Help a noob with memory (Letency) settings

[imported_monroe]

Hi all. I'm a noob at this and could use a hand. I have a new motherboard, and memory. The Memory has latency settings labeled as 2-3-2-5-T1.
My motherboard has the following settings:
SDRAM Active Precharge delay
SDRAM RAS to CAS Delay
SDRAM RAS PreCharge Delay
SDRAM CAS Latency


My question is, what settings should I use on the motherboard for optimal results.

In case it helps, the motherboard is ASUS A7N8X-X, with an AMD Athlon XP 2700. The memory is 512MB dual channel (2 x 256MB) PC3200.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Gamingphreek]

What brand of memory is it? Also memory timings make little difference. Just tighten them gradually while running memtest after each tightening sequence. THen if it fails give it a bit more voltage and try again. I think the Rule of thumb is the best timings available (with the exception of using the DFI Nforce 3Ultra board) are 2-2-2-11-1T (or 2T in dual channel).

-Kevin

 

[Fern]

Originally posted by: monroe
Hi all. I'm a noob at this and could use a hand. I have a new motherboard, and memory. The Memory has latency settings labeled as 2-3-2-5-T1.
My motherboard has the following settings:
SDRAM Active Precharge delay
SDRAM RAS to CAS Delay
SDRAM RAS PreCharge Delay
SDRAM CAS Latency


My question is, what settings should I use on the motherboard for optimal results.

In case it helps, the motherboard is ASUS A7N8X-X, with an AMD Athlon XP 2700. The memory is 512MB dual channel (2 x 256MB) PC3200.

Thanks in advance.

Well, perhaps you can run some benchmarks and tell us. You see, the timings of 2-2-2-11 which have been generally shown to be the best are for dual channel nForce mobo's. The a7n8x-x doesn't have dual memory controllers, no DC. So you may find that your optimal memory timings are not the same as those for a DC mobo.

Since I don't have the same mobo as you, I'll guess that you can set your mem timings in BIOS to the following (1) auto, (2) SPD, (3) Turbo and (4) Advanced. I suggest you try the first 3 options intially, note what effects on the timings each adj makes (first two are likely have the same timings, #3 may change them to 2-2-2-5). Expert is where you choose/adjust each number. Test for performance using benchmarks relevant to your use of the pc. For example, if you're a gamer, use video benchies or time demo's from games to see what, if any, improvement results from different mem timings configs.

Fern

 

[Concillian]

In general, RAM timings are usually reported like this:

CAS - RAS to CAS - RAS Precharge - tRAS

CAS is universally the first number. Manufacturers sometimes mix around the other numbers. tRAS is always the largest.

RAS to CAS will generally be equal or larger than RAS precharge.

The appropriate timings should be set correctly if you choose "by SPD". Note what they are when you choose "by SPD". IF that works great, you can try lowering them (essentially overclocking your memory). Though if PC3200 is advertised as 2-3-2, there is generally very little chance it will make 2-2-2 unless you run it well under 200 MHz.