RAM Timings

[Iroquois]

I've heard a lot of people talking about the importance of RAM timings lately. Could someone explain what they are. How do I find out what mine are?

[smashie]

Hi,

Ram timing, big subject and not without some people saying that raw speed is more important. Have a look here http://bit-tech.net/review/330/ I'm hoping this should answer your question.

Cheers,

Smashie

[Gixer]

All I know is the tighter the timings the faster your ram works (I think lol)

Standard my RAM is like 10-3-3-3.  I have manged to reduce this to 10-2-2-2.  This is where Bench tests come into play though.  These give you and instant indication as to what you have done and how much better it works.  I got a noticeabley higher 3dMark01 score when I lowered my timings.

With my new setup I did have to notch up the voltage ever so slightly to get it running stable with the higer FSB and tight timings but it all works so sweet now  ;D

One thing generally with cheap ram you may struggle to tighten the timings much.  Thats why I brought a well known branded ram as I knew it would have more potential to do this sorta thing.

There is a prog that can tell you what your timings are currently at but the name eludes me.  Mine flash up on boot up so I see them then, though if you go into BIOS you may be able to see what they are.