RAM Timing question

[tempoct]

Hi,
I'm trying to find max of my RAM. The stock spec is DDR2-800 4-4-4-12 @ 2.1v. I tried to push it to DDR2-900 @ 2.25v 4-4-4-12, it failed Memtest86+ around 8 hrs.
So, I try to ease the timing to 5-5-5-18 but with this setting, Memtest86+ failed within 1 minute!

What did I do wrong?
This is with E6300 @ x6 on Asus P5B Deluxe Wifi.

 

[TBSN]

(if anyone has a link to an article or guide that explains RAM timings and how they affect performance, I think it would be a great help)

...sorry, I'm no help...

 

[lopri]

Memtest error after 8 hours.. I'd think it's stable enough. Error was probably caused by heat built up in the case. Unless you run F@H 24/7, try to have a better airflow around the sticks and be done with it.

Then again, memory error can occur not only by memory, but also by CPU and/or chipset. Try giving a notch more voltages for NB?

 

[tempoct]

I'm following this guide on Hardforum
http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=760374

I wonder that the "theory" said that if I loose timing, it should be more stable, no?

 

[cmdrdredd]

Usually yes, loose timings are more stable, but again you are stressing the NB more with faster memory frequency. Try increasing the voltages a step or 2.

 

[tempoct]

Originally posted by: cmdrdredd
Usually yes, loose timings are more stable, but again you are stressing the NB more with faster memory frequency. Try increasing the voltages a step or 2.

Thanks. You always been very helpful.
But my frequency doesn't increase (still DDR2-900) but loosen timing. That would make it more stress on NB?

Also, is it anything to do with mem ratio? Not 1:1 now.

Now I leave it running @ stock (4-4-4-12 @ 2.1v DDR2-800) hopefully, it will be fine when I get home.

 

[cmdrdredd]

not running 1:1 may have something to do with it. I can't say for sure.

Here's what I would try I have that exact board

set voltage on the NB/SB/FSB termination to the max (it won't cause any trouble in fact I leave this set 24/7 to remove that from the stability equation). Set memory voltage to 2.2v

Set your FSb to 400Mhz, your memory to DDR2-1000 and set the timings to 5-5-5-12-5-35-10-10-10 (in order from top to bottom) then try to boot up and see what happens.

What memory do you have BTW?

Note: turn off speed step, C1E, spread spectrum, and make sure you turn off static read control under north bridge chipset settings.

If it boots ar 5-5-5-12 try 4-5-5-12 etc and test with memtest (1 pass for now) if it's ok then go down the line until you find where it won't boot or memtest fails.

 

[tempoct]

cmdrdredd:
I saw that you have changed your memory to Crucial now
I have your old memory (XMS 6400 C4) but probably not the Micron one. Don't wanna mess with heat spreader yet.

 

[cmdrdredd]

The memory I sold was a C5 part XMs6405 v5.1 model #0631252-7 rated at DDR2-800 5-5-5-12 @1.9v and uses promos ICs

What is the part and revision number on your memory? I can tell you what chips it uses without you having to remove the heatspreader.

Corsair lists it on their forums too. You just need tha model and the revision number. For instance the part I have but rev 1.2 used Micron D9 while the 5.1 which I sold uses Promos.

 

[tempoct]

Mine is CM2X1024-6400C4 (2 of them) and version XMS6404v2.1 0643057-13. (Promos, I guess )
It posts @ DDR2-1000 4-5-5-12 but it won't boot (to memtest). So, now I'm running @ 5-5-5-12-5-35-10-10-10 (2.25v) now. All my FSB termination and NB v are at max (1.45v,1.55v).
Memtest is still fail almost immediately.

I will try to exchange the memory at the shop I bought. How is this OCZ (they don't have Crucial).
OCZ PC2-6400 Titanium 4-4-4-15 @2.2v
http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/m...2_6400_titanium_epp_ready_dual_channel

 

[n7]

No better.

OCZ's cheaper stuff is all crap ICs, just like Corsair's cheaper stuff is crap. (By crap, i am referring to OCing capabilities.)

BTW, i don't really feel exchanging RAM because it doesn't OC how you wanted is very kosher.

That costs the store you bought it from money, & only because you didn't research your purchase initially :roll:

 

[Regalk]

wish we could all to that - buy and try memory until we find the best that overclocks. I think of this small gang as taking chances and if you want to join then be prepared for a few bumps and bruises - I am $000 poorer as a result over the last 10 years
Loosen the timings of the last 4 items in the memory trrd twtR etc or go to a thread called "my bios settings" and see how I got to 490 with the cheaper corsair 5 5 5 12 (too lazy to give u a linky..) mine is 5 5 5 18 6 42 10 12 10 12

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: tempoct
Mine is CM2X1024-6400C4 (2 of them) and version XMS6404v2.1 0643057-13. (Promos, I guess )
It posts @ DDR2-1000 4-5-5-12 but it won't boot (to memtest). So, now I'm running @ 5-5-5-12-5-35-10-10-10 (2.25v) now. All my FSB termination and NB v are at max (1.45v,1.55v).
Memtest is still fail almost immediately.

I will try to exchange the memory at the shop I bought. How is this OCZ (they don't have Crucial).
OCZ PC2-6400 Titanium 4-4-4-15 @2.2v
http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/m...2_6400_titanium_epp_ready_dual_channel

Yeah that corsair is Promos as well, but a little better binning than the C5 parts.
If that OCZ is using D9 (it may be) it's a low bin.

 

[tempoct]

Thanks everyone. It might be the timing issue.
Last night, instead of setting timing by my own, I use SPD (auto on all timing) @ DDR2-1000 (2.15v) and it pass memtest with no error (2 passes).
Then, I use MemSet 3.0 to see what the "auto" set to me, it turns out to be 5-5-5-18-5-42-3-11-5-14 (weird, isn't it?). So, I go back to my BIOS and set the timing accordingly. Now it has been running in Memtest for 9+ hrs without any error!
I think this promos chip might be able to OC but timing seems to be more lazy and totally different than the Micron.
I'm still open for recommendation on my setting

 

[TBSN]

Do you know how I might find out what chips are used in this ram? Buffalo Firestix PC26400 DDR2800 FSX800D2C-K2G Timing 5-5-5

It is not the most expensive RAM, so would that mean it doesn't use the D9 parts?
thanks..

 

[n7]

Best i can tell, they are D9s.

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=122307

I asked the question about that kit newegg has there, & the response was yes.

However, the ones newegg sells are the C revision. not the generally reviewed B ones.

r00n believes they are D9s, which is good enough for me.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: TBSN
Do you know how I might find out what chips are used in this ram? Buffalo Firestix PC26400 DDR2800 FSX800D2C-K2G Timing 5-5-5

It is not the most expensive RAM, so would that mean it doesn't use the D9 parts?
thanks..

Expensive doesn't mean D9 and D9 doesn't mean expensive.

There's 2 things that happen. First a company can bin ICs and use good ones in one set (expensive) and lower performing ones in another set (more reasonable prices). Second with alot of memory you pay for the name. Corsair, Mushkin and OCZ typically have been the top 3 in the US for providing fast DDR. They are not necessarily the best value though.

 

[TBSN]

Alright, I'm starting to understand I'm thinking about going with the TeamXtreme PC6400 that was suggested in another thread.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: TBSN
Alright, I'm starting to understand I'm thinking about going with the TeamXtreme PC6400 that was suggested in another thread.

Very good memory. good Luck with it