Ask away
, rather you did than blindly not understand something.
My packaged RAM speed is set at 2400MHz, which should be supported by my MOBO (new egg said that it would support 2133MHz ram and then some overclocked ram speeds, including 2400MHz), just FYI.
The memory frequency isn't really a motherboard dependent feature and is 100% down to the CPU being able to run at anything above 2133Mhz. When you run over 2133Mhz the CPU has to work harder (it's memory controller) which will always require the user to increase voltages.
Memory manufacturers want to ensure that their products function correctly and to maximise compatibility and stability it is good practice for memory kits to run by default at 2133Mhz. What would happen if a kit existed that tried to boot a system at 4000Mhz? Simple answer = no boot with the likely on/off cycle.
Why = because the CPU cannot handle 4000Mhz RAM with default voltages.
- What you need to take away from this part is that when running anything over default specs, increasing the voltages is a requirement. Overclocking = more voltage required.
- Not all CPUs are created equal, your CPU might be able to run say 4000Mhz RAM but another one might not despite various attempts at tweaking.
Some kits try to run 2400Mhz using default settings, if this is what you have then you need to consider changing the frequency down to 2133Mhz for testing purposes.
Or enter the BIOS and enable the XMP setting <I'll try to get some screenshots later if you cannot find this.
By enabling the XMP setting the motherboard will automatically increase some voltages to help your CPU run at 2400Mhz.
So, if I am understanding this correctly, your first idea is to clear the CMOS and take out one of my ram sticks, and place the other in the rightmost grey slot, which in turn would limit my RAM to 8 gb. How exactly would I go about clearing the CMOS? I want to know exactly what I am doing as to prevent as much possible damage I could inflict on my computer.
You need to have the computer turned off with the PSU also switched off.
Wait for the PSU to discharge (you might hear it make a high pitched sound)
On the motherboard at the top right corner near the on-board power switch you will see a clear CMOS switch
Press this and hold it down, 30 seconds will do.
That will clear your CMOS and restore all settings back to default but note that if you RAM is 2400Mhz (SPD profile) it will still run at this when you turn on but using 1 stick reduces the strain on the CPU.
It also seems as if you said something about CPU voltage being a temporary fix, how much extra voltage do you think I would need to be more practical, and would it be actually worth doing that? I'm pretty sure firing more electrons could actually destroy the silicon in my CPU, resulting in a shorter life span.
This is unavoidable when it comes to overclocking but for now don't go down this route just yet.
Finally, you mentioned the BIOS versions. I am not 100% sure which BIOS I am using, it's just the one that started up as soon as all the cables were put together. Do you think something as simple as updating my BIOS could potentially fix the problem?
Yes check this first as the later BIOS version F5 is much better.
It will tell you when you enter the BIOS or you can check in Windows using a program such as CPUZ
http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.htmlSee the screenshot.
