up to how many steps can I go and still be stable? (let's say coming from a 1333 stick, can I go to 1866 or higher? or is 1600 the limit?

4) Is it really as simple as changing it in bios? or do I have to provide additional power? (I assume I just pump 1.65 v to the sticks right?)

Qpm5 · November 14, 2013

1. faster ram.. But it will have very little to no performance increase.

2. Yes but they will get hotter.

3. I am not sure as most parts have a huge variation in possible performance when overclocked

4 It is all in the bios but it really can stress the memory controller and make the system unstable.

Please correct me if i am wrong.

-rascal- · November 14, 2013

1) Slight performance increase (talking like a few FPS...lower single digits...in most cases).

2) Yes, overclocking them will result in more heat.

3) Depends on the RAM modules. Some will overclock better than others. Luck of the silicon draw.

4) Basically. Recommended to run your RAM at the RATED voltage. You can increase it by too much, but you may damage the RAM AND the memory controller IN the CPU / processor.

5*) Reducing the timings (delays between each cycle) would also have some increase in performance.

S1lentThund3r · November 14, 2013

I think the best thing we can recommend is just don't. Linus has showed in various videos that the difference between 1600 or less mhz and 2133 or higher is negligible and frankly will reduce the life of your components for little gain. My memory ends up overclocked as a result of my CPU overclocking, but I never would consider overclocking it seperately.

The only thing you really need to have when it comes to RAM is capacity. Things like Star Citizen are now requiring 8GB minimum and that number is only going to go up from here.