Modding RAM??? RAM timings??

CrunchDude · Mar 1, 2008, 10:55 PM

Is there any way to increase the efficiency of the memory sticks? This sounds like a stupid question even to me, but you never know. Can't hurt to ask.

What are RAM timings? It said "What do you "push"? Example: 4-4-12...Someone please enlighten me!

THX!!!!!!!!

mkk · Mar 2, 2008, 04:11 AM

When it comes to timings lower is faster, but lowering below the official specs can easily lead to instability. Raising the frequency while at the same time overclocking the CPU is in general an easier way to get a bit more performance out of the memory.

Have a look at pages such as these:
Understanding RAM Timings | Hardware Secrets
Info: Ram Timings For Dummies. - Overclock.net - Overclocking.net
A Guide to Memory Timing

CrunchDude · Mar 2, 2008, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkk

When it comes to timings lower is faster, but lowering below the official specs can easily lead to instability. Raising the frequency while at the same time overclocking the CPU is in general an easier way to get a bit more performance out of the memory.

Have a look at pages such as these:
Understanding RAM Timings | Hardware Secrets
Info: Ram Timings For Dummies. - Overclock.net - Overclocking.net
A Guide to Memory Timing

Awesome. Thank you! Great insight in this article. My RAM is DDR2-667MHz...so that means the 667 is theoretical, and that it runs at 333MHz? Unless I'm not understanding something correctly, it doesn't make sense to me as to why the 667 chip would run at what, half speed?

Also, how would I overclock it? Is there a software tool? I need something where I can undo the overclocking, too, just in case. And to what extent do you recommend I overclock it to? The full 667 or somewhere in between?

Thanks again!!!

mkk · Mar 2, 2008, 05:22 PM

Ah yes in this case 667MHz is the theoretical value that comes from the ability of DDR types of memory to carry out two operations per clock cycle, while the actual frequency remains 333MHz.

Check for clock settings in the BIOS, and read the motherboard manual for methods to reset the BIOS if that necessity would arise. The most common method to reset a BIOS is called Clear CMOS but the manufacturers quite oftenly provide some additional method.

If the system in question is that Lenovo Thinkpad in your signature then there might not be many settings for overclocking or even tweaking RAM in the BIOS, but perhaps you're lucky.

CrunchDude · Mar 3, 2008, 12:30 AM

Nope...Nothing like that in the BIOS...Why is it done like that? Wouldn't everything run a lot faster if the actual speed were used? There must be a reason. I'm just wondering as to what it is.

I'm also wondering how I can get around this BIOS problem, and still increase the frequency? Here is more detailed information about my system, and the RAM timings:

mkk · Mar 3, 2008, 03:51 AM

Brand name manufacturers usually don't like to give their customers much options. But the memory is really running at the right speed. 333MHz is the actual clock frequency of "667MHz" DDR2 RAM.

***temeteus82*** · Mar 3, 2008, 04:07 AM

It's done so because its a laptop. The cooling solution isn't so good than in desktops.

CrunchDude · Mar 3, 2008, 08:52 AM

I see...
Ok, well, how do I get these babies up to speed, so to speak? My RAM timings are 5-5-5-15???

H3X4D3C1M4L · Apr 5, 2008, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrunchDude

I see...
Ok, well, how do I get these babies up to speed, so to speak? My RAM timings are 5-5-5-15???

You don't on a laptop. Frequently the BIOS's are stripped of any such options because of the way the motherboards are built.

Long story short, for the luxury of mobility you lose the luxury of overclocking and tweaking and such