• Test: overclocking inexpensive DDR3 RAM. How to overclock RAM? Program for overclocking RAM

    Laptop owners sooner or later come to the decision to overclock the RAM of their device. The gadget ceases to cope with some tasks, and overclocking the RAM can significantly improve the performance of a portable computer.

    RAM stick replacement

    The easiest way is to replace the RAM module. To add new module, you will need:

    1. Disconnect charger.
    2. Remove battery.
    3. Remove the bottom cover with a compartment for RAM and hard drive slots.
    4. Install the RAM module with the best parameters.

    In order to expand the memory in this way, you need to know the type of RAM modules (DDR3, DDR4, etc.). Special programs (CPU-Z) make it possible to find out about the type of memory without disassembling the laptop.

    Overclocking the ram yourself

    Increasing the power of laptop RAM is somewhat more difficult. In a stationary PC, 80% of the time is spent on the optimal selection of parameters in the BIOS, and in a mobile PC, it will not work to increase the RAM parameters by changing the data in the BIOS. Laptops simply don't have advanced BIOS settings.

    Before deciding to add performance to the RAM, it should be remembered that excessive loads on some nodes will reduce their service life, as well as quickly disable parts. Therefore, you will have to act at your own peril and risk. The performance of a laptop depends on the parameters of the RAM, CPU and video card. All these parameters can be changed in the direction of improving performance.

    In some models of portable PCs, it is possible to adjust the frequency of the system bus - link between the RAM and the processor. Manufacturers of equipment often block the ability to change the system bus frequency in the BIOS, so you can only adjust the settings using external applications. For example, the SetFSB program allows you to adjust the frequency. At the same time, it is important to monitor the state of the system, as the temperature of the device rises greatly.

    Impressive results are obtained by overclocking the RAM if the processor and RAM buses are separated. In this case, you can increase the frequency of the RAM by almost 30%. Utilities such as RMClock or VCore make it possible to increase the power of the processor. By changing the frequencies and observing the temperature, impressive results can be achieved.

    In the case of successful overclocking, the performance of the laptop increases significantly. But the risks of independent operations are quite high. In case of unsuccessful overclocking, the repair will cost much more than repairing the device before overclocking.

    There are not only methods for overclocking RAM using special programs and utilities. Experienced computer scientists, using a soldering iron and a clock generator mod, "deceived" the system, forcing the chipset to "think" it was running at one frequency, while the clock generator was running at another.

    Hey GT! We all love new hardware - it's nice to work for fast computer, rather than looking at all sorts of progressbars and other hourglasses. If everything is more or less clear with processors and video cards: here is a new generation, get your 10-20-30-50% of performance, then with RAM everything is not so simple.

    Where is the progress in memory modules, why the price per gigabyte almost does not fall and how to please your computer - in our iron educational program.

    DDR4

    The DDR4 memory standard has a number of advantages over DDR3: maximum frequencies(i.e. bandwidth), lower voltage (and heat dissipation), and, of course, double the capacity per module.

    The Semiconductor Engineering Standards Committee of the Electronic Industries Alliance (better known as JEDEC) is working to ensure that your RAM Kingston approached the mother ASUS board or Gigabyte, and everyone plays by these rules. In terms of electrics, physics and connectors, everything is tough (it’s understandable, you need to ensure physical compatibility), but with regard to operating frequencies, volumes of modules and delays in operation, the rules allow some volatility: if you want to do better, do it, the main thing is to default settings users had no problems.

    This is exactly how DDR3 modules with a frequency higher than 1600 MHz, and DDR4 modules with frequencies higher than 3200 MHz turned out at one time: they exceed the basic specifications, and can work both at "standard" parameters, compatible with all motherboards, and with extreme profiles (X.M.P.), factory tested and programmed into the BIOS memory.

    Progress

    Major improvements in this area are being made in several directions at once. First, manufacturers of memory chips directly (Hynix, Samsung, Micron and Toshiba) are constantly improving the internal architecture of chips within the same process technology. From revision to revision, the internal topology is brought to perfection, ensuring uniform heating and reliable operation.

    Secondly, the memory is slowly moving to a new process technology. Unfortunately, it is impossible to make improvements here as quickly as video card manufacturers do (have done for the last 10 years) or CPUs: a rough reduction in the size of the working parts, that is, transistors, will require a corresponding reduction in operating voltages, which are limited by the JEDEC standard and the memory controllers built into the CPU.

    Therefore, the only thing that remains is not only to “tighten” production standards, but also to simultaneously increase the speed of each microcircuit, which will require a corresponding increase in voltage. As a result, both the frequencies grow and the volumes of one module.

    There are many examples of such development. In 2009-2010, it was normal to choose between 2/4 gigabytes of DDR3 1066 MHz and DDR3 1333 MHz per module (both were made using the 90nm process technology). Today, the dying standard is ready to offer you 1600, 1866, 2000 and even 2133 MHz operating frequencies on modules of 4, 8 and 16 GB, though inside it is already 32, 30 and even 28 nm.

    Unfortunately, such an upgrade costs a lot of money (primarily for research, equipment purchase and debugging production process), so you won’t have to wait for a radical reduction in the price of 1 GB of RAM before the release of DDR5: well, there we are waiting for another doubling of useful characteristics at the same production price.

    The price of improvements, overclocking and the search for balance

    The growing volume and speed of work directly affects another parameter of RAM - delays (they are also timings). The operation of microcircuits at high frequencies still does not want to violate the laws of physics, and various operations (search for information on a microcircuit, reading, writing, updating a cell) require certain time intervals. The decrease in the technical process is bearing fruit, and the timings grow more slowly than the operating frequencies, but here it is necessary to strike a balance between linear reading speed and response speed.

    For example, the memory can work on profiles of 2133 MHz and 2400 MHz with the same set of timings (15-15-15-29) - in this case, overclocking is justified: at a higher frequency, delays of several cycles will only decrease, and you will get not only an increase linear speed reading, but also the response speed. But if the next threshold (2666 MHz) requires an increase in delays by 1-2, or even 3 units, it is worth considering. Let's do some simple calculations.

    We divide the operating frequency by the first timing (CAS). The higher the ratio, the better:

    2133 / 15 = 142,2
    2400 / 15 = 160
    2666 / 16 = 166,625
    2666 / 17 = 156,823

    The resulting value is the denominator in a fraction of 1 second / X * 1,000,000. That is, the higher the number, the lower the delay between receiving information from the memory controller and sending data back.

    As can be seen from the calculations, the greatest increase is an upgrade from 2133 to 2400 MHz with the same timings. Increasing the latency by 1 clock required to run stable at 2666 MHz still provides benefits (but not as serious), and if your memory runs at increased frequency only with an increase in timing by 2 units - the performance will even decrease slightly relative to 2400 MHz.

    The opposite is also true: if the modules absolutely do not want to increase the frequencies (that is, you have found the limit for your specific memory kit), you can try to win back a little "free" performance by reducing the delays.

    In fact, there are several more factors, but even these simple calculations I’ll help you not to screw up with memory overclocking: there’s no point in squeezing top speed from the modules if the results become worse than the average.

    Practical application of memory overclocking

    In terms of software, such manipulations primarily benefit tasks that constantly exploit memory not in streaming read mode, but pulling random data. That is, games, photoshop and all sorts of programming tasks.

    In hardware, systems with integrated graphics in the processor (and without their own video memory) get a significant performance boost both with lower latency and with an increase in operating frequencies: a simple controller and low bandwidth very often become the bottleneck of integrated GPUs. So if your favorite "Tanks" are barely crawling on the built-in graphics of an old computer, you know what you can try to do to improve the situation.

    Mainstream

    Oddly enough, average users benefit the most from such improvements. No, of course, overclockers, professionals and players with a full wallet get their 0.5% performance by using extreme modules with exorbitant frequencies, but their market share is small.

    What's under the hood?

    The white aluminum heatsinks are easy to remove. Step zero: we ground ourselves on the battery or some other metal contact with the ground and let the static drain - we don’t want to let a ridiculous accident kill the memory module, right?

    Step one: warm up the memory module with a hairdryer or active read-write loads (in the second case, you need to quickly turn off the PC, turn it off and remove the RAM while it is still hot).

    Step two: find the side without a sticker and gently hook the radiator with something in the center and along the edges. Use printed circuit board as a basis for a lever is possible, but with caution. We carefully choose the fulcrum, try to avoid pressure on fragile elements. It is better to act on the principle of "slowly but surely."

    Step three: open the radiator and disconnect the locks. Here they are, precious chips. Soldered on one side. Manufacturer - Micron, chip model 6XA77 D9SRJ.

    8 pieces of 1 GB each, factory profile - 2400 MHz @ CL16.


    True, you should not remove the heat spreaders at home - you will tear off the seal and your lifetime 1 guarantee would cry. Yes, and native radiators do an excellent job with the functions assigned to them.

    Let's try to measure the effect of overclocking the RAM using the HyperX Fury HX426C16FW2K4 / 32 kit as an example. Deciphering the name gives us the following information: HX4 - DDR4, 26 - factory frequency 2666 MHz, C16 - CL16 delays. Next comes the code for the color of the radiators (in our case, white), and the description of the K4/32 kit - a set of 4 modules with a total capacity of 32 GB. That is, it is already clear that the RAM was slightly overclocked during production: instead of the standard 2400, a 2666 MHz profile was flashed with the same timings.

    In addition to the aesthetic pleasure of contemplating four "Snow Whites" in your PC case, this set is ready to offer a weighty 32 gigabytes of memory and is aimed at users conventional processors, not particularly indulging CPU overclocking. Modern Intels without the letter K at the end have finally lost all possible ways receiving free performance, and practically do not receive any bonuses from memory with a frequency above 2400 MHz.

    We took two computers as test benches. One at the base Intel Core i7-6800K and ASUS X99 motherboard (it represents an enthusiast platform with a quad-channel memory controller), the second with a Core i5-7600 inside (this one will take the rap for mainstream hardware with integrated graphics and no overclocking). On the first one, we will check the overclocking potential of the memory, and on the second, we will measure the real performance in games and working software.

    Overclocking potential

    So standard profiles JEDEC and factory X.M.P. memory has the following modes of operation:
    DDR4-2666 CL15-17-17 @1.2V
    DDR4-2400 CL14-16-16 @1.2V
    DDR4-2133 CL12-14-14 @1.2V

    It's easy to see that the 2400 MHz timing settings make the memory not as responsive as the 2133 and 2666 MHz profiles.
    2133 / 12 = 177.75
    2400 / 14 = 171.428
    2666 / 15 = 177.7(3)

    Attempts to start the memory at a frequency of 2900 MHz with an increase in delays to 16-17-18, 17-18-18, 17-19-19, and even with a voltage increase of up to 1.3 Volts did not give anything. Without serious loads, the computer works, but photoshop, archiver or benchmark spit errors or dump the system into a BSOD. It seems that the frequency potential of the modules has been selected to the end, and the only thing left for us is to reduce the delays.

    The best result that was achieved with a test set of 4 modules is 2666 MHz with CL13-14-13 timings. This will significantly increase the speed of accessing random data (2666 / 13 = 205.07) and should show a nice improvement in the results in the gaming benchmark. In dual-channel mode, the memory overclocks better: oclab specialists managed to bring a set of two 16 GB modules to a frequency of 3000 MHz @ CL14-15-15-28 with a voltage increase of up to 1.4 Volts - an excellent result.

    Field tests

    For our i5 with integrated graphics, we chose GTA V as a benchmark. The game is not young, it uses the DirectX 11 API, which has long been known and perfectly polished in Intel drivers, loves to consume RAM and loads the system on all fronts at once: GPU, CPU, Ram, reading from disk. Classic. Along with this, GTA V uses the so-called. "deferred rendering", due to which the frame calculation time is less dependent on the complexity of the scene, that is, the testing methodology will be cleaner, and the results will be clearer.

    Behind average FPS Let's take the values ​​that fit into the normal course of the game: the flight of an aircraft, driving in the city, the destruction of adversaries have a uniform load profile. Based on such scenes (discarding 1% of the best and worst results from the data array) we get the average game FPS.

    Drawdowns are determined by scenes with explosions and complex effects (a waterfall under a bridge, sunset landscapes) in a similar way.

    Jitters and unpleasant friezes during a sudden change of environment (switching from one tested case to another) happen even on the monstrous GTX 1080Ti, we will try to note them, but we won’t take them into the results: it doesn’t occur in the game, and this is rather a cant of the benchmark itself.

    Demo stand configuration

    CPU: Intel Core i5-7500 (4c4t @ 3.8GHz)
    GPU: Intel HD530
    RAM: 32 GB HyperX Fury White (2133 MHz CL12, 2666 MHz CL15 and 2666 MHz CL13)
    MB: ASUS B250M
    SSD: Kingston A400 240 GB

    First, let's set the standard frequencies of the X.M.P. profile: 2666 MHz with timings 15-17-17. The built-in GTA V benchmark produces identical FPS and the same drawdowns at minimum and medium settings at 720p resolution: in most scenes, the counter fluctuates around 30–32, and in heavy scenes and when changing from one location to another, the FPS sags.

    The reason is obvious - the GPU has enough power, but the rasterization units simply do not have time to assemble and render more frames per second. At "high" graphics settings, the results are rapidly deteriorating: the game begins to rest directly on the modest computing capabilities of integrated graphics.

    2133 MHz CL12

    The GPU does not have its own memory, and it is forced to constantly pull the system one. Bandwidth DDR4 in dual-channel mode at a frequency of 2133 MHz will be 64 bits (8 bytes) × 2,133,000,000 MHz × 2 channels - about 34 Gb / s, with a small (up to 10%) overhead loss.

    For comparison, the bandwidth of the memory subsystem of the most modest discrete NVIDIA GTX 1030 card is 48 Gb / s, and the GTX 1050 Ti (which easily produces 60 FPS in GTA V at maximum settings in FullHD) - already 112 Gb / s.


    In the background you can see the same waterfall under the bridge, squandering FPS in the in-game benchmark.

    The benchmark results sank to 28 FPS on average, and the lags when changing locations and exploding their non-stressful drawdowns turned into unpleasant microfreezes.

    2666 MHz CL13

    Reducing the timings has significantly reduced the time to wait for a response from the memory, and we already have standard results with this frequency: we can compare three benchmarks and get a clear picture. The bandwidth for 2666 MHz is already 21.3 Gb / s × 2 channels ~ 40 Gb / s, comparable to the younger NVIDIA.

    The maximum FPS has practically not grown (0.1 is not an indicator and is on the verge of a measurement error) - here we still run into the modest capabilities of ROPs, but all the drawdowns have become less noticeable. In scenes with a waterfall, due to the high computational load, the result did not change, in all the rest - that is, on downloads, explosions and other joys that slowed down the video core, it increased by an average of 10-15%. Instead of 25-27 frames in episodes loaded with events - confident 28-29. In general, the game began to feel much more comfortable.

    TL;DR and results

    You can not evaluate the speed of RAM by frequency alone. DDR4 has rather large clock delays, and other things being equal, it is worth choosing a memory that not only meets the needs of your hardware in terms of operating frequency and volume, but also pay attention to this parameter.

    Tests have shown that computers based on Intel Core i-series with integrated graphics get a noticeable performance boost when using high-speed memory with low latency. The video core does not have its own resources for storing and processing data and uses the system resources perfectly responds (up to a certain limit) to increasing the frequency and reducing timings, since the time of rendering a frame with many objects directly depends on the memory access speed.

    The most important! The Fury line is available in several colors: white, red and black - you can choose not only fast memory, but also suitable in style to the rest of the components, as experts from

    We continue the week of overclocking OCWEEK15 on Hardwareluxx. The day before yesterday we published , after which we offered . Today we will talk about the next component that should not be overlooked: RAM. We again took three test CPU platforms, after which we conducted tests with different settings memory. Which platform benefits the most from high RAM clock speeds? Isn't it better to trade high frequency for lower delays? Which software benefit from overclocker DIMM sticks? We will answer all these questions in our article.

    Performance gaming computer can be significantly increased by overclocking the processor, which we have already demonstrated in the example of three processors: flagship model Core i7-5960X, but also less expensive Intel Core i7-4790K and AMD FX-8370e platforms. But there is another component with which you can increase productivity even higher. Modern platforms for the mass market work with DDR3 memory at frequencies of 1.600-1.866 MHz. high-end Intel platform X99 switched to DDR4 memory, the controller built into the CPU supports frequencies up to 2.133 MHz.

    The memory module market is highly competitive, with major manufacturers such as G.Skill, Corsair, Crucial or ADATA emphasizing higher clock speeds and lower voltages, which should provide significant performance gains. High frequencies can be obtained by changing the memory divider or by using XMP profile. But what benefits will we get in practice? Does it make sense to overpay for memory sticks for gamers or overclockers?

    We will compare the performance of modern memory modules at different frequencies on the X99, Z97 and 990FX platforms.

    When using a computer, many of us do not even realize that the performance of the device can be significantly increased without resorting to an “upgrade” - updating hardware components. This is done with the help of the so-called "acceleration" various kinds microchips. In particular, this kind of procedure is very popular with respect to PC RAM modules (RAM), along with similar experiments with processors, video cards and other computer hardware components.

    What is the practical significance of overclocking RAM, apart from improving PC performance? This procedure can be used in particular for comparative testing from different manufacturers in service centers.

    Overclocking PC hardware components is a popular hobby in the world and in Russia. People who are fond of it call themselves the interesting term "overclockers" (from the English overclock, which means "overclocking" in one of the interpretations).

    There are a number of nuances, the knowledge of which can be useful for overclocking enthusiasts and IT specialists involved in testing hardware. How to overclock RAM and ensure the greatest increase in PC performance? How to ensure stable work computer in "overclocked" mode? How to choose the optimal method of "overclocking" and at the same time not harm other hardware components of the computer?

    RAM overclocking methods

    IT specialists, commenting on the possibility of overclocking RAM, usually focus on the fact that, as such, a RAM chip, as a rule, has an “immunity” built in by the manufacturer to an artificial increase in performance. Therefore, overclocking modules separately from other PC hardware components may be useless. For this reason, in practice, the “RAM” almost always overclocks after the processor. Separately - in extremely rare cases. Before thinking about how to overclock RAM, it will be useful for a PC user to study the features of accelerating processor performance.

    Under the "overclocking" of RAM is almost always understood as the activation of special modes of its operation. Which ones?

    Firstly, this is "overclocking" by increasing the RAM modules. As a rule, this procedure is carried out simultaneously with changing the processor settings, which, in turn, are aimed at increasing its performance.

    Secondly, the "overclocking" of RAM can be carried out by changing the so-called "timings". If their values ​​are reduced, then the process of electronic signal exchange in the microcircuit will become more intense.

    Some experts also identify a third way to speed up the performance of RAM, namely, experiments with changing the values ​​\u200b\u200bfor electrical voltage in the microchip.

    How to overclock RAM using all three of the above tools most effectively? Let's see what IT experts recommend.

    Choosing the optimal RAM overclocking method

    Due to the technological features of the architecture of RAM modules, both of the above methods of their "overclocking" cannot be used in the modes of setting maximum values ​​simultaneously. You will have to choose - high timings or frequencies, or select a compromise combination of settings. How to overclock RAM by correctly optimizing the combination of these two parameters?

    IT-specialists do not give a clear answer to this question. There are only general recommendations. One of them sounds like this: if we set higher values ​​for the clock frequency, then we will have to slow down the timings, otherwise the PC will be unstable. And the acceleration of timings will be effective only if clock frequency do not increase relative to the factory level.

    Experts believe that everything depends on the specifics of the architecture of specific microcircuits, as well as on how correctly the results of testing overclocked modules will be interpreted.

    The most important nuance: many experts note that a user who decides to overclock the processor and memory needs to be prepared for the fact that the computer will not speed up, but, on the contrary, will slow down. Such cases are not uncommon. In this case perfect option- do not touch the factory settings of the RAM and processor. The best RAM, according to some IT experts, is the one that works at the frequencies and timings set by the manufacturer.

    "Duality" of RAM frequencies: what you need to know

    There is a version that the frequency is a defining characteristic in the speed of the RAM. Therefore, when overclocking, as a matter of priority, attention should be paid to this parameter. The higher the frequency, the more operating cycles the RAM modules produce per second. Thus, the speed of RAM is higher, respectively. However, there is one interesting nuance here.

    Experts advise paying attention to the fact that RAM modules type DDR have two "frequency" characteristics: real (actual) and effective. The second one is twice as big. Manufacturers of RAM rarely indicate the actual memory. While in programs for diagnosing and monitoring the operation of PC hardware components, as a rule, this type of frequency is displayed.

    The main "timings"

    Second the most important parameter when overclocking RAM - timings. There are a lot of them, but in our case, knowledge of four will be useful to us - CAS, RAS-to-CAS, as well as Row Precharge and Row Active. In this sequence, the timings set in the settings are usually indicated.

    Optimal operating voltage

    Optimization of this parameter is important from the point of view of the stability of the overclocked RAM module. The factory value for DDR2 modules is 1.8 volts, for DDR3 RAM it is slightly less - 1.5. For "overclocking" you can increase the voltage, but not by much. IT experts recommend setting the value within 2.2 volts for DDR2 chips. If the user is thinking about how to overclock DDR3 RAM, then he needs to keep in mind that for this type of RAM maximum value in voltage - 1.65. If higher, then the system may start to malfunction. Experts note that even the best RAM from the world's leading brands does not guarantee stability when manipulating the voltage level.

    Testing overclocking performance

    As we noted above, it is difficult to predict in advance which overclocking method will be more effective - manipulations with the clock frequency or timing. Therefore, if you decide to speed up your PC, you have to arm yourself specialized programs, allowing you to monitor the performance of overclocked RAM modules.

    What programs are worth paying attention to? Experts advise getting software like PC Mark and Everest. Which program for RAM is most suitable? Experts believe that each of these solutions has its pros and cons. Much depends on the subjective level of comfort in using these programs, which is determined by the user himself.

    These types of software are good, in addition to high-quality monitoring in terms of performance, the presence of functions for monitoring the stability of the operation of RAM modules.

    Measuring the speed of RAM is extremely important in terms of choosing the optimal combination of tools for overclocking microcircuits.

    RAM overclocking tool

    You can set the required frequency values ​​\u200b\u200band change the settings in the timings in two ways: through the BIOS interface or using special software. Many IT-specialists recommend the first option, since in this case low-level interaction with the PC hardware components is carried out.

    Thus, we are dealing with a surprising recommendation from IT experts: do not use software that runs from the operating system. The best program for overclocking RAM, therefore, is the BIOS, the input-output system.

    Frequency manipulation: key nuances

    Experts in the field of overclocking PC hardware believe that changing the frequency of RAM should be approached with extreme caution. The fact is that given parameter cannot be set by adjusting any one figure. Common frequency memory - the result of the product of two different parameters: FSB and BCLK (in this case, an additional multiplier is added to them, which can also be changed). The product of FSB and BCLK is the so-called "reference frequency". It is she who will have to be corrected in the process of "overclocking" the RAM. Experiments with multiplier without changing the reference frequency, as a rule, do not lead to visible results.

    The processor as a factor in the efficiency of overclocking RAM

    Many IT experts believe that approaches to overclocking RAM modules should be chosen based on specific model processor. It is quite possible that setting the same values ​​of frequency, voltage and timings when using modules on different processors will be accompanied by completely opposite results.

    Overclocking memory with an Intel processor

    Tests conducted by IT professionals show that when overclocking memory used in conjunction with modern processors Intel (especially those built on the architecture Sandy Bridge), there are the following regularities.

    First, many of Intel chips are difficult to adjust for the BCLK parameter. If its values ​​are changed, then the PC may become unstable. Therefore, it will most likely be possible to experiment only with a multiplier.

    At the same time, there are Intel line processors, which, according to experts, are perfectly adapted to work when overclocking memory. For example, these are chips of such types as Core i7-8 (they are assembled based on the Lynnfield architecture). According to some experts, Intel processors based on Clarkdale technology (especially the latest series) have the least compatibility with memory overclocking.

    Experts note that the performance of RAM acceleration during overclocking on Intel processors is affected by the parameters of the PC motherboard, namely, which chipsets are used on it. Fast work some microcircuits should be accompanied by no less performance dynamics of others. PC is complex electronic components. The more coordinated their work, the faster and more stable the computer functions. If the user has a low-performance motherboard, RAM, most likely, no overclocking will help.

    Chips with the P67 Express chipset have the best compatibility with memory overclocking.

    Memory overclocking and AMD processors

    IT-specialists note that AMD is characterized by incomparably greater conservatism in approaches to changing the architecture of manufactured processors. Therefore, overclocked RAM modules in tandem with AMD chips, experts believe, behave more predictably than when used in combination with Intel processors. However, the level of performance achieved, as noted by IT specialists, is usually lower with overclocked RAM modules in tandem with AMD processors.

    Phenom II, Athlon II chips perform quite well when overclocking RAM. The reference frequency in them is 200 megahertz. For best result it is recommended to set the frequency for the memory controller three, and sometimes even more times higher than the same indicator for memory modules.

    Experts note that DDR3 memory, which is considered one of the most productive, almost does not overclock on PCs equipped with AMD processor. It is important to make sure that the motherboard has a different type of modules. Before starting overclocking, you need to study each slot of RAM, see what markings are on the microcircuits.

    Which is better to overclock: processor or memory?

    IT experts do not give a clear answer to this question. It almost always makes sense to do both at the same time. At the same time, some experts believe that separate overclocking of the processor will provide a guaranteed increase in system performance. While the effect of using overclocked memory is not always accompanied by a real acceleration of the PC, and sometimes even, on the contrary, the system starts to “slow down”.

    How to overclock the computer's RAM so that performance is guaranteed to increase, but at the same time the likelihood of malfunctions decreases? To reveal the real potential of PC hardware components, according to IT experts, it is possible by implementing an integrated approach, which is expressed in the simultaneous work on overclocking the most different types"gland".

    In particular, the practical significance of increasing PC performance occurs, as a rule, when starting computer games and powerful graphic applications. Therefore, at the same time as the RAM and the processor, it makes sense to overclock the video card as well. When setting the parameters of RAM that suggest artificial acceleration of its work, you should compare them with the values ​​that you need to set for other PC hardware components.

    Cooling aspect

    Setting the optimal values ​​​​for frequency and timings is half the battle. It is very important to make sure that the equipment can withstand the increased loads due to the overclocking. Therefore, before artificially increasing the speed of the RAM, you should make sure that a powerful cooling system is installed on it.

    The RAM sticks should be in close proximity to the heatsinks. This rule applies, meanwhile, not only to RAM, but also to the processor (as well as other “overclockable” types of “hardware”). It is very important that the ventilation blows well over each slot of RAM and ensures constant air circulation. In some cases, it makes sense to install an additional system at the same time as the factory coolers

    Despite the fact that some sources suggest downloading special programs to overclock different types of processors (Intel or AMD), it is best to increase the clock CPU frequency through the BIOS. There is no proven software that could overclock the processor. This is due to technical limitations and the fact that each "stone" has its own frequency increase standards. They may vary depending on the type of cooling used. We recommend that you find out the load capacity for installed model chip and gradually change the values ​​using the instructions written specifically for your BIOS version.

    Exceeding the maximum allowable overclocking threshold can lead to equipment failure.

    Programs for overclocking video cards

    Programs for overclocking video cards will help you change the main performance indicators on the hardware graphic map your PC or laptop - voltage, allowable temperature, frequency of operation of the processor and memory of the adapter, as well as the speed of rotation of the cooler. In addition to editing settings, these utilities allow you to view basic information about installed hardware.

    We focus on the fact that such programs should be used with external graphics devices, which are not integrated into the processor or motherboard. Only in this case you will be able to get a measurable effect from changing the settings.

    Among the proposed tools, we highlight primarily because of their compatibility with the largest number devices.

    Programs for overclocking RAM (RAM)

    As in the case of the processor, there are no stable utilities that can change the frequency of the RAM using the operating system. You need to edit these parameters through the BIOS, moreover, it is important that the new frequency is supported not only by memory, but also motherboard. You can read the instructions for changing frequencies in the user manual for your motherboard.

    You may come across an opinion that there are programs for overclocking “old” RAM samples (DDR) on laptops, but we were unable to find working versions of such utilities.

    Programs to improve disk performance

    The main factors affecting performance hard drives- its current state and file layout.

    You can check the current state by S.M.A.R.T. analysis and, if necessary, “correctly” format the device using HDD utilities low level Format Tool, she scored the most points in our thematic .

    In addition, the performance of classic hard drives depends on how evenly the data is distributed over the surface. Many different system utilities contain the function of structuring files (defragmentation). Among the specialized solutions, we single out and .

    Windows optimization programs

    Utilities to help optimize operating system, we previously considered in a separate .

    Other Factors Affecting Performance

    If you are using external devices, do not forget that the communication speed depends on the protocol used. For example, it is better to connect modern phones and flash drives to a USB port that is compatible with the 3.0 protocol, it has a blue color.

    Also, do not forget that due to the presence of malware, the computer can noticeably “slow down”. To protect the system, we recommend using antivirus programs; we also dedicated a separate one to them.