Command rate question

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

I currently have a 2Gb kit 2x1Gb (1-pair) sticks for my quad. I remember I couldn't run 1T with 2 pairs of memory sticks on my old AMD machine. Does that rule also apply or always apply when running 2 pairs in any configuration whether it be 4x512 4x1024 etc?

 

[TC91]

no it might depend on your motherboard / timings / voltages / ram clock speed. for example, im running 1T on my 2 sets of kingston valueram for the moment being ( 3-4-4-12-1T, 2.1v ), but it is only being clocked at stock 667mhz. I ve read that the nforce boards can do pretty good with the 1T timings, but you wont be able to clock ur ram past 800mhz with 1T.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

So you have all dimm slots occupied, 4 total, and are running 1T?

 

[TC91]

yup 4 sticks, 4 occupied dimm slots, running command rate of 1T, its 24hr memtest 86+ stable too. however i am unable to push the clocks any faster than 667mhz with these timings (3-4-4-12-1T) though.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Ok, thats what i was wondering, thanks

 

[Yellowbeard]

Keep in mind that command rate is a chipset function and has virtually no measurable effect on real world performance. So, don't let the desire for 1T limit your OCing or a better RAM frequency.

 

[nefariouscaine]

Originally posted by: Yellowbeard
Keep in mind that command rate is a chipset function and has virtually no measurable effect on real world performance. So, don't let the desire for 1T limit your OCing or a better RAM frequency.

Basically true - unless you're running apps that are extremely sensitive to memory bandwidth the extra 300mbs (approx) you gain from T1 vs T2 is not worth it. The only platform I've played with that was T1 happy is my 650i chipset and even then I had to loosen up other timings which defeated the purpose and bandwidth gain

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Could 1T be more noticeable on an AMD chip with an on-die memory controller?

 

[TC91]

Originally posted by: BTRY B 529th FA BN
Could 1T be more noticeable on an AMD chip with an on-die memory controller?

yup, on AMD cpu's with the IMC the 1T will make a bigger difference than compared to an intel system.

 

[nefariouscaine]

Originally posted by: BTRY B 529th FA BN
Could 1T be more noticeable on an AMD chip with an on-die memory controller?

I can't say for certain with the new chips/chipsets (IE AM2) but I know for a fact that AMD 939 chipsets couldn't handle 4 sticks regardless of density at T1 no matter the speed or timings.

That was one of the number one reasons that 2x1 gig sticks were more sought after than running 4x512 sticks as T1 did play a big difference on the 939 platform

honestly can't speak as much about that with as much experience on AM2 as I can on Intel 775 C2D as I've only setup 2 AM2 boxes vs 5-6 775 boxes with many revisions on my own

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Well, that will be a thing that'll be missed for sure. I could tell the difference immediately.