P.S. I'm using BIOS 3.3

PetrolHead wrote: I'm running my G.Skill Trident Z kit (Samsung B-die) at 3200 MHz using the XMP timings for 3466 MHz. I've tried tightening the timings, but either the system becomes unstable or the gains are very small, so it's just easier to use the XMP timings. My computer does boot at 3333 MHz, but it's not stable using the XMP timings and I've been too lazy to test if loosening the timings would help. P.S. I'm using BIOS 3.3

I'm on P4.70. Shouldn't you update your BIOS?

I've been trying to get my Patriot Vipers 16GB (2x8GB) 3000MHz memory kit to run @ 2933MHz and it only works for very short periods of time. Way too unstable. I'm not sure why. It was even listed on ASRocks QVL for Raven Ridge. Although there was a caveat. Even though the model # is on the QVL list they followed it up with another number in parentheses (11BF2). So, it's kind of funny that while my model number is on the QVL list I still don't get the supported 2933MHz speeds. It's not so funny actually.

I've been reading/learning that "Ryzen likes Samsung B-die". Okay, whatever. So now that we are learning that as a group, how can I know for sure when I make my next DDR4 memory purchase that I'm getting those special "Samsung B-die"'s on my memory sticks? Is it easy to figure out from the listing or is this something you gotta put a lot more time and effort into before buying the memory kit?

It is generally not recommended to update the BIOS if the system is working properly. Mine is. The newest version is not always the best for all systems, so even though there's a theoretical chance a newer BIOS version would make it possible for me to (for example) use tighter timings, there's also a chance that I wouldn't be able to achieve the overclock level I am at now. There's also a chance that new issues would appear - and there's always a non-zero chance of bricking the board during BIOS update. So, even though I always updated the BIOS to the newest available version on my previous system and had no issues, this time around I'm trying to stick with what works.

I've been trying to get my Patriot Vipers 16GB (2x8GB) 3000MHz memory kit to run @ 2933MHz and it only works for very short periods of time. Way too unstable. I'm not sure why. It was even listed on ASRocks QVL for Raven Ridge. Although there was a caveat. Even though the model # is on the QVL list they followed it up with another number in parentheses (11BF2). So, it's kind of funny that while my model number is on the QVL list I still don't get the supported 2933MHz speeds. It's not so funny actually.

Anything over 2667 MHz is an overclock and not guaranteed, not even if the memory is on the QVL list. This is also stated in the QVL list. The achievable speeds depend on a number of things, such as the CPU's memory controller and the memory modules themselves, so it's unfortunately a bit of a lottery even when you do everything "by the book". It's also a lottery with Intel, but they've had more time with DDR4 and have more money to throw at issues than AMD, so the overall support is a lot better.

I've been reading/learning that "Ryzen likes Samsung B-die". Okay, whatever. So now that we are learning that as a group, how can I know for sure when I make my next DDR4 memory purchase that I'm getting those special "Samsung B-die"'s on my memory sticks? Is it easy to figure out from the listing or is this something you gotta put a lot more time and effort into before buying the memory kit?

I'm not sure if there's any way of being certain before you actually buy the modules. When I was buying my RAM, I used this list:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Amd/comments/62vp2g/clearing_up_any_samsung_bdie_confusion_eg_on/

However, I wouldn't assume this (or any other) list to be 100% accurate, since it's not unthinkable that a manufacturer would use dies from various suppliers in a single product line (also, I believe the statement "Do note that Dual Rank RAM is faster than Single Rank. E.g. 2933 MHz Dual Rank is faster than 3200 MHz Single Rank." is actually false). Some information about the dies may be given in the motherboard's memory QVL, but that information is often incomplete. If you have a certain memory kit in mind, it may be worth checking the manufacturer's web page and see if the technical specification of the kit lists the die type.

TL;DR: Unfortunately you probably need to do some digging if you want to know.

I bolded the  part of your statement I have a question about. While ASRock may not be guaranteetng anything above 2667MHz (which would be odd anyway since they are only providing a tool (1 out of 3) in the equation) I would assume that since AMD themselves "officially" support 2933MHz that the memory controller in the CPU's themselves (2200/2400G) would not be part of the "lottery" in the equation. Are you suggesting, in fact, that the MC in the CPU's is a crap shoot when it comes to achieving the "official" highest possible speeds on AMDs new CPUs?

PetrolHead wrote: I'm not sure if there's any way of being certain before you actually buy the modules. When I was buying my RAM, I used this list: https://www.reddit.com/r/Amd/comments/62vp2g/clearing_up_any_samsung_bdie_confusion_eg_on/ However, I wouldn't assume this (or any other) list to be 100% accurate, since it's not unthinkable that a manufacturer would use dies from various suppliers in a single product line (also, I believe the statement "Do note that Dual Rank RAM is faster than Single Rank. E.g. 2933 MHz Dual Rank is faster than 3200 MHz Single Rank." is actually false). Some information about the dies may be given in the motherboard's memory QVL, but that information is often incomplete. If you have a certain memory kit in mind, it may be worth checking the manufacturer's web page and see if the technical specification of the kit lists the die type. TL;DR: Unfortunately you probably need to do some digging if you want to know.

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System: AMD 2200G, ASRock AB350M Pro4, 16GB(2x8GB) 3000MHz Patriot Vipers (running @ 2134MHz *crying*).