MSI Z97 G45 Motherboard (CPU / RAM PROBLEM)

Question

Hey guys! I recently built my first PC and need some help! I'll list my setup before elaborating.
Case = NZXT H440 Black/Red
MOBO = MSI Z97 G45
CPU = i7 4790k
RAM = TridentX 2400 (16GB)
PSU = Corsair AX 760 Platinum
GPU = MSI GTX 970
SSD = Samsung Pro 850
Okay so basically after I finished the build and fired it up everything worked GREAT! But, I realized the DRAM was only running at 1333 mhz by default. I did a little research and read that you're suppose to enable XMP Profile 1 on this MSI MOBO in order to achieve the 2400 mhz this memory offers - so that's what I did! However, this caused the CPU to overheat! Apparently XMP overclocks the CPU as well? Bad! I'm on stock cooling. It took me forever to figure out that it was the XMP that was causing the overheating too.
How can I achieve 2400 mhz WITHOUT overclocking the CPU and frying my PC? Why do I have to overclock at all? The ram is sold as 2400 and suppose to be compatible with my motherboard, processor, etc.
Please help!

Answer 1

Quote from: badboy2k on 11-March-15, 18:36:20
Memory speed is down to how your computers CPU's Memory controller handles the higher frequancy and if the CPU sees that the IMC is suddenly loosing a hold it will boost up the Voltage on the IMC (More voltage = More Heat) its a total shot in the dark that any CPU can use above its listed memory speed without needing more voltage to be stable!
your CPU's IMC will be overtaxed by running at 2400 so the voltage is increased to use that as the speed is at 150% what the IMC was rated at (1333/1600Mhz)
for your 4790k
Memory Specifications
Max Memory Size (dependent on memory type)    32 GB
Memory Types    DDR3 1333/1600
Max # of Memory Channels    2
Max Memory Bandwidth    25.6 GB/s
ECC Memory Supported ‡ No
if i was you its always a good idea to get a aftermarket cooler as the intel stock ones are very poor and are just barely enougth so the best thing to do is get a better one (e.g. a Coolermaster Hyper 212) that has a higher cooling capacity for not that much money!
that ram is putting 150% its design load on the IMC so it will be generating more heat then it was meant for so you need better cooling if your running those high OC memory sticks!
So what happens if I turn up the frequency to 2400 mhz without using the XMP profiles? Will the CPU still overclock? I know the memory needs more voltage at higher frequency, but what about CPU? Sorry I'm new to all this it's a lot to take in.