Memory OC basics

[CletusTheDwarf]

I have done some overclocking with my processor, and wanted to try with the ram as well. Currently it is running at 6,3,3,2 at 2.7volts. The speed is set to Auto, with a FSB of 200mhz. How should I go about OCing the ram?

What is a voltage that I shouldn't go over as a rule of thumb?
How does the ram speed work, what speed is it running at when it is on auto? I can also set it to "by spd" which turned it up to 400m. Or I can put the ratio to 1.0 and it gives a speed of 200m. Any help is appreciated. Info on my setup is in my sig.

 

[DesolationWilliams]

easiest way to overclock ur ram is to run the timings at 2-2-2-11 or whatever the lowest settings are. it depends on your processor tho. another good way is to raise your fsb and keep ur ram at a 1:1 ratio. dont put more than 2.8v into the ram unless your running bh-5 chips

 

[Margalus]

you have to raise your fsb. Your memory is tied to the fsb, so it will only run as fast as the fsb. And you may want to pump as much voltage into your ram as possible. ocz warranties it up to 3.1v, but it will handle more just fine.

 

[CletusTheDwarf]

well my fsb is currently at 200, so the ram is at 400. how high should i expect it to be able to run? And is there anyway to minotior RAM temp asside from touching it?

 

[Soulkeeper]

burn a bootable cd of memtest86+
run that for 3 or 4 passes and then load up windows and run some games for an hour or something
if that's stable try 5 or 10 more mhz
you'll know when you hit a wall and need more voltage

if you need to, bump up the vdimm and/or vcore

i put an 80mm fan above my memory just in case

 

[CletusTheDwarf]

can someone give me more info on what speed my ram is running at and how high it can go?

 

[Margalus]

Originally posted by: CletusTheDwarf
can someone give me more info on what speed my ram is running at and how high it can go?

your memory should be running at whatever your fsb is. But it is possible it may be running slower if it is using a divider like 5:4. Nobody can tell you what your memory is capable of because nobody here other than you even knows what memory you have. You could use sandra, cpuz, or aida32 to check what speeds it is currently at

 

[CletusTheDwarf]

the memory is OCZ PC3200 Performace, rated at 2-3-3-6

 

[CletusTheDwarf]

i'm a little confused about some of these ram timings. I've been reading other posts and people keep mentioning having timings of 2-2-2-11 at 210mhz. why are they all putting such a high number in there (11)? Right now I have mine at 2-3-3-5 at 205mhz. Whenever i set either of the 3's to 2 the system won't post. I'm sure i'll be able to go a bit higher than 205, but i just haven't tried yet. And I haven't increased the DDR voltage past the 2.7V default. What am I missing here about these timings?

 

[Margalus]

Originally posted by: CletusTheDwarf
i'm a little confused about some of these ram timings. I've been reading other posts and people keep mentioning having timings of 2-2-2-11 at 210mhz. why are they all putting such a high number in there (11)?

some people seem to think that they get improved memory bandwidth with it at 11, which goes against logic. But hey, if it works for them, what the heck. You could try it at different settings and see if it changes your results any.. Lately I have been hearing 9 is better for some people though. Personally I like it lower if possible, but I don't have an nforce2 board to test on though.