New Build, Memory & CPU probs

[jrm5084]

Hey guys,

I've recently built a new Intel 775 system with the Q9550 and a Gigabyte GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3R Mobo. Everything has been detected as expected, and Windows loaded up fine. However, I have a couple slight problems. First, when viewing CPU-Z, although my GSkill DDR2 1066 memory seems to be running in Dual-Channel, it is only showing as "PC2-6400 (400 MHz)" under max bandwidth. I was just wondering why it is not running at PC2 8500 (1066). Is there any settings i have to change in the bios, any help would be appreciated.

My second issue may or may not be a problem. But my Q9550 shows up in CPU-z with a core speed of 1999.7Mhz with a 6.0 multiplier. Obviously, this is supposed to be running at 2.83 GHz with a 8.5 multiplier. Is this simply because the CPU is at idle?? Under load does the clock automatically go to its rated speed, and is there a setting that makes it always clock at the rated speed instead of the 1999.7MHz, and is this recommended. Thanks in advanced for any help.

 

[Boobs McGee]

You bought memory that has a higher capable speed than the default speeds for your CPU. If you set the FSB higher in the bios you are overclocking your processor. I highly suggest you do some research before changing any of these settings.

Your second issue is not a problem at all. Your processor will run at a lower multiplier when it is not being heavily tasked giving you the benefit of lower power consumption and creating less heat. Run prime95 or some other cpu demanding app and you will see the full clock speed of your chip.

 

[jrm5084]

Thanks for the reply...

After second notice, I think that the memory may be running at the correct speed (DDR2 8500 (1066 Mhz). Below are screenshots from CPU-Z's "CPU", "Memory", and "SPD" tabs. Even though the memory says max bandwidth PC26400 (400 MHz), it is showing up as 533.5 MHz. Does this mean that it is running at 1066, thus the correct speed? If so, why is it showing up as max bandwidth PC26400 (400 MHz). Also, I've checked the bio's, and confirmed with CPU that the correct timings are entered (5,5,5, 15). I'm confused at what exactly you mean that my memory speed is faster than default CPU speed? Does this have anything to do with my Memory speed having to match the FSB of my CPU. If so, what should I clock my memory at for top performance. Do I not want my memory to run at 1066?? Sorry for not being more familiar with this. Again, thanks for any help, and here are some product links for specs sake, along with the CPU-Z screenshots.

CPU@Newegg:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16819115041

MoBo@Newegg:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813128359

Ram@Newegg:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820231166


CPU-Z screens:
http://img3.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cpuzcpucs1.jpg
http://img145.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cpuzmemze0.jpg
http://img19.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cpuzspduz5.jpg

 

[jackschmittusa]

DDR2 800 is the fastest official standard, so most manufacturers have their 1066 chips report 800 to the bios for compatibility's sake. Some 1066 chips also require voltage greater than 1.8v (standard for DDR2) to operate at that level. When this is the case, you must set your ram timings and voltage manually in the bios.

Some premium ram models now ship with the higher settings pre-programmed into the SPD chip on the ram module and thus report their advertised settings to the bios, but these are not as widely compatible with motherboards in general.

All of your components are compatible with the higher ram speed. It appears that your mb recognized the the EPP extension of the SPD on the ram chips and made the correct adjustments. You should be able to see these settings in the bios.