Memory help in overclocked system... please

[kazanjig]

Okay, here's the deal. I just installed Sandra to do some benchmarking and I was totally shocked by my memory scores. They were in the 800 to 900 range on Samsung PC2700. Grrrr....
I understand all the settings for overclocking the CPU, but memory is a completely different ballpark for me. When I see those strings of numbers that everyone posts (2-2-2 yadda yadda), I get all confused.

kazanjig

Here's my specs:
P4S333
1.6a @ 2.4, 1.6vcore
512MB Samsung PC2700, everything set to auto

 

[WarCon]

Upgrade your Sandra. The newer Sandra's readings are about double what the old one reads.

If this is the new Sandra, you have a big problem.......

 

[Nate420]

First thing to do if you haven't already is update your BIOS to Version 1005.

The 2-2-2-5 settings you mentioned are CAS Latency, RAS to CAS Delay, RAS Precharge Delay, and Active Precharge Delay, in that order. If you want definitions for each look in your manual

Also, check the Mem Ratio setting in BIOS under the Advanced tab, it should be set to 1:1 (or 3:4 if it will allow it)

Your Sandra mem scores should be in the neighborhood of 2500/2500.

 

[WarCon]

Also if it is good memory you should be able to set it to 4:5 timing even at 150mhz with that mobo. I would probably leave it at spd timings since your memory bus will be at ~188mhz. If your memory isn't so good then 1:1 will have to be your option.

 

[kazanjig]

Okay, the version i have is SiSoftware Sandra 2002 Standard. I downloaded the Unicode version. Should I be using the ANSI one?

Edit:
version 2002.1.8.59
Scores: 980/981, eeew

 

[kazanjig]

My memory settings are as follows:
2.5-4-4-7 (all at spd timings).
ratio is 4:6

 

[kazanjig]

could it be that it's not getting the 2.5v it needs?

 

[Nate420]

When you say 4:6 ( or 2/3 ) I assume that your running your memory at 2/3 of 150fsb, which is 100(ddr, so 2x100) and you should be at 166 (333) or higher. First see what options you have available while running at 150fsb. If your only options are the 4:6 your at now and 1:1, switch to 1:1. Atleast that way you'll run mem at 300Mhz, 100 faster than you are now.


2002.1.8.59 is that latest Sandra version I believe.

 

[WarCon]

You might want to check and see if your memory is having errors. Get memtest-86 and try running it.

Those numbers are very slow (especially if your ratio is really 4 CPU / 6 Memory) Isn't that approximately 225mhz or 450DDR?

Try setting it to 1:1 and rerun the tests. Also set your timings to 2 2 2 5 (or 6, this setting doesn't up the speed that much but can affect stability if set too low). If this doesn't change your memory scores, then something is really wrong with your memory or mobo.

 

[Nate420]

I just downloaded the manual for your board, it shows your options as 1:1, 3:4, and 3:5. (where did you get 4:6 from?) Setting it at 3:4 ( FSB x 4/3) would be ideal if it'll let you at 150fsb (ddr=400Mhz), and if your memory can take it. You may have to bump the dram voltage upto 2.6V to run at 400Mhz though.

My Crucial PC2100 runs just fine at 350Mhz with 2.6V, so your 2700 should hit 400 pretty easy I would think.

 

[kazanjig]

Okay, there's a thread here about people successfully using the new BIOS for the Asus P4S533 on the P4S333 board. That's what I have flashed right now, and that's what give's me the 4:6 multiplier.
I ran the memory test and, well, it was ugly. I had about a dozen errors after 17 minutes.
I think I'll look at the latest BIOS for the 333.
Is the RAM voltage setting in the BIOS?

I really appreciate all the help.

 

[WarCon]

Actually its on the board I think, upper right hand corner. (I set up my friends system, but my memory sucks so I am rarely sure....)

But my crucial DDR 2100 runs pretty well, wish mine did.

 

[kazanjig]

Ok, here's the latest (and probably last [east coast = late]) update for tongiht.

I put the latest P4S333 BIOS on ----------> no improvement

I set the memory to 2-2-2-5 ---------------> Sandra now reports 2211/2216, isn't that still low for PC2700?

I'll be up for a little bit longer. PM me or IM me to IcemanSax.


kazanjig

btw, you guys rock

Oh, ratio's 1:1 now, might try something else...



EDIT #2:
Ratio now at 4:5 (cpu/ram) ---------------> Sandra says 2703/2701, that's more like it.
I just found the DDR voltage, 2.5, 2.7, 2.9... might try 2.7 tomorrow, but at least I have decent memory scores now.
Bad things happen when I'm tired. No more for tonight. I'll stay up a bit longer to read replies (if any).

kazanjig out

 

[WarCon]

For 150mhz those look a whole lot better than before and actually pretty ok. You should try 4:5 with the timing set to 2.5 3 3 6 or maybe even 2 2 2 6.

BTW at the 1:1 does Memtest give you a clean bill of health?

...............................edit.............................
Your edit beat my post, was talking................ Those are really decent scores now.

 

[JHMirage]

<< I set the memory to 2-2-2-5 --------------->
Ratio now at 4:5 (cpu/ram) ---------------> Sandra says 2703/2701, that's more like it.
I just found the DDR voltage, 2.5, 2.7, 2.9... might try 2.7 tomorrow, but at least I have decent memory scores now.
>>



Here's my current settings... pretty similar to yours. (I have a 512MB stick of Corsair)

Had to bump the volts to 2.7
4:5 ratio with my FSB at 150
2.5/2/2/6/1

Sandra 2002 -> 2862/2860

Edit: I'm going to go try to push my CAS latency to 2 instead of 2.5... we'll see...

 

[JHMirage]

Okay... this just doesn't make any sense.

I changed from 2.5 / 2 / 2 / 6 / 1 -- 4:5 (Sandra 2862/2860)
to 2 / 2 / 2 / 6 / 1 -- 4:5 (Sandra 2865/2863)

Do those basically unchanged scored seem right to anyone?

 

[Nate420]

Yep, they are correct. Going from 2.5 down to 2 won't make much difference. You see benchmarks increase when you go from like 3-3-3-6 to 2-2-2-5.

Kazanjig.....

Those sandra scores are lookin good man, (drool) 2700/2700. Maybe that 533 bios aint to great for the 333 board.

 

[JTKGY]

!!! my gigabyte ga-8irxp doesn't have the 4:5 memory clock selection...
All I got is "auto, 2.66, 2.0"...
So, I could of push my cpu higher (now at ~2.3ghz) but had to tune it down b/c the memory
can't handle higher than ~387mhz

 

[kazanjig]

Well guys, I don't know what I did, but I can't reproduce those 2700/2700 scores... Oh wait, I know... I didn't write down all the timings I was using. So right now the best I can get is about 2400/2400.

Damn memory...

HUGE EDIT!!!!!
I just read here on AsusForums that my Samsung PC2700 may not be legit. I guess GoogleGear was selling RAM that was Samsung chips on a non-Samsung PCB. Dammit, bait and switch. So, I'll have to check the PCB when I get home from work. I doubt I'll get an RMA (well over 15 days, more like 30), so I may have to go through my credit card (Amex Blue). Here's to hoping.