G.Skill Memory timing on a ASUS P5Q PRO

[_jM]

OK as the title states im trying to get better timings out of my ram and im not sure where to start. I have a 2x1gb dual channel DDR2 1066 G.Skill @ CL5 5-5-5-15 2T

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231144


I can oc the FSB on my CPU and it changes the ram to 1088 and it seems to run slower. I would like to lower the values on my ram. when i ment that im not sure where to start, i mean that i know where to change it on the board, but i dont know what this ram can do. and what is the better. for all i know CL5 5-5-5-15 is the better or not, so if any of you have this same ram and know some good OC options for me please post ASAP Thank you

 

[newconroer]

With that RAM, you'll most likely need to increase the DIMM voltage (and bump the MCP/southbridge by at least one step i.e. 1.2 -> 1.3 for added stability.

No matter which way you go, whether it's higher frequency, with looser timings, or lower frequency with tighter timings, a voltage change is inevitable.

The command rate (2T), is not going to work at 1T, unless you drop under 800mhz.

The question is, do you want faster burst memory/guicker loading (higher frequency), or more agile response/less latency during applicaton use(tighter timings)?

For that set, I would stay with the 1066, and try to tighten the timings using a small voltage bump.

You might get something like 5/4/5/4 10 2T.

Most of the time, unless you're making an architecture jump from like DDR to DDR2, speed and timings aren't going to affect real world performance at a noticeable amount.

The most important things are maxium RAM capacity, stability and whether or not you're running a 1:1 ratio with your Front Side Bus. You can do this by linking the FSB with the memory and telling it to 'sync' under 1:1 or an 'auto' ratio. Using auto, your memory should be 1/2 of your FSB. I.e. 1600 FBS = 800mhz memory.

If you want to keep the 1066, and try to run at 1:1, then your FSB will have to run at 2132mhz. Your board might be capable, but if you leave the CPU multiplier on it's highest, something like a setting of "9" then your CPU speed is going to be far too high. Thus you would lower the multiplier.

If your board cannot run that high, and you want to keep the 1:1 ratio, then you'll have to suffer with a lower memory frequency, maybe something like 800 or 900. By doing so, you can tighten your timings, so there's an added bonus in that.

 

[_jM]

I would like to get a higher frequency out of the ram for faster loading times..

the current voltage is 2.1v so lets say I want to up the frequency to 1100mhz in my BIOS

What voltage setting should I use in your opinion?

 

[newconroer]

Previous post edited.

You might achieve 1100, but you might not, no matter what voltage you use.
RAM just has limits.

2.3v is pushing it. I wouldn't run over 2.1 24/7 if you don't have to.

The best way to go about it, is to loosen your timings more, or set them to 'auto/optimal.'
Leave the 2.1 DIMM voltage, as well as stock southbridge voltage. Try to boot and run some Prime 95 on the Blend test.

If it fails, increase the southbridge voltage by .1 and try again. If it persists on failing even at 1.5v on the southbridge, then drop the southbridge back to default, and increase the DIMM and repeat the process.

If it continues to fail, strike a balance, say 2.2v DIMM, with 1.3v soutbridge etc.

As I edited into the end of the previous post, I cannot stress enough that capacity, stability and FSB ratio are the most important things when dealing with DDR2; not frequency or timings.

 

[_jM]

Oh and the 2.1v is the rated voltage on the ram (default for 1066)

 

[_jM]

ok I uped the voltage on the ram to 2.2 and the SB to 1.3v set the freqency to 1111mhz my NB to 1.3v (from 1.22) rebooted and it posted and went to load windows and crashed. Ok.. so it rebooted automaticly and when it got to windows it told me that the main file for windows couldnt be found?!! WTF I dont understand. Should I up the voltage on the SB or lower it to 1.2v (stock @1.10v)


Heres the settings used when that happened: CPU @ 4.1ghz
CPU 12.5 multi
FSB 333
CPU volts 1.56(after vdroop 1.52v)
CPU PLL 1.74
FSB termination 1.72v

NB 1.3v
DRAM 2.2v
SB 1.3v

 

[newconroer]

Only thing I can tell you at this point, is to loosen the timings.

If you have, and it's still problematic, then maybe turn down the memory frequency.

Most DDR2 does not run past 1100, even with only 2gb capacity.

A majority of people take 1066 and try to tighten the timings, not increase the mhz.


You have to consider that if 1066 is your starting point, even something like 1200 isn't that far away, and is going to be hardly noticeable performance wise.



I'll see if I can think of anything, for now, must go, good luck with that.

 

[erocker]

Raising the SB voltage isn't necessary at all, lower it back down. You most likely need to raise the NB voltage a couple bumps.

 

[_jM]

Raising the SB voltage isn't necessary at all, lower it back down. You most likely need to raise the NB voltage a couple bumps.

you are right .. I bumped it up to 1.38v on the NB and lowered the SB down to 1.2v and I just posted into windows @ 4.16ghz FSB @ 1332mhz RAM @ 1111mhz and a ratio of 3:5

proof

bout to run Prime95 and see how stable it is... lets keep our fingers crossed!

 

[_jM]

 

[_jM]

ok I got an Error after the first 2 minutes of Prime95 so Im going to try and up the NB and or the SB and see what happens next

 

[_jM]

Stable under Prime95 blend test for 1 hour. Mem @ 1111mhz with a slight adjustment to the NB volts

 

[rangerone766]

see if you can lower your cpu volts a bit. it seems awfully high to me.

 

[newconroer]

Good.

For that small of an increase it shouldn't take much.

I should have just told you to bump the NB slightly and see if that helps with the added through-put.

The SB was only a precaution, and I don't think it's as involved with today's boards.

Shame about you ratio though.

 

[erocker]

The SB was only a precaution, and I don't think it's as involved with today's boards.

Yeah, I don't see the point in overclocking the SB anymore. I'm suprised there is even an option in most bios' still.

The CPU volts are quite high for a 45nm. Using that kind of voltage for too long will steadily decrease the chips overclocking ability.

 

[_jM]

CPU @ 3.66ghz (my 24/7 OC)

CPU 11 multi
FSB 333
CPU volts 1.33
CPU PLL 1.70
FSB termination 1.66v

NB 1.26v
DRAM 2.2v
SB 1.2v
DRAM Frequency 1111mhz

Stable after 3hours Prime95 blend tests