Can I install a Higher RAM frequency?

Guest · Mar 29, 2017

I am building a new PC
So I am pairing a i5 7500 with a MSI Z270 SLI PLUS
On the CPU specs page it is stated that It supports ram frequency only till 2400 MHz
whereas on the motherboard it is stated that it supports 2666 MHz OC 3000 MHz OC 3200 MHz OC...So my question is can I install a higher frequency ram? will it support? any issues?
and what about the OC do I have to do something?
Or is all this related with a overclockable CPU ?
I want to install a 16gb ddr4 ram mostly from corsair

Please Help
Thank You.

MeanMachine41 · Mar 29, 2017

If you install higher frequency RAM than your CPU supports then this is considered an OC and then it depends on the IMC of your chip if the Memory Controller will play fair with your DIMMs.
You will need to change settings in Bios for Primary Timings and Voltage as Bios will default to 2133Mhz.

If your RAM has an XMP profile and you choose the higher frequency OC RAM then the XMP profile may not be recognized as this is not a JDEC standard. It will involve some tinkering around in Bios DRAM Timing Control with various Timings and even then there is no guarantee.

Your safest and best bet is to consult with your MB QVL list and select a kit that have been tested in conjunction with the MB.
The MSI QVL list has a very good selection of tested Corsair kits at tested frequencies to suit your CPU. Go here: https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/support/Z270-SLI-PLUS.html#support-mem

Personally I prefer the Corsair Dominators for performance and looks.
Also don't forget to update your Bios as many new DDR4 releases require a Bios update.

ScreamSilence · Mar 29, 2017

MeanMachine41 :

Yeah, I'd say this is about accurate. But why not G.Skill RipJawsV ;P

Also I would Personally recommend Getting 2400Mhz Rated DDR4 RAM and Overclocking it to 2666Mhz, 2800 or w/e. Instead of buying More expensive RAM and ending up having to downclock it to 2400.

My 2800 16-16-16-36-2T 1.2v G.SKill RipjawV I was able to Overclock to 3200MHz 15-15-15-35-1T 1.3v that's +400Mhz and setting it to 1T. Pretty massive improvement ;P all while remaining inside intel ddr4 XMP certified voltages.

Set a record on Userbenchmarks for that specific RAM kit

Guest · Mar 29, 2017

MeanMachine41 :

Ohk
If I pick up this ram
https://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Vengeance-3000MHz-Desktop-Memory/dp/B01EI5Z2T6/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1490795326&sr=1-1&keywords=corsair%2B16gb%2Bddr4&th=1

and install it on my z270 SLI PLUS with an i5 7500
what is the next thing I should do? I am sorry I am completely new to this.
do I have to enable xmp profile....

Please Help
Thank you.

ScreamSilence · Mar 29, 2017

Yes,
Enabling the XMP profile is the easiest way to set it to 3000Mhz dual channel mode.
a few things might happen.
>It will likely overclock your CPU, if it's not a K series it might achieve this using BCLK.
>It might not allow you to enable it
>It might not boot after you enable it
>It might crash windows and give BSOD after you enable it
>It might set it to 2400Mhz

I still say save some money buy 2400Mhz RAM and overclock it. Instead of buying RAM that isn't officially supported by your CPU. Because that extra money you spend on the +600Mhz will likely end up being junked and you will have to downclock your fancy 3000Mhz RAM

after Enabling XMP,
Check if it runs if you feel like it run memtest86+ on boot using a USB flashdrive or CD and see if it results in any errors.
http://memtest86.com/downloads/memtest86-iso.zip (For creating bootable CD)
http://memtest86.com/downloads/memtest86-usb.zip (Bootable USB)

Guest · Mar 29, 2017

ScreamSilence :

Yes,
Enabling the XMP profile is the easiest way to set it to 3000Mhz dual channel mode.
a few things might happen.
>It will likely overclock your CPU, if it's not a K series it might achieve this using BCLK.
>It might not allow you to enable it
>It might not boot after you enable it
>It might crash windows and give BSOD after you enable it
>It might set it to 2400Mhz

I still say save some money buy 2400Mhz RAM and overclock it. Instead of buying RAM that isn't officially supported by your CPU. Because that extra money you spend on the +600Mhz will likely end up being junked and you will have to downclock your fancy 3000Mhz RAM

after Enabling XMP,
Check if it runs if you feel like it run memtest86+ on boot using a USB flashdrive or CD and see if it results in any errors.
http://memtest86.com/downloads/memtest86-iso.zip (For creating bootable CD)
http://memtest86.com/downloads/memtest86-usb.zip (Bootable USB)

Thanks a lot It's cleared
I guess I'll stick to 2400mhz.
And one more question If you had a K processor we wouldn't have any of those problems right?

Thank You

ScreamSilence · Mar 29, 2017

ScreamSilence :

Yes,
Enabling the XMP profile is the easiest way to set it to 3000Mhz dual channel mode.
a few things might happen.
>It will likely overclock your CPU, if it's not a K series it might achieve this using BCLK.
>It might not allow you to enable it
>It might not boot after you enable it
>It might crash windows and give BSOD after you enable it
>It might set it to 2400Mhz

I still say save some money buy 2400Mhz RAM and overclock it. Instead of buying RAM that isn't officially supported by your CPU. Because that extra money you spend on the +600Mhz will likely end up being junked and you will have to downclock your fancy 3000Mhz RAM

after Enabling XMP,
Check if it runs if you feel like it run memtest86+ on boot using a USB flashdrive or CD and see if it results in any errors.
http://memtest86.com/downloads/memtest86-iso.zip (For creating bootable CD)
http://memtest86.com/downloads/memtest86-usb.zip (Bootable USB)

Thanks a lot It's cleared
I guess I'll stick to 2400mhz.
And one more question If you had a K processor we wouldn't have any of those problems right?

Thank You

Sorry, I actually take it back I confused your processor numbers. The i5-7500 should be able to run it at 3000Mhz no problem. Depending on your motherboard (which is fine). So yeah get your 3K if you want and just enable XMP.

The 2400 is the guaranteed speed not the max speed. That depends on your motherboard and IMC. Your motherboard supports up to a 3200OC so youll be fine.

MeanMachine41 · Mar 29, 2017

Well putting it simply, your taking a risk.
The CMK16GX4M2B3000C15W are OC RAM so what this means is they will most certainly not work out of the box like in plug and play.
You need Bios experience to manage Primary Timings and Voltage. Your XMP would probably not be recognized and you may have to settle for a lower frequency. Even then there is no guarantee they will work and can become a frustrating excersize and your forced to return them. If you can.
There is very little difference between 2400MHz and 3000MHz when gaming and marginal results if your chasing benchmark ratings. A kit at 2400MHz is a wise choice and you may be able to Overclock them.

BTW: You can still have issues with current 7th gen "K" CPU. Take the i5 7600k for example, It's still officially rated for DDR4-2133/2400Mhz so you would be in the boat.

ScreamSilence · Mar 29, 2017

Ok here is your full answer.

The 2400 is the guaranteed speed not the max speed. That depends on your motherboard and IMC. Your motherboard supports up to a 3200OC so you'll be fine.

Yes it should run.

No not plug and play. But it is very simple to setup. No you do not have to play with voltages or timings. It is XMP enabled RAM and on your motherboard Compatibility list.

Your motherboard compatibility page reports the CMK16GX4M2B3000C15W as compatible.

Boot into Bios If you want leave it on EZ Mode

your Manual states it will look like this

Enable XMP using your bios XMP Switch

The End

P.S. if it is primarily for gaming you will see little benefit in 2400 vs 3000

Edit: Installing the Ram in dual channel mode

Your memory support list for your motherboard is here
https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/support/Z270-SLI-PLUS.html#support-mem

your manual download is here https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/support/Z270-SLI-PLUS.html#down-manual

All pictures are screenshots from your manual.

ScreamSilence · Apr 1, 2017

Hi did you solve your problem? If you solved it yourself can you post how?
If I solved your problem or if someone else solved your problem please select the answer as the solution. It will help the community grow. These are answers submitted free of charge and some people (like me) get rewarded by this simple feature.

Guest · Apr 2, 2017

ScreamSilence :

Yeah Sorry Forgot to do that
Thanks a lot.

ScreamSilence · Apr 5, 2017

ScreamSilence :

Yeah Sorry Forgot to do that
Thanks a lot.

Glad I could help. Thanks ^.^

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