Intel X99 Benchers Memory Battle

Memory by leeghoofd @ 2017-05-01

Since the launch of the Intel Sky Lake platform, we were being flooded with a multitude of different DDR4 memory ICs. After you finally decided to buy that particular tweakable kit, there were again screenshots popping up of something new and at first glance even better performing memory.  At launch date Hynix was king of the hill for the X99 quad channel setups. however the latest memory architecture release for Sky and Kaby Lake are the Samsung B-DIE ICs. When tweaked, they are able to run at high speeds in combination with ultra tight timings. These are a real treat to gain them extra precious points to climb in the HWBOT ranking. Besides the fact that the latter are 8GB modules and thus a bit more pricey than the other 4GB variants, one drawback is that these B-DIE based memories are still pretty inconsistent in quality. Wading through different OC forums we noted DOA's, degraded sticks and even many sticks just failing to do tight timings at what we consider to be standard OC speeds, hence why memory binners jumped on the wagon and are selling, logically for a little extra margin, sticks that can truly deliver the goods. Today we explore what memory is great and which one is the best for your high end Intel LGA 2011-3 platform.

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Basic Settings for 3200MHz B-Die

I'll include some BIOS screens with the G.skill B-Die memory ICs. Consider them screenies as a Bios starting profile; nany users on the forums have been asking questions to stabilize their memory on X99. thus hoping the below will serve you well.

I've tested both settings on the standard ASUS Ramapge 5 Edition and the MSI Godlike Gaming board. Although the latter is not the greatest in memory overclocking, 3200MHz memory speed is achievable, however it will require some hefty SA and IO voltages compared to the ASUS' offering.

 

 

On both motherboards we used the 100 strap and selected the 3200 Memory divider. Make sure you up the IO and SA voltages to needed level as these are needed to allow your processor IMC to cope with the extra bandwidth you are gonna throw at it.

 

 

It is very important to dial in properly the tCKE and tWCL setting as these can be the difference between a proper post or not; play with these till your board starts to post. Memory tweaking takes some time, learn how your own board, CPU and memory react to each new BIOS input.

The ASUS R5E board and the Intel Core i7-5960X combo needs around 1.2 SA (CPU System Agent voltage). On the MSI Godlike Gaming this needed to be raised above 1.365 to enhance stability.

 

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