Is it ok to enable XMP profile (2133 MHz) to my RAM (using i7-4790k with stock cooler) or keep RAM at 1600 MHz?

rikkey · Jul 18, 2014

I've build a new system with CPU i7-4790k (with it's stock cooler) in m/b Asus Z97 Pro wifi ac
and using this RAM KIT:
Kingston HyperX Predator 8GB (2x4GB Kit), DDR3, 2133MHz, XMP, CL11 (KHX21C11T2K2/8X)
which has these XMP profiles
• JEDEC: DDR3-1600 CL11-11-11 @1.5V
• XMP Profile #1: D3-2133 CL11-12-11 @1.60V
• XMP Profile #2: D3-1600 CL9-9-9 @1.5V

So, is it ok to enable XMP Profile #1 (2133 MHz) to my i7-4790k with stock cooler
or better keep RAM at 1600 MHz (JEDEC profile) for stability?

I'm asking because as I've read:

So if the motherboard offers XMP profiles faster than 1600MHz, then this is overclocking the CPU's Memory Controller which could eventually lead to stability problems.

DubbleClick · Jul 18, 2014

It's fine. You might just need to increase System Agent Bus and VTT (CPU analog/digital I/O) voltage a bit. About +0.020 Sys Agent and +0.025-0.030 I/O and it should be stable.

2Be_or_Not2Be · Jul 18, 2014

rikkey :

Overclocking your processor will give you more tangible returns than just increasing your memory speed. That being said, while your memory has the capability to run at higher speeds, you can run them lower if you wish.

Besides synthetic benchmarks, it's hard to discern the 1% performance increase you may get from going to 2133MHz from 1600MHz. So if you're not overclocking, then I would stick with 1600.

DubbleClick · Jul 18, 2014

2Be_or_Not2Be :

rikkey :

Overclocking your processor will give you more tangible returns than just increasing your memory speed. That being said, while your memory has the capability to run at higher speeds, you can run them lower if you wish.

Besides synthetic benchmarks, it's hard to discern the 1% performance increase you may get from going to 2133MHz from 1600MHz. So if you're not overclocking, then I would stick with 1600.

With my i7 4790k going from 1333 to 2400mhz gives me roughly a 15-20% performance increase on base clock.

2Be_or_Not2Be · Jul 18, 2014

DubbleClick :

You're telling me that you get 15-20% better overall system performance? I guess that would be true if you're using integrated graphics. But it doesn't seem like that is true for gaming - see this article at Anandtech for whether higher memory speeds matter in the real world.

I agree you would see a difference in synthetic benchmarks where your memory speed is tested. But my point is that without overclocking the CPU, that speed jump in memory alone won't make much of a difference in real world gaming usage.

DubbleClick · Jul 19, 2014

My fps in gw2 go from 90-100 to 120-130 in empty populated areas and from 35 to 40 in huge fights. I also did some benchmarks but the difference is indeed feelable in real application use performance.

rikkey · Jul 19, 2014

Thank you both for your replies.

2Be_or_Not2Be · Jul 21, 2014

DubbleClick :

Are you using a dedicated card, or integrated graphics?

DubbleClick · Jul 21, 2014

Obviously a dedicated card, although 660ti and 680 gtx both gave me same results (very cpu instensive game, it ran pretty much same on my 9800 gtx+ too).

2Be_or_Not2Be · Jul 21, 2014

DubbleClick :

Well, it sounds like you found an app wherein you really benefited. So that's good for your particular usage case. Of course, that could be all you're trying to say, though, so please don't feel that I'm trying to bash your anecdote or make something bigger out of it.

Overall, though, I would go with the Anandtech article. Boosting your memory speeds won't make as much of a difference as the sheer numerical jump in speed might seem to indicate. So the 33% jump in memory speed (from 1600 to 2133) won't guarantee a 33% jump in overall system performance.

If you could even get 15-20% overall system performance boost just by going to 2133MHz RAM, I think every tech website would have articles touting that. Besides an upgrade from an old CPU (say, a single-core Pentium) to a new CPU, it's hard to find anything that can boost overall performance that much (SSDs do make a case for themselves, though).

DubbleClick · Jul 21, 2014

2Be_or_Not2Be :

I agree that most applications won't really benefit it much, however as my average system use is rendering and gw it increases overall system performance. Obviously not by the 80% 1333->2400 might indicate, but still by a good 15%. I do also recall reading some article on anandtech "haswell - 1600mhz is not enough" or something like that, which might support what I'm experiencing.

DubbleClick · Jul 21, 2014

Edit: I watched out for the article:

http://www.anandtech.com/show/7364/memory-scaling-on-haswell

For discrete GPU users, recommending any kit over another is a tough call. In light of daily workloads, a good DDR3-1866 C9 MHz kit will hit the curve on the right spot to remain cost effective. Users with a few extra dollars in their back pocket might look towards 2133 C9/2400 C10, which moves a little up the curve and has the potential should a game come out that is heavily memory dependent. Ultimately the same advice also applies to multi-GPU users as well as IGP: avoid 1600 MHz and below.

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Is it ok to enable XMP profile (2133 MHz) to my RAM (using i7-4790k with stock cooler) or keep RAM at 1600 MHz?

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