Why won't my RAM run at XMP settings?
Asked by
CasualCoder23
I'm trying to overclock my ROG STRIX Z690-A GAMING WIFI D4 motherboard with a 12th Gen Intel core i7-12700K processor, but every time I enable XMP for my RAM, my PC goes into a constant restart loop. My RAM is currently running at 2666MHz, whereas it's rated for 3600MHz. I'm not sure where to start to fix this issue, so any guidance would be appreciated!
Answers
The model of your RAM is important here. Intel's integrated memory controller is usually more finicky than AMD's, so it might not handle overclocking as well. Make sure to check the QVL list from ASUS to see if your RAM is verified. Also, ensure your BIOS is up to date; that might help with XMP stability. Officially, the 12700K supports DDR4 up to 3200MT/s, so try running your RAM at that speed first before moving higher. 3600MT/s should generally work, but it’s not officially supported, so be cautious.
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How many RAM sticks are you using? That can impact stability when overclocking!
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You mentioned it’s a restart issue, which sounds like it’s trying to reboot in a loop. When XMP is on, if the RAM settings aren't stable, your fans will run, but you won’t see anything on your screen until you power cycle manually. That's a common symptom of a misconfiguration.
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Make sure your RAM is on the QVL list! Also, if you're looking to increase your power consumption settings, set PL1 and PL2 to 251 and Tau to unlimited. That may help with your overall performance!
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CasualCoder23: I have 2 sticks of DDR4, both rated for 3600MHz.