• Hi there and welcome to PC Help Forum (PCHF), a more effective way to get the Tech Support you need!
    We have Experts in all areas of Tech, including Malware Removal, Crash Fixing and BSOD's , Microsoft Windows, Computer DIY and PC Hardware, Networking, Gaming, Tablets and iPads, General and Specific Software Support and so much more.

    Why not Click Here To Sign Up and start enjoying great FREE Tech Support.

    This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.

Solved Confused by RAM Speeds

Status
Not open for further replies.
N

Nathw90

PCHF Member
Sep 1, 2019
21
0
#1
I have an HP OMEN 40L PC, with XMP 2.0 compatible HyperX DDR4 RAM that is advertised as 3733mt/s (which is also the speed on physical sticker on the RAM).

What I'm confused by is whether this is the base speed or just an overclocked speed? Using OMEN Gaming Hub, I'm giving the option of "Default" 3200mt/s or "Turbo" 3733mt/s. Does this not mean that actually this RAM is the equivalent of any RAM that is sold as being 3200mt/s and that 3733mt/s is just an overclocked speed I'm running?

What confuses me further, is that I'm wanting to replace and upgrade this RAM but am now unsure about which advertised speed I should be looking for as I can't seem to find out the maximum speed the motherboard supports. If I'm currently running RAM at overclocked 3733mt/s, am I fine to buy any RAM that is advertised at this speed, or should it be 3200?!

Images from CPU-Z and OMEN Gaming Hub:

cpu-z 1.jpg

cpu-z 2.jpg

Omen.jpg
 
#2
"Advertised speed" is the speed which you can reach when XMP (memory overclocking) is enabled.

It looks like "Turbo" is just marketing jargon for HP specifically: "HP Certified Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) compatible RAM can be overclocked to run at faster speeds. XMP compatible memory that is not HP certified is not configurable in OMEN Gaming Hub. To overclock XMP memory that is not HP certified, select the XMP memory option in the Advanced tab of the BIOS Setup (f10) menu."

By default I believe most RAM runs at 2133 MHz on Windows machines (Without XMP), with yours being a prebuilt they could have some proprietary settings in place to make it 3200.


If you're looking for new ram, you need to ensure that it is compatible with your CPU and Motherboard.

For example, your motherboard may go up to support up to 5700MHz RAM, but your CPU will only support 4800 MHz, it's important for stability that you get the fastest RAM that your CPU can handle without going over (I have been able run RAM faster, I wouldn't suggest it).


Let's get some more information so I can suggest an upgrade if it's at all necessary or beneficial.

Download and run the free version of speccy.

Once you have ran speccy, follow the instructions to upload a snapshot found here.


To publish a Speccy profile to the Web:

  1. In Speccy, click File, and then click Publish Snapshot.
  2. In the Publish Snapshot dialog box, click Yes to enable Speccy to proceed.
  3. Speccy publishes the profile and displays a second Publish Snapshot dialog box. You can open the URL in your default browser, copy it to the clipboard, or close the dialog box.
Click to expand...
 
#3
Pyro said:
"Advertised speed" is the speed which you can reach when XMP (memory overclocking) is enabled.

It looks like "Turbo" is just marketing jargon for HP specifically: "HP Certified Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) compatible RAM can be overclocked to run at faster speeds. XMP compatible memory that is not HP certified is not configurable in OMEN Gaming Hub. To overclock XMP memory that is not HP certified, select the XMP memory option in the Advanced tab of the BIOS Setup (f10) menu."

By default I believe most RAM runs at 2133 MHz on Windows machines (Without XMP), with yours being a prebuilt they could have some proprietary settings in place to make it 3200.


If you're looking for new ram, you need to ensure that it is compatible with your CPU and Motherboard.

For example, your motherboard may go up to support up to 5700MHz RAM, but your CPU will only support 4800 MHz, it's important for stability that you get the fastest RAM that your CPU can handle without going over (I have been able run RAM faster, I wouldn't suggest it).


Let's get some more information so I can suggest an upgrade if it's at all necessary or beneficial.

Download and run the free version of speccy.

Once you have ran speccy, follow the instructions to upload a snapshot found here.


To publish a Speccy profile to the Web:
Click to expand...

Thanks for your response. Feel a little uncomfortable publicly posting so much data seeing as it seems to include IP addresses and all sorts, and I certainly don't want to be a target for hackers/fraudsters and so on! So here are the key specs:

Motherboard
Manufacturer HP
Model 8917 (U3E1)
Version 00
Chipset Vendor Intel
Chipset Model ID4668
Chipset Revision 02
Southbridge Vendor Intel
Southbridge Model ID7A84
Southbridge Revision 11

BIOS
Brand:
AMI
Version:
F.31
Date:
19/10/2022

Intel Processor
Cores 12
Threads 20
Name Intel Processor
Specification 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12700K
Family 6
Extended Family 6
Model 7
Extended Model 97
Stepping 2
Instructions MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, Intel 64, NX, VMX, AES, AVX, AVX2, FMA3
Virtualization Supported, Enabled
Hyperthreading Supported, Disabled

The reason I'm looking to upgrade the RAM is because I'm an avid gamer, and want to upgrade to 32gb and futureproof.

Cheers!
 
#4
I understand you apprehension, the IP you have showing is probably something along the lines of 192.168... or 10.0..., these are internal to all networks and show nothing about any personal information. Furthermore they are deleted automatically within a month's time or something of that sort. If you have future problems it will provide helpers with crucial information, but for now we can work with what we have.

All of that being said, this is the information Intel has listed on your CPU:
Max Memory Size (dependent on memory type) 128 GB

Memory Types
Up to DDR5 4800 MT/s
Up to DDR4 3200 MT/s
Click to expand...

Unless you jump up to a DRR5 compatible board (If you're not already, I have not been able to find your specific board) looks like that 3200MHz mark is the sweet spot for you.

You could add more ram, but unless you're running an AMD CPU I wouldn't be too concerned about having 3200MHz memory, should be more than enough.


If you chose to post your Speccy there is a wealth of knowledgable people that could advise you on how to best maximize your performance.
 
#5
Pyro said:
I understand you apprehension, the IP you have showing is probably something along the lines of 192.168... or 10.0..., these are internal to all networks and show nothing about any personal information. Furthermore they are deleted automatically within a month's time or something of that sort. If you have future problems it will provide helpers with crucial information, but for now we can work with what we have.

All of that being said, this is the information Intel has listed on your CPU:


Unless you jump up to a DRR5 compatible board (If you're not already, I have not been able to find your specific board) looks like that 3200MHz mark is the sweet spot for you.

You could add more ram, but unless you're running an AMD CPU I wouldn't be too concerned about having 3200MHz memory, should be more than enough.


If you chose to post your Speccy there is a wealth of knowledgable people that could advise you on how to best maximize your performance.
Click to expand...

So, does that mean that the RAM in the PC currently is overclocked to the 3733 mt/s? It's branded, advertised and listed as 3733 mt/s (and running at that apparently), but this would be beyond the 3200 mt/s that's supposed to be the board maximum? That's what confuses me!

This is what I was considering getting (4 x 8GB), but I presume now that the speed is too high? Or should it be fine because I'm currently using RAM that's listed as a higher speed than this?:

www.cclonline.com

Kingston FURY Beast RGB 16GB (2x 8GB) 3600MHz DDR4 RAM - KF436C17BBAK2/16

powered by Intel XMP profile support, ample 16GB DDR4 RAM kit, low power requirement (1.35V) RAM and powered by CL17 latency timing, Mfg Code: KF436C17BBAK2/16
www.cclonline.com www.cclonline.com
 
#6
It's the CPU max, which is the most that the CPU can utilize, if the ram sends more information than the CPU can receive the system will have some issues. Since boards are pretty universal (different generations and models of CPUs have different specs) the board can accommodate a wide range of memory.


I don't know what your current RAM is or what configuration it is in, so here's some rules of thumb to guide your decision making:

Using ram with the max processor speed will yield the best experience without risking issues (RAM that's too slow or too fast).

Using more sticks of smaller ram is better than less larger sticks of ram (2x8 is better than 1x16).

Be careful using different types of memory, different brands can cause issues with one another, the same is true for different generations (version 1 or 2, etc) of the same memory, and memory that has different speeds (your 3733 sticks and 3600 sticks.)

Ram will always limit itself to the slowest speed module, if you buy those 3600 MHz sticks, your maximum XMP setting would allow you to run all sticks at 3600, same if you bought 3200 MHz sticks.


If you have 2x8GB sticks, I don't know if I'd be adding more ram just for games, but that's a decision you have to make.
 
#7
Pyro said:
It's the CPU max, which is the most that the CPU can utilize, if the ram sends more information than the CPU can receive the system will have some issues. Since boards are pretty universal (different generations and models of CPUs have different specs) the board can accommodate a wide range of memory.


I don't know what your current RAM is or what configuration it is in, so here's some rules of thumb to guide your decision making:

Using ram with the max processor speed will yield the best experience without risking issues (RAM that's too slow or too fast).

Using more sticks of smaller ram is better than less larger sticks of ram (2x8 is better than 1x16).

Be careful using different types of memory, different brands can cause issues with one another, the same is true for different generations (version 1 or 2, etc) of the same memory, and memory that has different speeds (your 3733 sticks and 3600 sticks.)

Ram will always limit itself to the slowest speed module, if you buy those 3600 MHz sticks, your maximum XMP setting would allow you to run all sticks at 3600, same if you bought 3200 MHz sticks.


If you have 2x8GB sticks, I don't know if I'd be adding more ram just for games, but that's a decision you have to make.
Click to expand...

Thank you again for your reply.

Current RAM is "HyperX 16 GB DDR4-3733 MHz XMP Heatsink RAM (2 x 8 GB)". It's "maximum memory speed" shows as 3733 MHz but from what I can gather it's actually currently running a bit below at 3724.2 MHz. Part number of the RAM is HP37D4U1SM8R-8XR.

Just to confirm, am I right in thinking that because my current RAM is running and clearly supported at this speed, the 3600 MHz Kingston RAM I linked will definitely be fine in terms of compatibility as well, being technically slightly slower? Also, how come Intel lists 3200 MHz as being the max supported by the CPU (12700K) if the PC has been sold with 3733 MHz and runs fine with it?

I like to run my games at maximum settings and a high frame rate as much as possible and I know that over the next couple of years 32GB is supposedly going to become a more common recommendation, so just thinking of getting ahead of the game now.

I'd be replacing all of the current HyperX RAM with 32GB of the Kingston one, not trying to mix and match or anything.
 
#8
Also, how come Intel lists 3200 MHz as being the max supported by the CPU (12700K) if the PC has been sold with 3733 MHz and runs fine with it?
Click to expand...
I have ran 3200 MHz ram with a CPU meant only for 2666 MHz, it works but we will not advise it as it's a possibility for system errors and instability. Just because it runs doesn't mean it is supported/recommended.

@phillpower2 or @Rustys should be able to expand on this, but once you pass your max memory speeds I believe the CPU will not even utilize that extra speed (it can't). HP is just using the fast ram as a marketing gimmick.

I like to run my games at maximum settings and a high frame rate as much as possible and I know that over the next couple of years 32GB is supposedly going to become a more common recommendation, so just thinking of getting ahead of the game now.
Click to expand...
More important than ram is a good GPU, CPU, running the games off a SSD, and a quality power supply, This would not be my first choice for performance upgrades as it seems unnecessary at the current point in time. I'd wait until 32GB is necessary and then enjoy the lower prices of DDR5 or possibly even newer standards of memory.

I'd be replacing all of the current HyperX RAM with 32GB of the Kingston one, not trying to mix and match or anything.
Click to expand...
A good choice, just prevents that in terms of possible conflicts.
 
#11
if this is yours; https://www.omen.com/us/en/desktops/omen-40l.html
then the motherboard can handle DDR5 5200MHz XMP.
you just need to double check the QVL (Quality Vendor List) from HP that your new RAM is listed and therefore compatible.
and that the new RAM is supported by your CPU.

in theory, YES, what you say should be true. buy any RAM with a XMP profile at the same, or below, speed and it should be compatible.
but, as with most things PC, there will always be exceptions to the rule.
 
#12
Bruce said:
if this is yours; https://www.omen.com/us/en/desktops/omen-40l.html
then the motherboard can handle DDR5 5200MHz XMP.
you just need to double check the QVL (Quality Vendor List) from HP that your new RAM is listed and therefore compatible.
and that the new RAM is supported by your CPU.

in theory, YES, what you say should be true. buy any RAM with a XMP profile at the same, or below, speed and it should be compatible.
but, as with most things PC, there will always be exceptions to the rule.
Click to expand...

No, this is my one - https://www.hp.com/gb-en/shop/product.aspx?id=59A36EA&opt=ABU&sel=DEF
 
#13
Any further thoughts @Bruce ?

Does it look on the face of it like this product should be fine (considering I'm currently running with HyperX Fury 3733MHz RAM, which came with the PC) then?:

www.cclonline.com

Kingston FURY Beast RGB 16GB (2x 8GB) 3600MHz DDR4 RAM - KF436C17BBAK2/16

powered by Intel XMP profile support, ample 16GB DDR4 RAM kit, low power requirement (1.35V) RAM and powered by CL17 latency timing, Mfg Code: KF436C17BBAK2/16
www.cclonline.com www.cclonline.com
 
#14
Hope you don`t mind me chiming in folks :)

Nathw90,

The present RAM is the fastest that your PC can handle and this speed only because the HPs BIOS has been tweaked to OC both the CPU and the RAM.

In addition to the above, while the CPU is compatible with DDR5 RAM the MB in the computer is not, you can confirm both for yourself here and here

Please note that the above is based on the exact model of HP as post in your reply #12 OMEN 40L Desktop GT21-0004na Gaming PC - NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3070Ti
 
#15
if you are wanting to upgrade to 32GB, I am assuming this new RAM (2x8GB) is being added to the current two sticks.
compatibility between the two makes/models would be a consideration.
chances are good, they'll be fine, but with memory, there's always a small black cloud.

with overclocking turned off, I see no reason why those two new 3600MHz sticks shouldn't work.
I'm not an O.C fanboy personally, go can't advise without being biased.

@phillpower2 - are you saying that new memory won't work or just not at 3733MHz without OC'ing?
 
#16
The RAM in the OPs reply #13 if it did work would cause the present 3733MHz RAM to be clocked backwards to the slower 3600MHz.

Any RAM added to the PC alongside the present RAM must match the speed, voltage, timings and CAS Latency to be 100% sure of compatibility, if the info provided regarding the present RAM is correct it would make sense to get the matching RAM from the same outlet 3733MHz RAM
 
#17
phillpower2 said:
Hope you don`t mind me chiming in folks :)

Nathw90,

The present RAM is the fastest that your PC can handle and this speed only because the HPs BIOS has been tweaked to OC both the CPU and the RAM.

In addition to the above, while the CPU is compatible with DDR5 RAM the MB in the computer is not, you can confirm both for yourself here and here

Please note that the above is based on the exact model of HP as post in your reply #12 OMEN 40L Desktop GT21-0004na Gaming PC - NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3070Ti
Click to expand...
Bruce said:
if you are wanting to upgrade to 32GB, I am assuming this new RAM (2x8GB) is being added to the current two sticks.
compatibility between the two makes/models would be a consideration.
chances are good, they'll be fine, but with memory, there's always a small black cloud.

with overclocking turned off, I see no reason why those two new 3600MHz sticks shouldn't work.
I'm not an O.C fanboy personally, go can't advise without being biased.

@phillpower2 - are you saying that new memory won't work or just not at 3733MHz without OC'ing?
Click to expand...
phillpower2 said:
The RAM in the OPs reply #13 if it did work would cause the present 3733MHz RAM to be clocked backwards to the slower 3600MHz.

Any RAM added to the PC alongside the present RAM must match the speed, voltage, timings and CAS Latency to be 100% sure of compatibility, if the info provided regarding the present RAM is correct it would make sense to get the matching RAM from the same outlet 3733MHz RAM
Click to expand...

I'd actually be replacing the current RAM entirely. So the 2x8GB HyperX sticks would be out, and I'd be getting 4x8GB of the Kingston RAM that I've linked previously.

What I'm still a little confused about is should I then be buying RAM that is advertised as being 3200MHz (which is the apparent max speed my PC can handle...) and that can/would then be overclocked to 3733MHz, or can/should I buy RAM that is advertised as higher than 3200MHz (such as the 3600MHz Kingston RAM I linked) because that higher advertised speed is an overclocked XMP profile anyway and my PC is already running RAM at a higher clock than that?

My current RAM was sold as and is advertised as being 3733MHz - it even has that number on the physical stickers - so I'm presuming I can buy something that is advertised as being this speed (or lower, obviously), but then I circle back to my questions above and confuse myself!
 
#18
Check the HP link that I provided, it clearly states that the MB supports four sticks of the RAM that you have and which is likewise the exact same as that at the link in my reply #13, your computer to do with as you see fit but I for one would not waste money by paying for four new sticks of slower RAM when I could get two matching sticks of faster RAM for less money.

Not sure if it has been asked already but why do you feel the need to have 32GB of RAM, 16GB is plenty for high end games as long as it is working in dual channel, 32GB is a waste unless you are a programmer, work in CAD or edit videos professionally.
 
#19
phillpower2 said:
Check the HP link that I provided, it clearly states that the MB supports four sticks of the RAM that you have and which is likewise the exact same as that at the link in my reply #13, your computer to do with as you see fit but I for one would not waste money by paying for four new sticks of slower RAM when I could get two matching sticks of faster RAM for less money.

Not sure if it has been asked already but why do you feel the need to have 32GB of RAM, 16GB is plenty for high end games as long as it is working in dual channel, 32GB is a waste unless you are a programmer, work in CAD or edit videos professionally.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately, it seems it's impossible to get two "matching" sticks to what's already in the PC. I contacted HyperX and they informed me that it's not a product they actually sell, that it's specifically made for HP (and it seems it's actually made by Kingston rather than HyperX themselves) and their OMEN desktops. The serial numbers and specs differ from what you can readily buy, even if they appear similar at face value.

Also, would 3600MHz CL17 really actually be slower than RAM that is 3733MHz but CL22? That's what the current HyperX RAM is.

In terms of why I'm considering upgrading to 32GB, it's just for future proofing in terms of gaming. Everything I've read says that over the next couple of years games will need more than 16GB if you intend to run them at max settings and high resolution/frame rate, which is what I always aim for. "Returnal", for example, is already recommending 32GB.
 
#20
Save your money, DDR5 is future proof whereas DDR4 is not, apart from serious flight sims I am not aware of any pastime software that needs 32GB, circa 20GB will just be sitting there idle, see HP article here

Edit to add: 3600MHz used on its own would be slower but nothing to write home about.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Nathw90
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top Bottom
Back
Forums
Resources
Menu