DDR400 RAM running at DDR333 speeds

[Paludis]

I bought some more RAM the other day, 2 x 512MB Kingston PC3200. I put this in my computer with the original 2 x 512MB Kingmax PC3200. Now cpu-z tells me that the RAM is operating at a frequency of 160Mhz as opposed to 200mhz which is what it was running at before. heres a screenshot of cpu-z

pic

Is there a way to get it operating at 200mhz again or is the problem that I got a different brand of RAM?

 

[Accord99]

Most likley the problem's due to the SPD mismatch, each set of RAM has different timings. To make things worse, each set has different areas where they're faster than the other. This causes the BIOS to clock it down to a lower memory speed to be on the safe side. You could either just get another set of Kingston memory, or since you have a tweakable MB, just manually set it to PC3200 in the BIOS your self. Just make sure to do some tests to ensure there's no problems.

 

[hurtstotalktoyou]

What he said.

Use Everest or a similar tool to determine the lowest timings you can use, then manually reset the BIOS to 200 MHz and appropriate timings.

 

[Paludis]

ok well in the BIOS I can see where to set the timings, under advanced - chipset, but I see no option to set the frequency. Where would I find that?

 

[hurtstotalktoyou]

Go to advanced > CPU configuration, and you should see an option for "DRAM Frequency."

manual

 

[Paludis]

ok I changed the frequency to 400mhz (200), but cpu-z still says it's running at 160mhz. It doesn't seem to make a difference whether I have it set to 333 or 400.

 

[IFICUDIWUD]

read the msi nforce4plat sli mobo instructions on ram placement could be a similar situation.. if u use all four slots

 

[Paludis]

Originally posted by: IFICUDIWUD
read the msi nforce4plat sli mobo instructions on ram placement could be a similar situation.. if u use all four slots

can't you just describe what you're talking about?

 

[dug777]

maybe your mobo doesn't support it?

i know i can't run my mobo with three sticks of RAM at 400, it drops back to 333... (ASUS A7V8X)...but since its with my Axp thats ok, as running in sync with my fsb is still faster than running async...

 

[Paludis]

k well it doesn't seem I will ever get these working at the correct speed, so I have one last question: Is the difference in speed between pc3200 and pc2700 very great? as in how much fps difference would I see in games? I could return the sticks and find some kingmax ones, which may or may not run at the right speed, but this would require a 40 minute trip and a 10% restocking fee. Is it worth it?

 

[PaidLess]

i have the same problem paludis .... my ram is 200 mhz .. but its running at 166 ... i got 2 sticks of OCZ EL DDR400 2-2-2-5 ram =

 

[gonzaga1751]

ive seen on some sites(i think newegg or zzf) saying that using 4gb or maybe 4 slots on some motherboards drop the speed from pc3200 to pc2700 speeds.

 

[bob4432]

Originally posted by: gonzaga1751
ive seen on some sites(i think newegg or zzf) saying that using 4gb or maybe 4 slots on some motherboards drop the speed from pc3200 to pc2700 speeds.

that is usually with some of the a64 boards...

to the op - you will need to set it in the bios and then also set the timings to the slowest ram settings of all the ram. if you have some 2-2-2-5 and some 3-3-3-8, you will need to set it the 3-3-3-8 or this problem may occur. your m/b may be kicking it down to 333 to get it all to a desired speed since the spds might be telling your bios different info. (the #'s i quoted were for example and not necessarily real)

after seeing your pic, set it to 200MHz in the bios and 3-4-4-8 for timings and see if that does it.

i think this the correct manual (verify the correct model & revision #), look at page 2-11, section 2.4.2 and it should explain it.

 

[Paludis]

Originally posted by: bob4432

Originally posted by: gonzaga1751
after seeing your pic, set it to 200MHz in the bios and 3-4-4-8 for timings and see if that does it.

i think this the correct manual (verify the correct model & revision #), look at page 2-11, section 2.4.2 and it should explain it.

didn't work, unfortunately.. thanks for your advice anyway!

 

[bob4432]

Originally posted by: Paludis

Originally posted by: bob4432

Originally posted by: gonzaga1751
after seeing your pic, set it to 200MHz in the bios and 3-4-4-8 for timings and see if that does it.

i think this the correct manual (verify the correct model & revision #), look at page 2-11, section 2.4.2 and it should explain it.

didn't work, unfortunately.. thanks for your advice anyway!

on monday i would give asus a call.