Looking to run a 12900K build with DDR4 in gear 1, is this a good kit?

[15th Warlock]

Greetings fellow forumites!

I'm looking for a DDR4 kit that will allow me to run my 12900K in gear one, meaning 2000MHz double data rate.

I found this kit online:

G.SKILL Trident Z Neo Series 32GB (2 x 16GB) 288-Pin DDR4 SDRAM DDR4 4000 (PC4 32000) Intel XMP 2.0 Desktop Memory Model F4-4000C18D-32GTZN

G.SKILL Trident Z Neo Series 32GB (2 x 16GB) 288-Pin PC RAM DDR4 4000 (PC4 32000) Desktop Memory Model F4-4000C18D-32GTZN - Newegg.com

Buy G.SKILL Trident Z Neo Series 32GB (2 x 16GB) 288-Pin PC RAM DDR4 4000 (PC4 32000) Desktop Memory Model F4-4000C18D-32GTZN with fast shipping and top-rated customer service. Newegg shopping upgraded ™

www.newegg.com

Would this kit help me achieve that? I tried OCing my current kit but the most I could achieve was 3800MHz by relaxing the timings and upping the voltage to 1.40V, no bueno.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Hope you and your families are having a good holiday weekend

 

[mrthanhnguyen]

Not only ram kit but your cpu imc also is important to run gear 1 4000mhz. U can buy 8x2 kit. Single rank is easier than dual rank.

 

[15th Warlock]

Not only ram kit but your cpu imc also is important to run gear 1 4000mhz. U can buy 8x2 kit. Single rank is easier than dual rank.

Thank you, from what I understand, Alder Lake's memory controller runs at 2000MHz, now, would you know if the kit I mentioned above is single or dual rank?

Thank you again for your response.

 

[tabascosauz]

Greetings fellow forumites!

I'm looking for a DDR4 kit that will allow me to run my 12900K in gear one, meaning 2000MHz double data rate.

I found this kit online:

G.SKILL Trident Z Neo Series 32GB (2 x 16GB) 288-Pin DDR4 SDRAM DDR4 4000 (PC4 32000) Intel XMP 2.0 Desktop Memory Model F4-4000C18D-32GTZN

G.SKILL Trident Z Neo Series 32GB (2 x 16GB) 288-Pin PC RAM DDR4 4000 (PC4 32000) Desktop Memory Model F4-4000C18D-32GTZN - Newegg.com

Buy G.SKILL Trident Z Neo Series 32GB (2 x 16GB) 288-Pin PC RAM DDR4 4000 (PC4 32000) Desktop Memory Model F4-4000C18D-32GTZN with fast shipping and top-rated customer service. Newegg shopping upgraded ™

www.newegg.com

Would this kit help me achieve that? I tried OCing my current kit but the most I could achieve was 3800MHz by relaxing the timings and upping the voltage to 1.40V, no bueno.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Hope you and your families are having a good holiday weekend

If your current kit name ends in -C (e.g. GTZNC) and is 16-19-19, you're getting the exact same thing if you buy that kit (Hynix CJR) and will probably go absolutely nowhere, both in terms of frequency (though doesn't matter for Gear 1) and timings.

Amongst 32GB G.skill kits specifically, look for the likes of:

• 3200 14-14-14
• 3600 16-16-16
• 3600 14-14-14
• 3800 14-16-16
• 4000 17-17-17
• 4000 17-18-18
• 4000 19-19-19
• 4266 19-19-19
• 4266 17-18-18
• 4400 18-19-19

 

[mrthanhnguyen]

Thank you, from what I understand, Alder Lake's memory controller runs at 2000MHz, now, would you know if the kit I mentioned above is single or dual rank?

Thank you again for your response.

Your kit is 2x16 which is dual rank. Like I said not all ADL able to run gear 1 4000mhz. If u dont believe, just test it yourself.

 

[15th Warlock]

If your current kit name ends in -C (e.g. GTZNC) and is 16-19-19, you're getting the exact same thing if you buy that kit (Hynix CJR) and will probably go absolutely nowhere, both in terms of frequency (though doesn't matter for Gear 1) and timings.

Amongst 32GB G.skill kits specifically, look for the likes of:

• 3200 14-14-14
• 3600 16-16-16
• 3600 14-14-14
• 3800 14-16-16
• 4000 17-17-17
• 4000 17-18-18
• 4000 19-19-19
• 4266 19-19-19
• 4266 17-18-18
• 4400 18-19-19

I'm new to this gear thing lol, so you're saying the kit I currently have could in theory run at gear 1 with my processor regardless of the frequency?

The kit in my original post doesn't have a C in its denomination, idk about my current kit, but I think it's Hynix like you said.

Your kit is 2x16 which is dual rank. Like I said not all ADL able to run gear 1 4000mhz. If u dont believe, just test it yourself.

Oh I believe you, sorry if I sound like I lack any knowledge of this subject, I'm not really familiar with this Gear ratio deal, thank you for all your responses!

 

[dgianstefani]

G skill have a 4000/14/32gb kit - get that.

Otherwise don't bother with trident Z and just get cheap hynix, the 4000/19kit isn't B die.

 

[tabascosauz]

I'm new to this gear thing lol, so you're saying the kit I currently have could in theory run at gear 1 with my processor regardless of the frequency?

The kit in my original post doesn't have a C in its denomination, idk about my current kit, but I think it's Hynix like you said.

Oh I believe you, sorry if I sound like I lack any knowledge of this subject, I'm not really familiar with this Gear ratio deal, thank you for all your responses!

The C denotes Hynix but only at a few speeds where there's also a Bdie kit with the same tCL and otherwise identical padt number (ie. 3600CL16 Neo). But the kit you linked, 4000 18-22-22 is for sure going to be CJR.

I'm not saying you can run any speed. I'm saying that Bdie is the only choice if you're limited to 4000 or so and have to resort to tightening timings. Hynix loves freq and hates timings.

 

[15th Warlock]

Thank you for your suggestions, do you guys recommend any kit in particular?

This whole single-dual rank / Bdie / gear ratio thing is making my head spin lmao, I wish I could just use the XMP profile and call it a day

 

[Deleted member 202104]

@15th Warlock

Here's a short blurb explaining Gear 1 and 2 on Alder Lake

You are given the choice of two gear modes with Rocket Lake. Gear 1 will allow the memory controller to operate at the same frequency as the system's memory (known as a 1:1 ratio), allowing for the lowest latency possible. Gear 2, on the other hand, will cut the memory controller's speed in half (2:1 ratio), compared to the system's memory frequency allowing the memory controller to operate significantly higher frequency RAM.

However, because Gear 2 cuts the memory controller's clock speed in half, your memory latency gets penalized, so this mode is only beneficial for workloads that are very sensitive to memory bandwidth over memory latency, which is found mostly in professional applications. If you're a gamer or casual PC user, the lower latency with Gear 1 is the better choice.

The issue is that each CPUs memory controller is going to be different. One may run Gear 1 at 4000, others may not.

 

[15th Warlock]

@15th Warlock

Here's a short blurb explaining Gear 1 and 2 on Alder Lake



The issue is that each CPUs memory controller is going to be different. One may run Gear 1 at 4000, others may not.

Thank you so much! I'll make sure to read that post.

Edit: does anyone by any chance know what frequency the 12900K runs in gear 1? Thank you.

 

[jallenlabs]

The sweet spot is DDR4 3600 CAS 16 which in some cases is faster than the fastest DDR5 in gaming. Go figure. You can find the article right here on this site. I went with DDR4 3200 CAS 14 Samsung B die myself. I should have no issue clocking it up if need be.

 

[15th Warlock]

The sweet spot is DDR4 3600 CAS 16 which in some cases is faster than the fastest DDR5 in gaming. Go figure. You can find the article right here on this site. I went with DDR4 3200 CAS 14 Samsung B die myself. I should have no issue clocking it up if need be.

Thank you, that's the current rating of my memory kit, I don't think it's currently running at gear 1 though, not according to CPUZ.

Is there a way to know what type of die you'll find on any given kit before you purchase?

Thank you everyone for the tips, I almost jumped the gun on that other memory kit, I would've probably ended in the same spot I'm in right now, I'm glad I asked here before I made that mistake.

 

[Selaya]

If your current kit name ends in -C (e.g. GTZNC) and is 16-19-19, you're getting the exact same thing if you buy that kit (Hynix CJR) and will probably go absolutely nowhere, both in terms of frequency (though doesn't matter for Gear 1) and timings.

Amongst 32GB G.skill kits specifically, look for the likes of:

• 3200 14-14-14
• 3600 16-16-16
• 3600 14-14-14
• 3800 14-16-16
• 4000 17-17-17
• 4000 17-18-18
• 4000 19-19-19
• 4266 19-19-19
• 4266 17-18-18
• 4400 18-19-19

look for timings. B-die usually has totally or almost flat timings. Other ICs have their signature too obv, but for (tight) timings B-die is probably the best. Prepare to pay up, tho.

 

[jallenlabs]

https://benzhaomin.github.io/bdiefinder/

 

[15th Warlock]

https://benzhaomin.github.io/bdiefinder/

look for timings. B-die usually has totally or almost flat timings. Other ICs have their signature too obv, but for (tight) timings B-die is probably the best. Prepare to pay up, tho.

Thank you for the info, that explains the price difference between kits with same speed rating.

 

[mrthanhnguyen]

The sweet spot is DDR4 3600 CAS 16 which in some cases is faster than the fastest DDR5 in gaming. Go figure. You can find the article right here on this site. I went with DDR4 3200 CAS 14 Samsung B die myself. I should have no issue clocking it up if need be.

Wrong there is no fastest ddr5 at the moment and there is a fastest ddr4 kit now. Ddr5 6600cl28 1t and ddr4 4300cl13 1t are extremely fast now.

 

[ir_cow]

I have the ASUS Z690 TUF on hand. Can't get Gear-1 for dual-rank above 3600 to work or even boot. I think there is still work to be done on the BIOS side of things. I wouldn't expect 2x16GB 4000 to boot either. Single-sided - DDR4-5000 is no problem

I think it's best to stick to 3600 for now unless you really have the time to play around with the CPU voltages.

 

[15th Warlock]

I have the ASUS Z690 TUF on hand. Can't get Gear-1 for dual-rank above 3600 to work or even boot. I think there is still work to be done on the BIOS side of things. I wouldn't expect 2x16GB 4000 to boot either. Single-sided - DDR4-5000 is no problem

I think it's best to stick to 3600 for now unless you really have the time to play around with the CPU voltages.

Thank you, yes, I'm still trying to figure put this whole gear ratio thing, for now, I'll stick to the kit I have, how did you get 3600 to work in gear 1?

 

[ir_cow]

Thank you, yes, I'm still trying to figure put this whole gear ratio thing, for now, I'll stick to the kit I have, how did you get 3600 to work in gear 1?

I'll let other folk continue the never ending debate if a 1:1 ratio is beneficial outside of benchmarking. Depends on your prospective I think.

Anyways it has been about 2 weeks since I used DDR4 on Alder Lake. Forgive me if I'm wrong about my settings. I believe all I needed to do was A few steps

1: Either use a XMP 3600 profile or manually set the frequency
2: Raise the VCCSA to 1.25
3: Set the ratio to 1:2
4: go into timings and set Command Rate to 2T
5: Save and boot
6: If it boots go back and set the ratio to 1:1
7: Continue tweaking the values and testing after each major change. If all goes well you should have dual-rank dimms running at 3600 1:1 Ratio and 1T.

I'll need to retest some memory configurations, but I don't remember being able to post above 3600 on the Alder Lake with dual-rank. It could be the MB holding it back. Not sure yet.

 

[15th Warlock]

I'll let other folk continue the never ending debate if a 1:1 ratio is beneficial outside of benchmarking. Depends on your prospective I think.

Anyways it has been about 2 weeks since I used DDR4 on Alder Lake. Forgive me if I'm wrong about my settings. I believe all I needed to do was A few steps

1: Either use a XMP 3600 profile or manually set the frequency
2: Raise the VCCSA to 1.25
3: Set the ratio to 1:2
4: go into timings and set Command Rate to 2T
5: Save and boot
6: If it boots go back and set the ratio to 1:1
7: Continue tweaking the values and testing after each major change. If all goes well you should have dual-rank dimms running at 3600 1:1 Ratio and 1T.

I'll need to retest some memory configurations, but I don't remember being able to post above 3600 on the Alder Lake with dual-rank. It could be the MB holding it back. Not sure yet.

Thank you so much for the step by step guide, I’ll try it as soon as I can an post the results, I will also check for any new bios updates for my mobo that may help with this endeavor.

Like you said, it might not be even that beneficial to run in gear 1, but it’s worth a try, thank you again!!

 

[mrthanhnguyen]

Thank you so much for the step by step guide, I’ll try it as soon as I can an post the results, I will also check for any new bios updates for my mobo that may help with this endeavor.

Like you said, it might not be even that beneficial to run in gear 1, but it’s worth a try, thank you again!!

Gear 1 is better for gaming coz it has low latency.

 

[ir_cow]

@15th Warlock You may be able to lower the System Agent down to 1.2V once all is said and done.

You can also try everything on auto, enable the XMP if you have 3600 memory. After it boots it would automatically be at gear 2 / 2T. Most do this for compatibility, but a few will change the values to the best it thinks is possible. Worth a shot.

 

[15th Warlock]

@15th Warlock You may be able to lower the System Agent down to 1.2V once all is said and done.

You can also try everything on auto, enable the XMP if you have 3600 memory. After it boots it would automatically be at gear 2 / 2T. Most do this for compatibility, but a few will change the values to the best it thinks is possible. Worth a shot.

Hi! I followed your instructions to the letter, and set the ratio to 1:2, booted fine, then went back into the bios, set the ratio to 1:1 and 1T using the XMP II profile.

My system booted with no issues, gotta add, before trying this I downloaded the the latest bios released a few days ago, 0707. Out of the box my board had bios 0404 installed in it, released back in August.

So far the system is running fine, no stability issues, how can I confirm I'm running in gear 1?

Thank you again for your help!

 

[ir_cow]

So far the system is running fine, no stability issues, how can I confirm I'm running in gear 1?

Easiest way inside windows is to download CPU-Z . Lots of other programs show this as well. The image I have shown isn't dual-rank kit, but you can see the Command Rate of 1T.

Since you have successfully booted I would just run MemTest64 to be sure it is all stable. Also lower the SA voltage to 1.2V and see if it works as well. No need to pump more voltage in if you don't need it.