A7N8X, 2400+ Aggressive memory timings not very aggressive

[JSciarr]

Asus A7N8X-Dlx Bios Rev 1002.001
Athlon XP 2400+....currently at 12x175 no voltage tweaks
512MB Samsung PC3200 (running sync @ 7/3/3/3T)
GE Ti4200 128M

Maybe you guys can help me with this....as I'm not a hardcore o'clocker...but want the reasonably best I can get...

Leaving the BiosMemory settings at Aggressive....as I ramp the FSB, automatically the timings get set progressively worse.
I've tried UserDefined settings at 5/2/2/2T...but can't keep stability into the 180's....so I'm back to Aggressive setting.

Can I expect better results from drop-kicking the Samsung and going for the Cosair XMS 3200? Or am I just doing something else wrong?
I have had the system to 11x192 which was sweet and had some very nice benchmarks....but again, the memory timings on aggressive were something like 7/4/4/3T..(ugh).
I would like to get the most I can without messing with voltages...

Thanks......

 

[mechBgon]

I would go ahead and bump the DIMM voltage to around 2.7V for starters. That's not likely to hurt anything. Also, is it memory with Samsung chips, or is it full-blown Samsung-built PCB too?

Welcome to the Forums Have fun with the new rig!

 

[pelikan]

Its tricky with the A7N8X because some of them will go to 200 fsb and others won't. You will have to figure out whether its your ram or your motherboard that's holding you back. Try using the factory recommended settings for your Samsung with 2.7v and see if it will do 200 fsb. Then you will know about your mb and you can just decide whether you want ram that will run at faster timings or not.

My A7N8X is running stable at 200 mhz fsb with my Samsung pc2700, Cas 2.5, 3, 3, 6, at 2.7v. It seems I got lucky both with the board and the ram. One thing I did was to burn in my system progressively as I raised the fsb. I read a couple articles about Samsung needing that.

 

[JSciarr]

Thank you both for the quick responses.

It appears that your suggestions of 2.7v is a must - though I had resisted volt mods since I don't have anything other than stock cooling.
I'll give it a try...

Q - does running the FSB in the 190-200 range require additional(read FAN) cooling for the Northbridge?

My goal really is to be in the 180's with good mem. timings - I'd be happy with that...afterall....I'm only a Battlefield/Spearhead nut....not into recalculating PI.

Thanks again......

 

[chizow]

Originally posted by: JSciarr
Thank you both for the quick responses.

It appears that your suggestions of 2.7v is a must - though I had resisted volt mods since I don't have anything other than stock cooling.
I'll give it a try...

Q - does running the FSB in the 190-200 range require additional(read FAN) cooling for the Northbridge?

My goal really is to be in the 180's with good mem. timings - I'd be happy with that...afterall....I'm only a Battlefield/Spearhead nut....not into recalculating PI.

Thanks again......

You shouldn't have to apply any physical volt mods to get 2.7V for your Vdimm, its adjustable in BIOS. 2.7V is a safe and stable voltage for most dimms; most don't even consider it an overvolt.

As for the Northbridge, MichaelD has noted more stability at higher FSB speeds and tighter RAM timings once the Northbridge heatsink is re-attached and applied with better thermal paste. I haven't had a chance to install a Crystal Orb on my NB, but I'm planning to this weekend (and also to move the stock NB heatsink to the SB). I'll be pushing my RAM again as soon as I finish the mod.

Pelikan has excellent results with his Samsung. I haven't been so lucky, and it looks like you are experienceing some of the same problems. Yes, most RAM scales its timing based on FSB and the SPD programming. I wouldn't worry about the CAS/RAS precharge settings as much as the actual CAS latency setting. That RAM should be rated at CL 2.5 at PC3200 correct? If so, you should try something like cas 2.5-3-3-7 and see where that takes you. If 192mhz was stable try those timings instead of aggressive presets.

At 180mhz, you might be able to pull off 2-2-2-7. Worth a shot, but again, worry more about the CL rather than the other settings.

Chiz

 

[mechBgon]

I'd like to mention that the surface of the northbridge may be a bit concave. When I removed the thermal pad from my 8RDA+'s northbridge, I found that it took a relatively large amount of thermal paste before I could fill the gap and see the excess begin to "marshmallow" out from under the edge of the heatsink. Better too much than not enough, since a thick layer of thermal paste is still better than an air gap.

 

[JSciarr]

Took a closer look at the memory stick last night....much to my dismay....this is CAS3....ugh....not what I requested or thought I paid for.

I upped the voltage to 2.7....and just couldn't get stable above 174 with 5/2/2/2T.
Finally running at 12.5x172 with 7/4/4/3T.

I'm going to punt on this stick.....and re-start my tweaking after installing two Corsair sticks.

I appreciate your help.

 

[stinkypete]

i have a similar question, i have recently upgraded to the following and i wanted to know what settings i should put my memory to in my BIOS. i'm in the same boat as JSciarr, not a hardcore o'clocker but i do want my system running the best it can without going overboard.

Asus A7N8X-Dlx
Athlon XP 2700+
512MB DDR 3200 Corsair XMS
Radeon 9700 Pro


Thanks

 

[stinkypete]

*bump*