RAM Timing Optimization

silentbob17 · Nov 4, 2007, 12:01 AM

Hey, I'm looking for a little help with setting my RAM timings to get the best performance for my particular setup.

I have 4GBs of [OCZ Platinum XTC REV.2 PC2-6400 DDR2-800 CL4-4-4-15 240PIN DIMM] and a [ASUS M2N-E ATX AM2 Nforce 570 Ultra PCI-E16 PCI-E4 2PCI-E1 3PCI SATA RAID Sound GBLAN] motherboard.

CPU-Z tells me that I'm running timings of 5-5-5-15 and 2T. This makes me think that it's not as optimal as it could be. (I will post a screen of my CPUZ when I get home)

Please respond if you are familiar with ASUS BIOS settings for RAM and could give me a hand.

Thanks in advance!

H3X4D3C1M4L · Nov 4, 2007, 02:27 AM

You'll want to manually set them to 4-4-4-12 (Rev. 2 should be 4-4-4-12 not 4-4-4-15, Rev. 1 was 4-5-4-15). If you look in the manual it should tell you how to manually set the RAM timings

silentbob17 · Nov 4, 2007, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H3X4D3C1M4L

You'll want to manually set them to 4-4-4-12 (Rev. 2 should be 4-4-4-12 not 4-4-4-15, Rev. 1 was 4-5-4-15). If you look in the manual it should tell you how to manually set the RAM timings

Ok I managed to change the settings and here is what CPU-Z gives now:

But should I be concerned with tweaking the Bank Cycle Time value or the Command Rate and I also find it strange that the frequency is under 400...

EDIT: Another thing I just checked on is that the OCZ site specifies that it is 4-4-4-15
OCZ Technology | Products | Memory | OCZ DDR2 PC2-6400 Platinum Revision 2 Dual Channel

.

Dyre Straits · Nov 4, 2007, 06:11 AM

Are you overclocking the CPU? If so, I've seen the system cause the RAM to back off from the default 400MHz RAM speed. My own ASUS does this.

.

silentbob17 · Nov 4, 2007, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dyre Straits

Are you overclocking the CPU? If so, I've seen the system cause the RAM to back off from the default 400MHz RAM speed. My own ASUS does this.

.

No I have everything at stock speeds.

Some more info here:
-I have manually set the clock to 800 in BIOS and it's still reporting bellow 400 in CPU-Z (as shown bellow)
-My system hangs (and I have to clear the CMOS) if I set Command Rate to 1T

aNy_oNE · Nov 4, 2007, 07:42 AM

My motherboard does this also; it's an Asus M2N. To get around it I just overclock the CPU until the RAM runs at 400Mhz. (by default the RAM is at 350ish, I have to overclock my CPU by 300Mhz to get it up to the right speed :/)

Also Dyre, in my BIOS you can set the RAM overclocking mode to "Manual", which makes it apply the RAM speed you set regardless of what the final speed will be. (Or, that's how it SHOULD work >_>)

Dyre Straits · Nov 4, 2007, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aNy_oNE

My motherboard does this also; it's an Asus M2N. To get around it I just overclock the CPU until the RAM runs at 400Mhz. (by default the RAM is at 350ish, I have to overclock my CPU by 300Mhz to get it up to the right speed :/)

Also Dyre, in my BIOS you can set the RAM overclocking mode to "Manual", which makes it apply the RAM speed you set regardless of what the final speed will be. (Or, that's how it SHOULD work >_>)

Yes, I'm aware of that very much. In fact, in my BIOS I can set the CPU and RAM speeds to "Unlinked". However, since OC'ing my CPU from 2.66 GHz to 3.15, my RAM has backed off to 797 MHz...or something like that. That's even though it's manually set to 800 MHz.

silentbob17 · Nov 4, 2007, 07:30 PM

So should I tweak the Bank Cycle Timing?

And is it normal for my system to be unable to do 1T?

**kris23** · Nov 4, 2007, 08:50 PM

dont try to do 1T timings with those low end sticks..... it will only end in tears...

silentbob17 · Nov 5, 2007, 03:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kris23

dont try to do 1T timings with those low end sticks..... it will only end in tears...

Well I did and my system hung, so if this is to be expected I won't bother trying again

But what about Bank Cycle Timing?

**kris23** · Nov 5, 2007, 02:58 PM

those arent really important, most people seem to leave them at the default 23, but feel free to check if you want... usually lower is better for RAM timings.

MitchRapp · Nov 6, 2007, 06:58 PM

wow ok.
I've been trying to find a solution to my problem everywhere and it was right here at Driverheaven!

Dude you have the same MB/CPU/RAM as me

Tell me exactly what version of BIOS you're using, what VOLTAGE and your complete BIOS settings please !
I'm having trouble with my system crashing on boot with 4 gigs in it

4 GB 1.8v to 1.95v 5-5-5-15 @ 800mhz = crash
2 GB auto voltage 4-4-4-15 @ 800mhz = great
4GB auto voltage 5-5-5-15 @ 667mhz = ok

I want to have all 4 sticks installed and running at a good speed (667mhz is not cool... i bought 800mhz ram and i want it to run high !)

So what needs to be done (nothing too drastic like OC'ing everything by a lot!)

TELL MEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

**kris23** · Nov 7, 2007, 12:32 AM

what in the world are you doing that makes you need 4 gigs? did you even try to run higher volts? those sticks i think would need at least 2.0v to function....

ChaosMinionX · Nov 7, 2007, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kris23

what in the world are you doing that makes you need 4 gigs? did you even try to run higher volts? those sticks i think would need at least 2.0v to function....

Something you should be including into "The New Beast is Rising" part of your sig is what

OT: What the hell is with all the Razer spam in your new build? Get a real mousepad and go SteelPad, and get a real keyboard and go G15.... Tarantula was a nice start for Razer, but if you want the best for gaming its still going to be the G15 (older blue one is better than the new amber color)

Just as a general answer to all the questions in this post.

1. Most recent motherboards for DDR2 are not designed to run 1T, nor is the ram really binned to do so unless otherwise stated (extraneous situations =680i is able to run 1T, and clocks ram independently of other board settings unlike most boards do but thats another story)

-4GB of RAM puts far more strain on the Northbridge/Memory controller of a Motherboard than 2GB would.

2. My lack of AMD overclocking knowledge and whatnot would prevent me from telling you whats wrong with it right off the bat, and since its AMD the processors themselves use an integrated memory controller (where Intel to date has used a seperate northbridge to control memory)

So that being said you will need to look for an option in BIOS that is responsible for voltage for the Memory Controller (I am not totally sure of how this is handled on AMD platforms) but it will have to be increased incrementally until you can get the system to pass Memtest 86+ (or something of its caliber) or hell just so it doesnt crash if thats all your looking for, but I would go further to make sure its stable and functioning correctly as nonfunctional RAM can lead to a host of other problems from OS corruption, to game/program errors.

If you have any other questions about subtimings/regular timings or anything feel free to post

MitchRapp · Nov 7, 2007, 01:56 PM

I want 4 gigs of ram because I am thinking ahead.
I don't build myself new computers often ... I just built this one last week.... and the one before was in November 2004 I think...

4GB of ram makes me prepared for whatever the hell comes out in the next 3 years... could be games, could be a new OS, could be this and that.

**kris23** · Nov 7, 2007, 02:27 PM

you should've went Intel man....

the NB chip does get stressed so you may have to run the system at higher timings with more volts.....

MitchRapp · Nov 7, 2007, 03:05 PM

I'm basically tired of having to reset the CMOS over and over when the voltage/timings etc... does not agree with me

SilentBob has the same MOBO/CPU/RAM as me so... whatever works for him, should possibly work for me so i need to knoooooooow !

Anyways I can live with 2GB of ram but still... I bought 4GB ... I'd rather use them all instead of selling them or whatever

Info:
Motherboard can only go up to 1.95v DRAM
At default, the RAM is running at 377mhz (DDR750...wtf?)
At default, the Timings are at 5-5-5-15-2T ... 4-4-4-12-2T seems like the ideal choice

in the end I think the voltage is what's screwing me over, but since SilentBob has the exact same MB as me... I must know what to do !

ChaosMinionX · Nov 7, 2007, 07:25 PM

Well I wasnt talking about RAM voltage itself, I am talking about the memory controller voltage. You will need to increase this voltage to account for the increase in RAM.

The RAM itself should run rated specs at rated voltages no matter how many sticks are used, in rare cases this is different from my testing but still the same you need to find the option in that BIOS that controls the memory controller for that AMD chip. I would give you a more detailed explanation, but I dont really know AMD platforms beyond the basics.

H3X4D3C1M4L · Nov 21, 2007, 04:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kris23

dont try to do 1T timings with those low end sticks..... it will only end in tears...

Are you kidding? I've done 1T on the exact same sticks, on an Asus P5B-e and a C2D OC'ed to 2.8GHz (E6300 straight bus OC to 400MHz) 1:1 no less.

OCZ Plat sticks are by no means low end despite the price

ChaosMinionX · Nov 21, 2007, 04:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H3X4D3C1M4L

Are you kidding? I've done 1T on the exact same sticks, on an Asus P5B-e and a C2D OC'ed to 2.8GHz (E6300 straight bus OC to 400MHz) 1:1 no less.

OCZ Plat sticks are by no means low end despite the price

1T is a Motherboard problem, almost all RAM today (DDR2) will run 1T, its just a matter of whether or not your Mobo wants to run it.

NOTE: DDR2 1T is usually limited to 2GB, however some Mobos (680i) have been known to run 4GB 1T.

Dyre Straits · Nov 21, 2007, 06:20 AM

I know that, on my ASUS P5N-E Sli, using BIOS 703, I cannot select 1T at all. The system will either refuse to POST, or, if it does make it past POST, it'll BSOD on me. It drives me nuts because I've been able to use 1T on just about every other mobo I've had over the past few years.

Nov 4, 2007, 12:01 AM	#1
silentbob17 DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: BC, Canada Posts: 159 Rep Power: 0	RAM Timing Optimization Hey, I'm looking for a little help with setting my RAM timings to get the best performance for my particular setup. I have 4GBs of [OCZ Platinum XTC REV.2 PC2-6400 DDR2-800 CL4-4-4-15 240PIN DIMM] and a [ASUS M2N-E ATX AM2 Nforce 570 Ultra PCI-E16 PCI-E4 2PCI-E1 3PCI SATA RAID Sound GBLAN] motherboard. CPU-Z tells me that I'm running timings of 5-5-5-15 and 2T. This makes me think that it's not as optimal as it could be. (I will post a screen of my CPUZ when I get home) Please respond if you are familiar with ASUS BIOS settings for RAM and could give me a hand. Thanks in advance! __________________ Overclocking: if it's not on fire, it can go higher! MoBo: ASUS M2N-E CPU: AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ RAM: 4GB OCZ Platinum XTC REV.2 PC2-6400 CL4-4-4-15 Video: EVGA E-GEFORCE 8800 GTS 320MB Sound: Creative Sound Blaster X-FI Xtreme Gamer 24BIT Power Supply: OCZ GameXStream 600W silentbob17 on xFire Hit-Or-Miss <--- Check this out

Nov 4, 2007, 07:30 PM	Thread Starter #8
silentbob17 DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: BC, Canada Posts: 159 Rep Power: 0	So should I tweak the Bank Cycle Timing? And is it normal for my system to be unable to do 1T? __________________ Overclocking: if it's not on fire, it can go higher! MoBo: ASUS M2N-E CPU: AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ RAM: 4GB OCZ Platinum XTC REV.2 PC2-6400 CL4-4-4-15 Video: EVGA E-GEFORCE 8800 GTS 320MB Sound: Creative Sound Blaster X-FI Xtreme Gamer 24BIT Power Supply: OCZ GameXStream 600W silentbob17 on xFire Hit-Or-Miss <--- Check this out

Nov 4, 2007, 08:50 PM	#9
kris23 Going Insane..... Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 6,018 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	dont try to do 1T timings with those low end sticks..... it will only end in tears... __________________ Hardwareheaven Super-Moderator Building a new computer system and not sure where to start? Click Here! last updated (5/18/11) Rosewill FUTURE case replaces CM 690 II with its greater interior length. Building a PC: Step by Step Guide Written by Kristopher Pedemonte and Nathan Marks-Forder Edited by Allan Campbell Questions or Comments? feel free to post them in the forums!

Nov 5, 2007, 02:58 PM	#11
kris23 Going Insane..... Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 6,018 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	those arent really important, most people seem to leave them at the default 23, but feel free to check if you want... usually lower is better for RAM timings. __________________ Hardwareheaven Super-Moderator Building a new computer system and not sure where to start? Click Here! last updated (5/18/11) Rosewill FUTURE case replaces CM 690 II with its greater interior length. Building a PC: Step by Step Guide Written by Kristopher Pedemonte and Nathan Marks-Forder Edited by Allan Campbell Questions or Comments? feel free to post them in the forums!

Nov 7, 2007, 12:32 AM	#13
kris23 Going Insane..... Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 6,018 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	what in the world are you doing that makes you need 4 gigs? did you even try to run higher volts? those sticks i think would need at least 2.0v to function.... __________________ Hardwareheaven Super-Moderator Building a new computer system and not sure where to start? Click Here! last updated (5/18/11) Rosewill FUTURE case replaces CM 690 II with its greater interior length. Building a PC: Step by Step Guide Written by Kristopher Pedemonte and Nathan Marks-Forder Edited by Allan Campbell Questions or Comments? feel free to post them in the forums! Last edited by kris23; Nov 7, 2007 at 12:41 AM.

Nov 4, 2007, 02:27 AM	#2
H3X4D3C1M4L DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 6,794 Rep Power: 0	You'll want to manually set them to 4-4-4-12 (Rev. 2 should be 4-4-4-12 not 4-4-4-15, Rev. 1 was 4-5-4-15). If you look in the manual it should tell you how to manually set the RAM timings

Nov 4, 2007, 07:42 AM	#6
aNy_oNE DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 162 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	My motherboard does this also; it's an Asus M2N. To get around it I just overclock the CPU until the RAM runs at 400Mhz. (by default the RAM is at 350ish, I have to overclock my CPU by 300Mhz to get it up to the right speed :/) Also Dyre, in my BIOS you can set the RAM overclocking mode to "Manual", which makes it apply the RAM speed you set regardless of what the final speed will be. (Or, that's how it SHOULD work >_>)

Nov 6, 2007, 06:58 PM	#12
MitchRapp a.k.a. pepiman Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Montreal Posts: 998 Rep Power: 51 System Specs	wow ok. I've been trying to find a solution to my problem everywhere and it was right here at Driverheaven! Dude you have the same MB/CPU/RAM as me Tell me exactly what version of BIOS you're using, what VOLTAGE and your complete BIOS settings please ! I'm having trouble with my system crashing on boot with 4 gigs in it 4 GB 1.8v to 1.95v 5-5-5-15 @ 800mhz = crash 2 GB auto voltage 4-4-4-15 @ 800mhz = great 4GB auto voltage 5-5-5-15 @ 667mhz = ok I want to have all 4 sticks installed and running at a good speed (667mhz is not cool... i bought 800mhz ram and i want it to run high !) So what needs to be done (nothing too drastic like OC'ing everything by a lot!) TELL MEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Nov 7, 2007, 01:56 PM	#15
MitchRapp a.k.a. pepiman Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Montreal Posts: 998 Rep Power: 51 System Specs	I want 4 gigs of ram because I am thinking ahead. I don't build myself new computers often ... I just built this one last week.... and the one before was in November 2004 I think... 4GB of ram makes me prepared for whatever the hell comes out in the next 3 years... could be games, could be a new OS, could be this and that.

Nov 7, 2007, 02:27 PM	#16
kris23 Going Insane..... Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 6,018 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	you should've went Intel man.... the NB chip does get stressed so you may have to run the system at higher timings with more volts..... __________________ Hardwareheaven Super-Moderator Building a new computer system and not sure where to start? Click Here! last updated (5/18/11) Rosewill FUTURE case replaces CM 690 II with its greater interior length. Building a PC: Step by Step Guide Written by Kristopher Pedemonte and Nathan Marks-Forder Edited by Allan Campbell Questions or Comments? feel free to post them in the forums!

Nov 7, 2007, 03:05 PM	#17
MitchRapp a.k.a. pepiman Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Montreal Posts: 998 Rep Power: 51 System Specs	I'm basically tired of having to reset the CMOS over and over when the voltage/timings etc... does not agree with me SilentBob has the same MOBO/CPU/RAM as me so... whatever works for him, should possibly work for me so i need to knoooooooow ! Anyways I can live with 2GB of ram but still... I bought 4GB ... I'd rather use them all instead of selling them or whatever Info: Motherboard can only go up to 1.95v DRAM At default, the RAM is running at 377mhz (DDR750...wtf?) At default, the Timings are at 5-5-5-15-2T ... 4-4-4-12-2T seems like the ideal choice in the end I think the voltage is what's screwing me over, but since SilentBob has the exact same MB as me... I must know what to do !

Nov 7, 2007, 07:25 PM	#18
ChaosMinionX USB 3 dot oh Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 1,911 Rep Power: 47 System Specs	Well I wasnt talking about RAM voltage itself, I am talking about the memory controller voltage. You will need to increase this voltage to account for the increase in RAM. The RAM itself should run rated specs at rated voltages no matter how many sticks are used, in rare cases this is different from my testing but still the same you need to find the option in that BIOS that controls the memory controller for that AMD chip. I would give you a more detailed explanation, but I dont really know AMD platforms beyond the basics. __________________ ::Heatware:: How you can help DriverHeaven by using Digg!