Basic RAM questions

[bovinda]

My BIOS for the system I just built has a number of settings for my RAM. Right now, they're all set to "Auto".

1. Is it better to just use that, or to manually enter the settings? What if I'm going to be overclocking shortly?

1b. If I'm going to enter them manually, where's the best place to figure out what settings to use?

2. What is the best way to test memory stability/performance?

Thanks guys! If it matters, here are my basic system specs:

Abit IP35 Pro
Q6600
OCZ DDR2-800 2x2 Gb

 

[bovinda]

bump!

 

[Xvyz]

I would leave the memory timings on Auto until you have reached your overclocking level. Then you can tighten the timings and voltage settings. You can read up on many of the o/c guides that are stickied at the top of many of these forums.

SuperPi 1M program is very sensitive to changes in your ram timings and is quick. Intel's TAT temp program has a 100% stress test which will expose unstable systems quickly. Orthos is another popular program which can stress your system, with some o/c'ers running it for hours. When overclocking keep an eye on your temps with SpeedFan or CoreTemp.

 

[JustaGeek]

Only, ONLY Manually!

Most RAM kits have the relaxed timings, voltage, and sometimes even frequencies programmed into the SPD's, so RAM will boot at 1.8V.

You should then enter the BIOS, and set the voltage, timings (at least the basic ones. e.g. 4-4-4-12, and on Intel boards 2T command rate) and frequency, e.g. 800MHz.

Some other memory modules might have so called EPP, or Enhanced Memory Profiles, so all of a sudden a motherboard might be required to boot with aggressive timings and 1T command rate. Some MB's will not even boot in this case. Totally useless feature...

I've had 667 memory working at 533MHz on Auto, and 2T command rate changed to 1T on first boot. Fortunately, my MB's POST'ed successfully, allowing me to perform the manual adjustments.

So again - boot with your new memory, enter the BIOS, and set the voltage, frequency and timings manually!.

BTW, the info can be found on the label attached to the RAM modules, the reseller's website, or the RAM manufacturer's website.

 

[SerpentRoyal]

It's okay to run quality JEDEC 1.8V DDR2 667 or 800 in full AUTO. With POS OCZ RAMs, one must manually input Vdimm and timing.

 

[JustaGeek]

POS or not, one should verify (using ex. CPU-Z) if the RAM is running with the correct/specified speed and timings.

If it is, you can leave it on Auto (double check the voltage though!).

But in 90% of the cases you must set it manually.

And the OP is using the OCZ RAM, which most likely requires the manual settings.

Even my G.Skill HZ series RAM required manual settings, and it is an undisputed quality memory.

 

[bovinda]

Thanks for the feedback guys, I went ahead and set the timings manually as far as I could find them (5-4-4-15 at 2.1 volts). There were options for about five other parameters though--I left those on Auto since I had no idea what they did or where I could find them (weren't listed on OCZ's product page). Options like tRFC, tWR, tWTR, and tRRD. I did go ahead and set the command timing (tRTP?) to 2T. That's what it should be, yeah?

Any other suggestions? I'll probably go ahead and test stability now with the suggestions Xvyz had? Thanks for the feedback JustaGeek and others!

 

[JustaGeek]

Command Rate should be set at 2T.

I am not sure what tRTP is, but in the command rate category you will only have 2 choices - 1T and 2T.

Obviously, choose 2T.

And don't worry about the "subtimings", as long as the 5-4-4-15 and 2.1V is set as specified by OCZ, you're fine.

 

[bovinda]

Thanks then, I think I'm good to go--running Memtest86+ now! Appreciate the help! :beer: