FreeSync 1 Monitor also,
see before with my X99 build i didn't buy higher end performance ram and honestly didn't even use XMP, so i was literally running 2133 MHz, so with this build i went out of my way to buy higher end memory with good timings
interesting thing is even at 2133 MHz I was pretty much a happy camper and none the wiser... didn't even know what XMP was to be honest, if i'm being honest... i'm not really into overclocking so i left those settings alone until now
As a relatively newcomer to Ryzen and ram overclocking myself (1yr) here are some thoughts based on my experiences over the year and what you have shared with us...
- If your not really into OC then when you get your replacement kit retry XMP, test it for stability using varying means (as you now have a grasp on it), and if no issues simply enjoy using your PC.
- If your not having any performance issues with your games, and your not really into chasing performance numbers, then simply enjoy using your PC - it's beefy - enjoy the beef.
- Beware of BIOS/UEFI updates as they can potentially bork your memory OC (this includes with XMP too) My advice here is if you do BIOS/UEFI update (reflash) for some reason then retest ram and for stability. I'm willing to bet AMD might push out at least one more AGESA update after 3950x settles a bit now that it is out in the wild and vendors begin to deal with compatibility and performance issues.
Genral Ryzen Tips
- Do not install with Windows 10 version 17.xx it may be unstable as hell even if you manage to get it to update. Instead use the newest Windows 10 USB stick image installation. Minimally version 18.09.
- Ryzen CPU all-core OC is generally not worth it. (there will be differences of public opinion on this for sure)
- Ryzen CPU CCX overclocking however is an interesting subject with the potential to run fewer cores at higher clocks while others run a lower clocks. If your a gamer and you need a bit higher frequency but not so many cores this may be an interesting subject for you.
- It's a good idea retest your memory OC if you do OC your CPU. The stability of CPU OC may effect the stability of the RAM OC.
- PBO is kind of useless don't bother with it.
- Update Windows to more recent version 19.xx so it works better with your CPU. One of these days MS will figure out how to optimize for the CPU properly.
- Update chipset drivers and keep an eye out for chipset driver updates that may improve your CPU usage.
- Window Power plan. There are two for Ryzen (balanced and high performance) when you install the chipset drivers. I believe there is also one out there for installation separately by the guy that brought us Dram Calculator for Ryzen that may be more optimized. Haven't had a chance to try it yet.
- Programs like iCue and Steam (probably some others too) have some not-so-optimal behavior that may stop your CPU cores from boosting to their peak values. You can force them to run on specific cores with software, simple OS commands, or even via task manager, so they won't interfere with the cores you want to use for gaming.
- Prior to the AGESA ABBA update I found turning off the preferred cores option in bios had improved clock boosting on all cores. This situation may have changed now AGESA 1.0.0.4 patch B is being rolled out to vendors. Also I don't have much corroboration or feedback on the effect of turning off preferred cores but you can observe the effect in HWiNFO64 and make the determination yourself if it looks like turning off this option improves your boosting frequencies for all your cores overall. Cinebench R15 and R20 may also show improved scores as it did in my case.