Memory Timing problem

[plasmoid_man]

I have a MSI Z77A-GD55 with a new Ivy Bridge I5-3470 and 2x4ghz of Gskill Ripjaws Z DDR3 2400 memory.

I can't get the system to boot with anything higher then 1800 mhz frequency for the memory.

I have manually set timings to 10-12-12-31 as manufacturer recommends. Also tried using the XMP profile 1 and 2, both are a no go... I also updated Mobo bios to latest version.

Any ideas?

Is this the CPU holding me back?

Do I have to overclock the CPU to hit max memory settings? (change multiplier?)

 

[cin19]

I don't oc the memory. But I know there are two OC RAM methods:
1) synchronous mode means you have oc ram and cpu at the same time.
2) asynchronous mode means you don't have to oc both ram and cpu at the same time.

So you have to test by yourself, you can oc the i5-3470 up to 4.2ghz http://hothardware.com/Reviews/Intel-Core-i53470-QuadCore-CPU-Review/?page=8
or http://www.anandtech.com/show/5871/intel-core-i5-3470-review-hd-2500-graphics-tested
Also check the link for oc ram that may help too. http://www.masterslair.com/memory-ram-overclocking-guide-ddr3

If you can't oc the ram higher than the 1800mhz, it is fine because it doesn't give much extra performance ( only get a few % performance).
http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/memory/2011/01/11/the-best-memory-for-sandy-bridge/9
Good luck.