ASUS Rampage Formula and Q6600/RAM tRD

[NKnight]

I'm in the process of acquiring components for my new build. My last build, aside from an AMD HTPC, was a couple years ago with a 478 Prescott/875P chipset. It's served me well for quite some time, but editing projects from the new job at night have really shown its age. I've decided to go with the ASUS Rampage Formula (DDR2) when it finally makes it to the market and a Quad Core 6600. After reading the excellent article here by Kris Boughton on the Rampage Formula I think the best setup would be as follows. Please correct me if I am in error.

Run the FSB at 400 yielding 3.2 GHz overclock using a CPU multiplier of 8 (8x400 = 3200). The stock is 9 at 2.4 GHz (266x9=~2400). My understanding is the Q6600 is unlocked downward in multipliers. Then use the 5:4 ratio with the 400MHz strap for a memory rating of DDR-1000 allowing the use of tRD=5. The reason I chose 5:4 is I plan to install 4x2 gig modules for 8 gigabytes. As was stated in the article using the 3:2 ratio at DDR1200, while still allowing tRD=5, may be harder to obtain in that configuration.

Am I missing something in my calculations?

Thanks!

 

[newhit]

I'm thinking about the Rampage myself, but possibly, with DDR3 (I know, not an easy decision over DDR2). I notice that you can determine your tRD values. How do you know you are using tRD 5? How are you determining your tRD values? Is "Memtest" integral in your ability to set tRD values?

Hope I am not hijacking the thread but I really need to know where tRD is set. Thanx in advance

 

[NKnight]

I'm using the values derived in the Rampage Formula article published on the main page a short while back. It's pretty tech heavy with good explanations.

Don't worry about the thread. It doesn't seem to have atracted much interest from others anyway.

 

[lopri]

Rampage Formular supports DDR2, yes. I do think there is a consideration that needs to be taken in your calculation, though.

The excellent review you read uses 1GB sticks, made of the venerable Micron D9. They aren't being used on 2GB sticks. (actually different caliber of D9 is used for 2GB sticks, but they don't show the same characteristics of 1GB sticks) The issues you're very likely to encounter are something like below (but not limited to):

1. CL4 may not be achievable with 2GB sticks at high freqencies.
2. tRD=5 may not be achievable with 4 sticks. (even though it was in the review)

Welcome to the forum.

Edit: Oh and according to what I've heard, you may directly select the tRD value in the BIOS. I believe the review was explaining whether the board will boot with your choice of tRD.