RAM Timings

[Mitternacht]

I guess this would be the best place to put this since there isnt a ram section...

I got a RAM upgrade for my computer; Patriot Viper RAM. At 800 Mhz and 2.3 volts, the timings should be 3-4-3-8. But when I run CPU-Z, it says 5-5-5-16.

Is there something I'm missing here? What do I gotta do to make those timings 3-4-3-8? (btw, my motherboard is an MSI K9A Platinum)

[NightrainSrt4]

Alot of motherboards don't set the lower latency ram to the correct settings, most tend to hover around that 5-5-5 point.

You have to go into your bios and set the memory timings and voltage manually. Each motherboard is different so giving exact things is difficult as I don't have any experience with that board.

Basically you want to set timings and such to manual and set the timings to the recommended timings from the manufacturer. Most motherboards also set the ram to 1.8V so your going to have to up the voltage manually as well. Hopefully your board supports ram up to 2.3V, as my old board only went to 2.1V...if you can't get the voltage up to 2.3V then you probably aren't going to get those timings, so you may have to settle with something along the lines of 4-4-4-12 or something similar.

Go check out your bios and tell me whats up. Hope that helps.

Edit: Looking up info for your board it seems it supports 2.3V memory voltage, so set it to that and then set your timings and you should be set.

[Mitternacht]

WEll I did set it to 2.3 Volts.

I'll just take another look at the BIOS then.

[NightrainSrt4]

You have to set the voltage AND the timings. You just needed the voltage to be able to be stable at those timings.

[agrocm]

i thought this would be a good place to put this topic i plan to update my old system slowy and thought to start id update teh ram the things in my old board gigabyte something goes to 667mhz on teh ram and the new evga 680i boards supports 800mhz and higher if i buy 800mhz ram and put it in my 667mhz mother board whatw ill happen will it just run at 667mhz or will it not run at all cheers

[NightrainSrt4]

Some motherboards can be pretty picky about ram (read: Asus. lol but among others as well). But in most cases the ram will work in the board, it will just run at the highest speed the motherboard allows, so in your case, 667mhz.

If your board has overclocking options you may be able to overclock the board to get the memory up to 800mhz, but in your case I would probably stick to the lower speed if your not comfortable playing around with an overclock :)

[J-Roc]

I'm in a bit of a pickle here. I checked my ram and it seems to be throttled back to 775mhz insted of 800. I've played around in the bios of my old computer and setting timmings was rather easy. This new board has me scratching my head. There are so many options that i had to come and ask for help.

First off, i have CL4-4-4-12 800mhz modules running at 5-5-5-15 775mhz.

in my bios' north bridge controler menu i have 3 items. First off is "Memory Remap Feature" available settings are disable & enable. Currently set to disable.

Second is "configure by SPD" or somthing like that, i didnt write that one down for some reason.. options are auto and manual, it was set to auto.

Selecting manual brings up the fallowing:
CAS# 5
RAS# to CAS# 6
RAS# Precharge 6
RAS# Activate to Precha 15
Write Recovery Time 6
TRFC 42
TRRD 10
Rank Write To Read Delay 10
Read To Precharge Delay 10
Write To Precharge Delay 11

Last option is "Static Read Control" options are Disable, Auto, Fast, and Faster.

What do i have to change to get my ram to its full potential?

[Spawn-Inc]

I'm in a bit of a pickle here. I checked my ram and it seems to be throttled back to 775mhz insted of 800. I've played around in the bios of my old computer and setting timmings was rather easy. This new board has me scratching my head. There are so many options that i had to come and ask for help.

First off, i have CL4-4-4-12 800mhz modules running at 5-5-5-15 775mhz.

in my bios' north bridge controler menu i have 3 items. First off is "Memory Remap Feature" available settings are disable & enable. Currently set to disable.

Second is "configure by SPD" or somthing like that, i didnt write that one down for some reason.. options are auto and manual, it was set to auto.

Selecting manual brings up the fallowing:
CAS# 5
RAS# to CAS# 6
RAS# Precharge 6
RAS# Activate to Precha 15
Write Recovery Time 6
TRFC 42
TRRD 10
Rank Write To Read Delay 10
Read To Precharge Delay 10
Write To Precharge Delay 11

Last option is "Static Read Control" options are Disable, Auto, Fast, and Faster.

What do i have to change to get my ram to its full potential?

configure by SPD go to that and change it to manual, change the first 4 to 4-4-4-12 then go to the voltages and make sure its at what voltage the ram is able to run those at. (i believe cpu-z will show it in the "timing tables")
here is what that looks like.
http://images.tomshardware.com/2006/07/28/shuttle_xpc_sn27p2/shuttle-am2-cpuz5.gif

then you need to find out where you change the mhz and set it so the ram runs a 800MHz

[J-Roc]

ok, im really stumped by this. After taking a close look at CPU-z, it appears that i have PC2-5300 running at 387.5mhz at 5-5-5-15. Now im not stupid, i know i have PC2-6400 ram. The timming table in cpu-z is missleading, at least to me. Maybe its malfunctioning? Here are some screens...

http://www.l2d-clan.net/cpuz1.gif
http://www.l2d-clan.net/cpuz2.gif

Am i also to believe that "TRC" in the cpu-z tables is the same "TRFC" in my bios? If so, would correcting the close to 20 point diffrence straighten things out?

Also, should a manually set the voltage on the dimms or will the auto function keep up with the timmings. Im just askin because im not sure what thies modules are rated at.

[Spawn-Inc]

according to cpu-z you do have pc5300 not 6400, i would take the ram out and check the label.

here are my screen shots for mine, not sure it matters but i figure i would through it out there. i notice on yours its v 1.40.5, mine is v 1.42, maybe thats why its listing it wrong assuming it is pc6400. anyway i'm sure with a bit of ocing you can get your sticks running at pc 6400 settings, you might have to have loosen the timings though.

http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/8827/ramsettingsul4.jpg

[Outlaw]

I need to try a little more voltage on mine. DDR2 1066 (PC2-8500) Running 1:1 with FSB. Typical timing is 5-5-4-12, but at 2.35v I can get it to run xp at 4-4-4-12 but Steam crashes randomly on me.

[NightrainSrt4]

Outlaw, ya you can try pumping up the voltage to see if that helps stability. If you want to test your memory I would make a floppy for memtest86. Run that for a while and it will tell you if your ram is throwing any errors.

[J-Roc]

Allright. I changed the timmings to 4-4-4-12. Then i updated cpu-z cuz i seen it was out dated :). It now shows the freq at 400mhz. I dont know why it still shows pc2-5300, i know what i bought and im looking at the package the ram came in. It is 6400...

A few more things here concern me. I need to find the corresponding tRAS & tRC values in my bios. And also, is there a way to disable the clock syncro from cpu & ram? I undid my cpu OC because it was pushing the ram to over 900mhz. Should i manually set the ram voltages or leave it auto?

[Spawn-Inc]

i'm not suer if your bios has it but mine can be auto, linked, unlinked. i have mine set at unlinked so my ram is a bit slower.


FSB and Memory Clock Mode
Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the FSB and
Memory Clock Mode options. The options are:
�� Auto
This is the optimal setting since it sets the FSB and memory speeds
automatically.
�� Linked
When Link is selected, FSB (QDR), MHz is changed to editable and
the FSB speed can be entered manually. As the FSB speed is changed,
CPU Freq, MHz changes proportionally.
�� Unlinked
When Unlink is selected, FSB (QDR), MHz and MEM (DDR), MHz
are changed to editable and the FSB and memory speeds can be entered
manually. As the FSB speed is changed, CPU Freq, MHz changes
proportionally


have you taken the ram out and looked at the label? maybe they put the wrong ram in the package and or you've been had.

as for the tRAS & tRC values those should be in with the other ram timings, here is a screen shot from my manual.

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/7296/timingsql5.jpg


i am downloading the manual for your motherboard and will have a look through the bios to see whats what.

[J-Roc]

I am 100% on the ram. Unless thoes sneeky arseholes at ncix changed the labels on the ram and packaging. I bought 2 dual channel kits for myself and 2 more for a build i did for a buddy. All lables, packagin and ncix description state it is pc2-6400.

The only option that "speaks" to me for the clock syncro is "Spread Spectrum" (allows you to enable or disable the clock generator spread spectrum. Options: disable, enable, auto)


Could it be in the cpu configuration?. I know im asking a lot here, and i do appreciate your time and effort with helping me with this.

What is C1E and should it be enabled or disabled?

Inter Speedstep Tech, im not positive but i believe this function acts like ASUS N.O.S. but changes my cpu multiplier depending on system load. I have it enabled but i think i would see better performance if i turned it off. I can see in the ASUS program that my multiplier is at 6 but if i open a program it jumps to 7 for a short period.

[Spawn-Inc]

ya np on the helping thats why i go here for the most part :)

the C1E runs a lower multi when the computer is idle so it uses less power and saves energy. i have my at the default (enabled) so it's up to you if you want it on or not.

C1E Enhanced Halt State
Enabled, this function reduces the CPU power consumption when the CPU
is idle. Idle occurs when the operating system issues a halt instruction.

g2g right now so i will answer the other stuff when i get back.

[Outlaw]

Outlaw, ya you can try pumping up the voltage to see if that helps stability. If you want to test your memory I would make a floppy for memtest86. Run that for a while and it will tell you if your ram is throwing any errors.


I did. It is at 2.375 (just one bump up) and it ran stable for a few hrs playing CS:S. I dont own any floppies and a pc that has a floppy is in my trunk. :D


Allright. I changed the timmings to 4-4-4-12. Then i updated cpu-z cuz i seen it was out dated :). It now shows the freq at 400mhz. I dont know why it still shows pc2-5300, i know what i bought and im looking at the package the ram came in. It is 6400...

If it makes you feel better. I have PC2-8500 and CPU-Z shows it at PC2-6400(Max Bandwidth). The model# in CPU-Z matches the model I bought off of Newegg though which is PC2-8500.

[Spawn-Inc]

^interesting, sounds like a problem with cpuz.


as for you jroc i can't find anything in the asus manual, also its a different bios layout, the one that i hate so i'm not sure if i missed it or not.

[Outlaw]

I donno.... I did Sandra 2007 and it shows max bandwidth at 6400 also. And again the model#'s match.

[NightrainSrt4]

To Outlaw: Glad they are running a little more stable now. Just watch out for heat and make sure you have good airflow in your case and around that area.

Heres a link that was given to me by one of the guys on the forum in another thread. No credit for it from me, but has just about everything you need/want and bootable off a cd. Ultimate boot cd (http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/)


As for J-Roc. I don't think you can run your board unlinked as I didn't think the P965 allowed that. Spawn can run his unlinked because it is allowed on the 680i chipset. The 965 chipset is the predecessor of the P35, which the P35 doesn't let you unlink so I doubt the 965 would either. Just set your ram to the "lowest"(<- not the right word here but I can't think of another description.) multiplier/ratio so it starts before the overclock with a lower speed. So before you overclock get the ram to like 533Mhz instead of 800Mhz and then to your overclock, to get the most out of it and your ram.

My system, I lowered the ram from 800Mhz to 533Mhz(266) which is 1:1 compared to the fsb at stock(266Mhz quad pumped to 1066Mhz for e6300) . Then I overclocked the fsb up to 475Mhz(1900Mhz), so my ram running 1:1 in the end at 950Mhz(475Mhz) and the cpu running at 3.325Ghz(475*7).

Ya its a lot of math, but if you want to learn the ins and outs of overclocking your cpu and ram and such its best just to sit down and learn it.

[Outlaw]

I don't think I will have to watch out for th heat on the memory, they have heatsinks on them and the voltage is only .025v more then stock ratings. My case has 3 120MM 5000RPM fans pushing 113CFM each (2 in the middle pulling from the front as intake and 1 in the rear for exhaust), plus my PSU and gfx card fans (exhaust).

Mine is running at stock speed with lowered timing and a hair more voltage. I personally wouldn't consider that an overclock. Or is the definition of overclock to change from default settings?

Running E6600 at default specs with a 1:1 ratio on the memory. Default memory is 5-5-4-12 at 2v-2.35v at 1066Mhz, currently running at 4-4-4-12 at 2.375v at 1066Mhz. I understand that lower is better for timing (but I'm a noob to overclocking if you can call it that) and wondering if this is good timings for that speed?

[J-Roc]

As for J-Roc. I don't think you can run your board unlinked as I didn't think the P965 allowed that. Spawn can run his unlinked because it is allowed on the 680i chipset. The 965 chipset is the predecessor of the P35, which the P35 doesn't let you unlink so I doubt the 965 would either. Just set your ram to the "lowest"(<- not the right word here but I can't think of another description.) multiplier/ratio so it starts before the overclock with a lower speed. So before you overclock get the ram to like 533Mhz instead of 800Mhz and then to your overclock, to get the most out of it and your ram.

My system, I lowered the ram from 800Mhz to 533Mhz(266) which is 1:1 compared to the fsb at stock(266Mhz quad pumped to 1066Mhz for e6300) . Then I overclocked the fsb up to 475Mhz(1900Mhz), so my ram running 1:1 in the end at 950Mhz(475Mhz) and the cpu running at 3.325Ghz(475*7).

Ya its a lot of math, but if you want to learn the ins and outs of overclocking your cpu and ram and such its best just to sit down and learn it.


Yeah i got a good perspective for stock settings but i havent overclocked much and this board is supposed to be pretty good for that. I was just confused at the options in my bios. Its strange, the manual isnt much help at all. There are options in the bios that arent in the manual.

As for the overclock, i was trying to up & up when it seems i should be going down & up. I will try to lower the ram speed, i think there is a 700mhz option. If it works, i should be able to go past 2.3Ghz. If i lower the ram speed should i be concerned about the timmings, should i tighten, loosen, or keep the same?

On a final note, while tweeking lastnight i brought the ram to 850mhz, it POST'd fine but windows wouldnt load. I just chalked it up to being that the ram cant go that high. Im not sure though.

[J-Roc]

Sorry for a double post.

I did night's trick and lowered the ram and upped the FSB. Worked like a charm, didnt freeze up on me once. The ram is back at 800mhz but thats fine because i tighened the timmings so there should be some gain from the original settings, 5-5-5-15 76*Mhz. This is also the highest i've ever overclocked.

Humm. as i am writing this, somthing strange is happening. I had set the cpu to 400. When i started the system, it seemed stable at 2,8Ghz. Now the cpu is fluctuating(?) up to 528!!! Says its at 3.6Ghz FSB:2065mhz. I'd better lower it down a bit. BRB.

----------

Man, did i ever hijack this thread :) sorry Mitternacht.

Ok, i think i've stabilized it. I turned on C1E to help throttle it back once and a while. I ran 3Dmark cpu tests just to see if i was in the danger zone for heat. It never topped 125F 51c. I think with a new cpu block and some arctic5 i could lower thoes temps but i think that well within the norm. Ram is now at 840mhz which was unstable before.

I hope i dont have any future problems. You guys ROC! +reps all around.

I'll update my sig so you can see all the settings.

[D1337]

I did. It is at 2.375 (just one bump up) and it ran stable for a few hrs playing CS:S. I dont own any floppies and a pc that has a floppy is in my trunk. :D



If it makes you feel better. I have PC2-8500 and CPU-Z shows it at PC2-6400(Max Bandwidth). The model# in CPU-Z matches the model I bought off of Newegg though which is PC2-8500.

Dont worry, I have the exact same ram, and it comes up the same D:

[J-Roc]

Oh, on that note, my ram came up as 5300 in POST. It seems very strange to me because im using the recomended ram for my mobo. Check your POST's, i bet it says the lower speed too.

[Outlaw]

Good to know it's not just us then D1337. J-Roc, I'll have to look at that. I've never payed attention to where it says, if it says it on mine. I know it comes up showing fsb, memory timing and speed, but I don't recall seeing the actual PC2-xxxx. I am using a recommended brand. It supports the speed but the website didn't have it listed.

[NightrainSrt4]

Glad things are working out for you guys. Tried to help where I could.

To Outlaw: I know your only a bit above the recommended voltage, I was just saying to make sure you have good airflow, which it looks like you do. DDR2 baseline voltage is 1.8V if I believe. Higher clocked ram, and ram with lower timings needed the higher voltage, hence the stock 2.3V that the manufacturer recommends to be stable. These sticks that want higher voltage generally run a bit hotter than those at 1.8V, so just reminding you to keep a watch on your airflow. But your doing a good job. :up:

I never really pay attention to what CPU-z or others tell me. Granted its been a while since ive looked. I just know what they were at stock settings, and can calculate the speed by the numbers, so ive never looked in one of those programs to see what they are coming up as. Good eyes to you guys for noticing something was off in your systems :p