I need some help with my DDR5 RAM setup. I have a mismatched configuration: 2x16 GB 6000MHz modules with timings of 36-38-38-80 at 1.35v, and a single 16 GB module at 5600MHz with the same timings but at 1.25v. After I installed them, my motherboard clocked the RAM down to 4000MHz. I've tried both using XMP profiles and manually setting it to 5600MHz, but nothing seems to work. I'm not very experienced with adjusting RAM timings since XMP usually handled it all for me before. Any advice on what I can do to make this work?
2 Answers
Mixing RAM isn't usually recommended because it can cause compatibility issues. Ideally, you want to stick to using two identical sticks for optimal performance. With DDR5, you should mainly use two sticks because having four can make it tough for the memory controller to keep everything stable at higher speeds.
And remember, if you go for more RAM in the future, getting higher capacity modules is definitely the way to go. It’s about quality and stability over just filling all slots.
Yeah, I get the concern about mismatched RAM. With DDR5, the controller can be finicky, especially with all four slots populated. It's usually better to go for two higher capacity sticks for speed and stability. If you run 48GB at 4000MHz, you'd likely see performance drops compared to 32GB at 6000MHz due to loss of dual-channel efficiency. So your instinct is correct!
For sure! Always prioritize dual-channel over just raw capacity. Trust me, even if you manage to get a higher speed with all four, the dual-channel benefits won’t be worth it.
Stick with the two sticks for now, and if you ever upgrade, aim for higher capacity pairs.
That's right! The dual-channel setup is essential for performance. Running in pairs is key because the system can access them in parallel. Just to clarify, sticking to 2x16GB will be the best route here.