Since RAM is one of the most important PC components, you need to select the right memory module, as it is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and stability. Corsair Vengeance memory modules have earned a solid reputation for their reliability and high-quality design, making them a popular choice among PC builders.
Available in various iterations, such as LPX and RGB, these modules cater to diverse preferences regarding aesthetics and performance capabilities.
In this article, I will explore the compatibility of the Corsair Vengeance series with AMD motherboards and explore the benefits of pairing these memory modules with AMD processors and motherboards.
Does Corsair Vengeance work with AMD?
We all know that before buying RAM for your motherboard, you have to look at compatibility factors such as RAM type, memory speed, capacity, configuration, etc. If some of these factors are incompatible, do not buy that RAM. Now, the Corsair Vengeance comes in a variety of different models, which are denoted by an SKU.
From experience, the most crucial part when choosing the RAM for your mobo is to match the DDR type. For instance, if your mobo supports DDR4, you simply have to buy DDR4 RAM. The same goes for DDR5. RAM brand is rarely the issue.
If you simply go to some popular sites to check RAM compatibilities, like PC Part Picker and Pangoly, you will see that it Corsair Vengeance works with AMD. Also, most people on forums say that they have no problem with AMD.
However, some do.
Some people reported having to drop the speed. For instance, I know a guy who has a B450 Tomahawk, and it is known to work with some versions of Corsair Vengeance but not all. He actually bought that RAM, and then he had to underclock it from 3600 to 3466 due to some weird errors.
On the other hand, one guy reported having no problems on his 5900x with two sets of 64GB RGB Vengeance for 128GB running at 3600MHz DOCP. As we can see, this guy built a nice gaming PC with ROG Strix x570, Ryzen 7 3800X, and Corsair Vengeance RGB 32GB. The other one got the same RAM and mob but only with a different CPU (Ryzen 9 3900x).
If you are still not sure, Corsair actually made some “premium” Vengeance models that are specifically optimized for AMD. To be honest, I am not sure they are worth the extra money. This had more sense in the first/second gen Ryzen, which were ridiculously picky about RAM.
These models are basically tested and maybe adjusted some sub-timings for best compatibility. In other words, it means that this RAM was verified on their approved list.
This is why before you click the buy button, visit your motherboard manufacturer’s site and check the compatibility. You will see that sometimes RAM modules you think are compatible with each other are not. However, in most cases, your RAM will still work, you will just have to tweak some things.
Make sure XMP/DOCP is enabled
Note that if you notice a lower RAM speed than advertised, you should go into BIOS and enable DOCP. Enabling DOCP in the BIOS is generally straightforward, but the process may vary slightly depending on your motherboard manufacturer and BIOS version. Usually, you will find DOCP on Asus boards while on Gigabyte it will say EOCP, which is basically the same thing.
Here are the steps:
Power on your system and enter the BIOS/UEFI
Restart your computer or turn it on if it’s powered off.
Press the appropriate key to enter the BIOS/UEFI during the startup process. This key is usually displayed on the screen during the initial boot process and is typically one of the following: Del, F2, F10, or F12. Locate the memory settings
Once you’re in the BIOS/UEFI, navigate to the advanced settings or overclocking settings menu. This menu could be named differently depending on your motherboard, such as “AI Tweaker,” “OC Tweaker,” “Advanced Frequency Settings,” or “Advanced Memory Settings.”
Consult your motherboard’s manual if you are having difficulty finding the appropriate menu.
Enable DOCP
In the memory settings menu, locate the DOCP or memory profile option. This setting might be labeled as “DRAM Profile,” “Memory Profile,” or “XMP/DOCP.”
Select the DOCP option and choose the appropriate DOCP profile from the available options. RAM modules with DOCP support usually come with one or more predefined profiles that specify the memory speed, timings, and voltage settings.
If multiple profiles are available, choose the one that best matches your desired performance and stability level.
Save changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI
Once you have enabled the DOCP profile, navigate to the “Exit” or “Save & Exit” menu in the BIOS/UEFI.
Choose the option to save your settings and exit, typically labeled as “Save Changes and Reset” or similar. Your computer will restart and apply the DOCP settings.
Why do some RAM modules not work efficiently with AMD?
After some reading, I concluded there are 5 reasons:
- Infinity Fabric and memory speeds
AMD’s Ryzen processors use an interconnect technology called Infinity Fabric, which links various parts of the CPU, including the memory controller. The speed of Infinity Fabric is directly tied to memory speed. As a result, Ryzen processors tend to benefit more from higher memory speeds. Some RAM modules with lower speeds might not provide optimal performance in an AMD system.
- Memory timings and compatibility
Ryzen processors can be sensitive to memory timings, and certain RAM modules with looser timings may not work as efficiently or may cause system instability. Some modules, especially those optimized for Intel platforms, may not have the ideal timings for AMD systems.
- XMP/DOCP profiles
As mentioned earlier, RAM modules may come with XMP (Intel) or DOCP (AMD) profiles for easy overclocking. Some RAM modules with XMP profiles designed for Intel platforms may not work optimally with AMD systems without manually adjusting the memory settings.
- Dual-rank and single-rank modules
Ryzen processors work better with single-rank memory modules than dual-rank ones. Dual-rank modules can sometimes limit the maximum memory speed or may require looser timings to maintain stability.
- BIOS/UEFI updates
The compatibility of RAM modules with AMD CPUs can sometimes depend on the motherboard’s BIOS/UEFI version. Early Ryzen processors, in particular, faced several memory compatibility issues that were later resolved through BIOS updates. It is crucial to keep the motherboard’s BIOS/UEFI up-to-date to ensure optimal memory compatibility and performance.
I also noticed that some older DDR4 kits might need 1.4V instead of the standard 1.35 to run well with Ryzen CPUs, so keep that in mind if you have something like that.
What about Vengeance DDR5?
The same thing applies to all DDR4 models. In fact, from what I understood, things are even more optimized for AMD, especially with AMDs EXPO technology.
AMD EXPO technology is essentially a memory profile tailored specifically for the x670/650 chipset, offering precise settings to optimize performance. While you can certainly utilize non-EXPO rated modules, the XMP settings might not be as finely tuned as those found in EXPO profiles.
However, if you possess the expertise and prefer to manually fine-tune your memory for peak performance, the EXPO profile may not be as crucial except for reference or comparison purposes.
It’s important to note that there will be a noticeable difference in performance between stock settings and rated speeds. Nonetheless, for most home users, this difference may only translate to microseconds in everyday tasks or a marginal increase in frames per second (fps) in gaming scenarios.
All in all, in the vast majority of cases, Corsair Vengeance DDR5 will work just fine with AMD processors.