Memtest settings

[Elcs]

My computer deserves a format and reinstall... so Ive decided to push the boat out and try to find my max ram and processor stable levels.

This is the 1st time Ive tried Memtest so what kind of test pushes it to the max? My TwinMOS CH-5 PC3200 seems to be taking 215 fsb @ 6-3-3-2.5 @ 2.9V very well.

Also... what can I do to strain the memory and be nearly certain that Id have no problems in real-life applications?

 

[Jeff7]

I think the "code" is 1-2-2-3-3-2 or something like that
Menu 1, select 2 for cache always on
Menu 2, select 3 for All tests
Menu 3, I think it's 2, for All Memory

User THUGSROOK knows the exact sequence by heart.

Also, try running a memory benchmark like AIDA32 or Sisoft Sandra's tests. Then set your RAS to 11 instead of 6, and run the tests again. I've gotten a small speed increase by doing that - I'm using Geil's value RAM, PC3200.

 

[Thor86]

You need to test at least 10 or more passes without any errors of the following settings:

1) cache always on
2) all tests
3) all memory

Have fun.

 

[Elcs]

Thanks. Will try that when i get home.

 

[pelikan]

Just press "C" once memtest starts to get to the configure menu.
If you ever want to push the limits and don't plan on reformatting soon, boot into memtest86 and make sure there's no errors there before going into windows. That way you won't hose your operating system.

 

[Jon187]

Originally posted by: pelikan
Just press "C" once memtest starts to get to the configure menu.
If you ever want to push the limits and don't plan on reformatting soon, boot into memtest86 and make sure there's no errors there before going into windows. That way you won't hose your operating system.

Been there, done that...

 

[Elcs]

Originally posted by: Jon187

Originally posted by: pelikan
Just press "C" once memtest starts to get to the configure menu.
If you ever want to push the limits and don't plan on reformatting soon, boot into memtest86 and make sure there's no errors there before going into windows. That way you won't hose your operating system.

Been there, done that...

Thats what Ive done now. Fiddled a bit too much and destabilised the system.

How long will it take to do 10 passes at the most strenuous tests available? Dont want my PC tied up for insane amounts of time.

 

[dunkster]

The most critical Memtest86 test seems to be Test#5 (block moves) - and several passes of Test#5 takes only a few minutes.

When pushing FSB in increments, I run several passes of Memtest85 Test#5 first, adjusting timings/Vdimm as necessary for several error-free passes.

Then Prime95, adjusting Vcore as necessary for CPU stability.

Hope this helps!

 

[Elcs]

Originally posted by: dunkster
The most critical Memtest86 test seems to be Test#5 (block moves) - and several passes of Test#5 takes only a few minutes.

When pushing FSB in increments, I run several passes of Memtest85 Test#5 first, adjusting timings/Vdimm as necessary for several error-free passes.

Then Prime95, adjusting Vcore as necessary for CPU stability.

Hope this helps!

Helps greatly. So far Ive got my FSB @ 220 (2.93 Actual VDIMM) and Multiplier at 10 (1.66 Vcore actual).... dont havetime to test tonight but 48C idle temps are not making me feel easy.

 

[Dunadan]

Do you have to run memtest from a floppy or can you run it in windows? I hear people talking about screwing their OS, but is that only if you are insane ocer?

 

[pelikan]

You have to boot into it from a floppy or CD.
Windows usually gets hosed from memory not being able to run at tight timings or high FSB without errors. You don't have to be all that insane. Maybe just a little.

 

[Thor86]

Originally posted by: Dunadan
Do you have to run memtest from a floppy or can you run it in windows? I hear people talking about screwing their OS, but is that only if you are insane ocer?

This may be true, but most times, either windows doesn't load, or just blue screens before any file corruption occurs. But, it's still a good idea to memtest your system at whatever OC settings first and then stable test with Prime95.

 

[Elcs]

Well... 2.93V VDIMM, 220 mhz, 6-3-3-2.5, 1.6V Chipset Voltage

Had over 6000 errors after about 10 hours, forgot to check the passes.

Anyone think bumping chipset voltage up a notch will stabilise it or is 220 mhz FSB above the call of duty for my poor CH-5 Twinmos?

 

[pelikan]

My chipset voltage needs to be at 1.7V for me at 220 FSB. Stock NB cooler handles it fine.

 

[Elcs]

Originally posted by: pelikan
My chipset voltage needs to be at 1.7V for me at 220 FSB. Stock NB cooler handles it fine.

Music to my ears. If my dad can stay off the net, Ill try that tomorrow.

 

[joe2004]

When pushing FSB in increments, I run several passes of Memtest85 Test#5 first, adjusting timings/Vdimm as necessary for several error-free passes.

Several passes are good to find the borderline of stability but will not cut it for the stable frequency.
For example I run 3 passes using FSB 264 for my Geil PC 4000, only few errors in the third pass.
Then I decrease to 263 and there was no errors in three passes, however I have errors showing up in 9th and 11th pass.
One would think that 262 would not have errors so I run it for hours. I got 4 errors in 17th pass, out of 51 passes I run it.
I'd say most overclockers would say up to 10 passes and it is error free, therefore I'd say most of overclocked systems are not stable.
Therefore just like Prime95 you need to run it the whole night to see what is going on, don't assume few passes will give it a passing grade. Even then I would still decrease 1 more MHz to be sure. I count my Geil stable at 260.

 

[ticktack]

Originally posted by: pelikan
My chipset voltage needs to be at 1.7V for me at 220 FSB. Stock NB cooler handles it fine.

may I know how do you reckon your KHX3200 is using BH-5? and what's the default v-dimm stated on the dimms? Previously, I did own one KHx-3200 kit, and also a KHX-3500 which I only realised it's a BH-5 in disguise *(reading about these KHX-3500 article that shows it as BH-5) after I foolishly sold them away and got a Cosair.

Next can anyone advise how to scroll using what keys on the keyboards if I'm running Memtest86?

Thanks

 

[pelikan]

The HyperX PC3200 that is rated at 2-2-2-6 is BH-5. The model number is KHX3200. HyperX PC3200 that is not BH-5 is model KHX3200A and is rated at 2-3-3-6. The best HyperX PC3200 seems to be the A01 revision. I have the A01 revision of this in dual kit form and it does 230 FSB 2-2-2-6 with 2.9V.
Older HyperX PC3500 can be BH-5 but I don't know how to tell my model number or revision.

 

[joe2004]

The best HyperX PC3200 seems to be the A01 revision.

That is true for 256 sticks, these are really, really good like the one you have. 512 are a bit slower and A00 is a fast son of a gun, at least the one I have.
I have 4x256 of A01 variety all HyperX 3200, unfortunately none is going much above 220 but I must say I did not really try with more than 2.85V. Given that I payed less than $50 per stick I am not complaining. So it is a luck of draw, you were apparently luckier.
I heard PC 3000 might be the best bet for the fastest 256.
In either case, among memory slower than PC 4000, BH-5 rules. If you see one cheap, buy it immediately, you probably won't regret it.