Noob question about RAM speed vs CPU vcore

[Carsomyr]

If I overclock my memory, will I need to adjust the CPU voltage?

I know that I'll need to adjust the ram voltage, but what about the CPU voltage?

 

[dirtyferret]

You don't need to adjust CPU voltage.

You only play around with CPU voltage when you OC the CPU itself, are trying to lower temps, or for some reason the CPU because unstable due to voltage (typically because you are playing around with it).

 

[robot zombie]

No hard and fast rule there... often with higher speeds there comes greater demand on the CPU-side. Much more so with heavy CPU overclocks. Often you can leave it be, but sometimes it needs a stop or two. Just depends on the CPU. I've had it make all of the difference with Ryzen machines. Never had to with intel.

If you have the headroom you can always go up just a tick or two... but generally you leave it for when other adjustments fail.

 

[londiste]

Isn't memory controller usually a separate voltage plane, AMD's SOC or Intel's uncore voltage?

 

[robot zombie]

Isn't memory controller usually a separate voltage plane, AMD's SOC or Intel's uncore voltage?

Mhm, but ultimately it's all tied together. I'm not sure what the specifics are but there's not nothing to it. Even the Ryzen timing calc will say to increase CPU voltage for certain setups.

 

[Kapone33]

The only time that what you are thinking happens is when you OC the BCLK in BIOS that have that support.

 

[FinneousPJ]

Yeah you might have to increase the memory controller voltage but not the core voltage.

 

[EarthDog]

If I overclock my memory, will I need to adjust the CPU voltage?

No. In the same way adjusting the brakes on your car won't affect the AC.

SOC voltage (IMC controller voltage), maybe... but not Vcore, no. At least not in my experience up to DDR4 4000 and Zen 2/Ryzen 3000 anyway I was able to run a maxed out 4.25GHz and DDR4 4000 without voltage adjustments. I OC'd the CPU first, then the memory. This was across 4 boards.