Tweaking for Speed

With testing out of the way, I endeavored to see if these sticks have any headroom. For Intel, I kept the same procedure I have been using, leaving all settings at their XMP defaults and then increasing the frequency until the system loses stability. After finding that limit, I manually tweaked for the maximum frequency. Voltage modification from stock is allowed. After all, this is overclocking!

A good starting point for Ryzen Zen 3 based builds is 3600–4000 MT/s as it is optimal because of Infinity Fabric limitations. For those unaware, AMD Ryzen CPUs can in some applications benefit substantially from a synchronized 1:1 ratio with the system memory and Infinity Fabric. This extends to the Ryzen 3000 series as well, though with it topping off at around 1900 MHz instead with the 1:1 ratio intact. This is slightly lower than the Ryzen 5000 series, but still preferred over the 2:1 ratio configuration.

On the Intel side of things, 8th to 10th Generation Intel Core processors are going to benefit the most from the highest-possible frequency with the lowest timings. That being said, 3733–4000 MT/s is the ideal target range since there is no need to play around with VCCSA/IO voltages, and it is mostly plug and play. Switch to an 11th Gen Intel Core processor and things change given the introduction of the memory controller Gear ratio similar to what AMD has done. Once you surpass the memory controller's ability to stay in synchronous 1:1 mode, most motherboards will automatically switch to 2:1 ratio. If all else fails, you can manually set this in the BIOS.

For the 11th Gen Intel Core i9-11900K used in this test system, 1:1 ratio stops at a messy DDR4 3600. No matter the VCCSA/IO voltage or memory kit I use, this is the limit for this CPU. Any higher and I must switch to 2:1. Some have reported upwards of 4000 MT/s 1:1 support, but I am not one of the lucky few.

With the release of Intel's 12th Gen Intel Core processors, not much has changed from the fundamentals introduced in the previous 11th generation. However, the biggest change here is the i9-12900K CPU. With a bit of IMC voltage tuning, it can reach 4000 MT/s while keeping the 1:1 ratio to the memory controller. Updating the BIOS to the newest one available is important because it fixes any lingering launch bugs and raises compatibility.

The HP V10 RGB DDR4-3600 using the XMP profile of 3600 MT/s is great for both Intel and AMD. Not only is it ideal for the AMD Ryzen 3000 and 5000 series, it benefits Intel 11th and 12th Gen as well. This is all owing to the 1:1 ratio being achievable on both platforms without diving into the BIOS settings or voltages. Most motherboards should have no issues with the provided XMP profile. If you are unlucky and have a weak CPU memory controller or low-end motherboard, manually changing the Command Rate from 1T to 2T may solve any lingering problems.

Intel Results

Being that up is not always better with the Intel Core i9-11900K, I first tried to raise the frequency and keep the XMP values, but was met with no success. Being that this memory is already binned for CAS 14, the only way up in frequency was to loosen the timings or raise the voltage. After increasing the voltage to 1.55, I was able to achieve 2000 MHz, which was the limit. Even loosening timings did not yield a higher frequency. However, this isn't a major deal. Those who have a well-binned Intel 11th or 12th Gen CPU that can keep a 1:1 ratio at up to DDR4-4000 will be ecstatic with these overclocking results. For those who rather not go above 1.5 V or have a weaker CPU memory controller, some tweaking of the timings at DDR4-3600 can be done as well.

AMD Results

For AMD, the best results are generally to keep it within the FCLK 1:1 ratio. Using the XMP profile, I was able to reach 4000 MT/s (2000 MHz) with the Ryzen 7 5800X. Despite a different system, this kit follows the Intel overclocking results. 1.5 V is required for tighter timings and raising the frequency. Since many AMD Zen 2 or Zen 3 based CPUs have FCLK max out at 1900 MHz, this overclock of 3800 MT/s is included as well. Overall, I am pleased with the results. Being that it is Samsung B-Die, more can be done with the sub-timings if you have the extra time to fine-tune and stability check each adjustment.