Memory timings

[HugoCampos]

These are my system specs:

Q6600 @ 2.99 GHz cooled with a Zalman 9700NT
750w PC Power & Cooling PSU
2 x GSKILL PC2-6400 HK Dual Channel 2 Gb 4-4-3-5 -> all that is 4 x 1GB
ASUS P5k DELUXE/WiFI

To clock the CPU I decreased the memory speed on the bios to 667MHz (333) and then increased the FSB to 1333 (1333/4 = 333). That sets the CPU clock to 2.99GHz on the cpu: 333 x9 = 2.99GHz. Like this I have a CPU @ 2.99 and a CPU/RAM ratio of 1:1.

Now that you know how my system is set up, maybe you can help me with this. My problem is that my memory timings are really high, especially CAS which is 32. I think this happens because I have 4 x 1GB. I've tried to set the timings on the bios but when I boot and check them on CPU-Z, they are still with the same values.
I was wondering if there was any trick to reduce the memory timings without taking 2 modules (2GB) out of the system.

[Ivan]

Checked the manual if the RAM is on the QVL list? If it is continue with next step
BIOS set to 'performace','turbo' or whatever else they came up with for max speed mode... usually they run at 80-85% of max SPD specs.

[HugoCampos]

Checked the manual if the RAM is on the QVL list? If it is continue with next step
BIOS set to 'performace','turbo' or whatever else they came up with for max speed mode... usually they run at 80-85% of max SPD specs.

Well, it's not on ASUS's list but it was tested by GSKILL and guaranteed that it was 100% compatible with that board. Besides that, I've set the timings manually on the Bios... but CPU-Z show the timings have only improved slightly. Oh well... I can't notice any performance problems and I can run pretty much every game maxed out (except FSX) so it's cool. I just wanted to make sure I was getting the most out of the system.

[NickN]

Its because a P5K motherboard has 2 different slot designs. The yellow slots are designed for lower speed/higher timing memory and the black are designed for high performance

When you installed 4 sticks, you restricted the system to a certain max. Many motherboards have the same restriction when 4 slots are populated

The work-around is to use 2 - 2GB modules in the black slots only

[aussiewannabe]

When you installed 4 sticks, you restricted the system to a certain max. Many motherboards have the same restriction when 4 slots are populated

The work-around is to use 2 - 2GB modules in the black slots only

Very useful information. Will make a copy of this!

[NickN]

When you installed 4 sticks, you restricted the system to a certain max. Many motherboards have the same restriction when 4 slots are populated

The work-around is to use 2 - 2GB modules in the black slots only

Very useful information. Will make a copy of this!

Yes, it is useful information but it is only specific to the motherboard being used. Some motherboards will run 4 slots at the same speed and timing, some do not allow 2GB modules and if they do, some require a certain spec or type. Others will allow mixed modules but only ones of a certain spec.

The bottom line is you must research the motherboard and memory before purchasing to ensure you are getting what you expect.

[aussiewannabe]

The bottom line is you must research the motherboard and memory before purchasing to ensure you are getting what you expect.

Exactly! Which is what I did online when I added an additional 1MB of memory. Forget what some dumb sales clerk tells you, much less what they try to sell to you.

[HugoCampos]

When you installed 4 sticks, you restricted the system to a certain max. Many motherboards have the same restriction when 4 slots are populated

The work-around is to use 2 - 2GB modules in the black slots only

Very useful information. Will make a copy of this!

Yes, it is useful information but it is only specific to the motherboard being used. Some motherboards will run 4 slots at the same speed and timing, some do not allow 2GB modules and if they do, some require a certain spec or type. Others will allow mixed modules but only ones of a certain spec.

The bottom line is you must research the motherboard and memory before purchasing to ensure you are getting what you expect.

Getting 2 x 2GB was what I planned initially but it turned out it would be way more expensive so I went this way. I might get 2 2GB modules when DDRII modules get cheaper and sell those 4 1GB modules.

[NickN]

Price?

For DDR2 2x2GB?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6820231122


looks cheap to me and CL5 too without reducing the speed

DR3 2x2GB is not, those will run you over 1000

[HugoCampos]

Price?

For DDR2 2x2GB?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6820231122


looks cheap to me and CL5 too without reducing the speed

DR3 2x2GB is not, those will run you over 1000

That's one of the reasons I wish I lived in the States: so I could buy from Newegg! Here in Portugal the best I can get is this:

GSKILL PC2-6400 MQ Dual Channel 4 Gb (2 x 2048)  -> 367.75 EUR -> 514 USD

Now that sucks! Each of my 2GB kits cost me 120 EUR 3 months ago and now they cost 99 EUR. Oh well... I don't live in the US so I just have to be happy with what I got.

PS: when is Newegg gonna start shipping internationally?

[HugoCampos]

I just found another kit here that's a little bit cheaper but not so good. Still... I won't buy any RAM now. I'll wait until my next upgrade which should sometime next year and then I might either move to DDRIII (would require new motherboard) or get a lot of cheap and fast DDRII.