Vista Tutorial - DDR RAM Explained

**MrNeeds** · 02-23-2009

Quote: Originally Posted by RikoSuave

Question Skunk?

I've tweaked my evga board to match my OCZ 1006 memory specs at 5-6-6-18 2T 2.1V with the "expert" setting. When I switch it to the "optimal" setting it switches the cycle to 5-8-8-24.

If lower #'s are tighter why doesn't "optimal" setting adjust to lower cycle #'s?

because the bios has set the ram timings at a safe operating environment, looser timings set by default usually means that your CPU is running 1:1 with your ram, your CPU is slowing the timings down to get a faster speed. if you want tighter timings on your ram, you could increase your CPU clock frequency to reflect this so effectively your running 1:1 even at higher clock speeds, theres more in common with your cpu and ram than you might think.
I found this out the hard way, my windows experience index was telling me my ram was slow (5.5) and my CPU was fast (5.9), i overclocked my CPU to 2.8Ghz and my ram was released to do its dirty deeds and bumped up the ram to 5.9, it confused me at first but i realised that my CPU was slowing my RAM down, running it in 1:1, like a Dam holding the water back, as soon as i removed the barrier, i was overwhelmed with how much performance was gained.
pics are before and after ive since overclocked my CPU to 3Ghz

**RikoSuave** · 02-23-2009

Thanks for the explanation!

Cheers,

Riko

**DeXtmL** · 05-11-2009

My DDR2 800 RAM (dual ch)is running under 1200Hz. However, i cant see big improvement over 800Hz. (constant timing)

.
Should there be less apps that are FSB bound.

**skunksmash** · 05-11-2009

the only way you'll notice a difference above 800mhz with DDR2 is while ''number crunching'' , tighter timings & a lower frequency can often deliver the same or better performance......

obviously DDR3 is different

& i dont undertsnd what you mean by ''apps are FSB bound'' ??

SK

**DeXtmL** · 05-11-2009

yes. ddr3 makes a huge difference.

Many apps im using tend to have overwhelming computation tasks other than memory bus thirsty. These apps are not FSB bound (aka. performance limited by FSB).

Dex

02-23-2009	#11 (permalink)
MrNeeds PC Geek Join Date: Oct 2008 Vista Home Premium x64 1,180 posts	Re: DDR RAM Explained Quote: Originally Posted by RikoSuave Question Skunk? I've tweaked my evga board to match my OCZ 1006 memory specs at 5-6-6-18 2T 2.1V with the "expert" setting. When I switch it to the "optimal" setting it switches the cycle to 5-8-8-24. If lower #'s are tighter why doesn't "optimal" setting adjust to lower cycle #'s? because the bios has set the ram timings at a safe operating environment, looser timings set by default usually means that your CPU is running 1:1 with your ram, your CPU is slowing the timings down to get a faster speed. if you want tighter timings on your ram, you could increase your CPU clock frequency to reflect this so effectively your running 1:1 even at higher clock speeds, theres more in common with your cpu and ram than you might think. I found this out the hard way, my windows experience index was telling me my ram was slow (5.5) and my CPU was fast (5.9), i overclocked my CPU to 2.8Ghz and my ram was released to do its dirty deeds and bumped up the ram to 5.9, it confused me at first but i realised that my CPU was slowing my RAM down, running it in 1:1, like a Dam holding the water back, as soon as i removed the barrier, i was overwhelmed with how much performance was gained. pics are before and after ive since overclocked my CPU to 3Ghz Attached Thumbnails Last edited by MrNeeds; 02-23-2009 at 07:17 AM..
My System Specs

02-23-2009	#12 (permalink)
RikoSuave Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Vista Premium 64 12 posts	Re: DDR RAM Explained Thanks for the explanation! Cheers, Riko
My System Specs

05-11-2009	#13 (permalink)
DeXtmL Project Live Better Join Date: Dec 2007 Vista Ultimate 32bit 97 posts	Re: DDR RAM Explained My DDR2 800 RAM (dual ch)is running under 1200Hz. However, i cant see big improvement over 800Hz. (constant timing) . Should there be less apps that are FSB bound.
My System Specs

05-11-2009	#14 (permalink)
skunksmash im coming for cake Join Date: Jan 2008 ultimate 64 SP1 2,152 posts	Re: DDR RAM Explained the only way you'll notice a difference above 800mhz with DDR2 is while ''number crunching'' , tighter timings & a lower frequency can often deliver the same or better performance...... obviously DDR3 is different & i dont undertsnd what you mean by ''apps are FSB bound'' ?? SK
My System Specs

05-11-2009	#15 (permalink)
DeXtmL Project Live Better Join Date: Dec 2007 Vista Ultimate 32bit 97 posts	Re: DDR RAM Explained yes. ddr3 makes a huge difference. Many apps im using tend to have overwhelming computation tasks other than memory bus thirsty. These apps are not FSB bound (aka. performance limited by FSB). Dex
My System Specs

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