RAM Timing Confusion, Need Some Clarity!

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Kadathan

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Mar 25, 2013
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Hello fellow computer enthusiasts!
I am hoping someone is able to give me some guidance on some RAM information I am having trouble with...

I keep seeing, as I read around various subjects, people mentioning setting RAM timings on their motherboard to match the DIMMs. I have been recently trying to research this topic, but I cannot find any comprehensive information on it. I have simply seen advice to set your motherboard close to your ram timings, but not too tight or you will cause system instability.

Well my question is, is the process as simple as it sounds? Are there any rules of thumb? Or most preferrably, does anybody know where I can find out more about this subject that would be more than just a vague paragraph saying be careful not to do it wrong without describing what wrong is :/

Any information on this would be extremely appreciated!

Edit: To clarify, I am familiar with DIMMs in general as well as the timing of the individual modules, their meanings and all of that. My confusion arises from configuring the motherboard to more effectively use the RAM by setting the timings... When one would feel the need to set the timing as well as how careful one should be, when it is set well vs when it may cause system instability.
 
Solution
C12Friedman

Honestly, ram timing aren't something solid - they are spec'ed when binned but there are variables there also (keeping in mind that they are made to perform along a range of different products). It may be possible (possibly not also) to tighten the timings more than the XMP profile. By checking the settings used by XMP and then manually trying to go lower (which I would do one...
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Kadathan

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Mar 25, 2013
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For the build I just did I used GSKILL Ripjaws 2x4 gb 1600 mHz DIMMs . These are on an ASRock pro 3 atx motherboard, z77 chipset, with the i5 3570k which I don't believe is necessary for me to link as it seems to be the standard.

Honestly, while it would be useful to know if I need to adjust my RAM timings for this build, I would definately like to be able to ascertain for myself when this would be a helpful thing to do and that is where my issue is coming in, there seems to be no real information that I can find on this topic. Is it exceedingly complex that there cannot be any real available information or am I just looking in the wrong places, or for the wrong thing?

Sorry if I am being unclear I am having some difficulty describing what I mean... To summise I would like to be able to learn how to time ram :) Where should I be looking to learn such a thing?
 
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C12Friedman

C12Friedman

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Jan 25, 2012
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Okay, just wanted to ensure you aren't on a pre-built (with everything locked up). There easiest and (my preferred) method is to enable XMP profile in your BIOS which should enable your 1600 MHZ 9-9-9-24 timings. Are you looking to get more speed or tighten up timings past that?
 
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Kadathan

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Mar 25, 2013
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Well I guess that's where I am having issue... I understand that the lower the latency the faster the ram will perform, and increasing the mHz will increase the bandwidth as well, however I do not understand the limitations on this. You can't just push through better expectations on ram without needing more voltage as well as increasing heat generated, as I am guessing that if you want to artificially lower CAS latency you are really just turning the chip into a resistor...

So definately more speed is preferred compared to less speed, however I get confused when you mention tightening up timings even further. Do you mean have the motherboard with xmp enabled, set the timings to 9-9-9-24? Isn't that the tightest it will go, or is it possible to push it further that these numbers as I have touched on in the above paragraph? I know you turn up the clock but I am having difficulty with the idea of these timings as they do not seem to represent anything solid.
 
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C12Friedman

C12Friedman

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Jan 25, 2012
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Honestly, ram timing aren't something solid - they are spec'ed when binned but there are variables there also (keeping in mind that they are made to perform along a range of different products). It may be possible (possibly not also) to tighten the timings more than the XMP profile. By checking the settings used by XMP and then manually trying to go lower (which I would do one point at a time ie. 8-9-9-24 check stability, 8-8-9-24 check stability etc...) while keeping frequency and voltage the same - I would not suggest going over 1.5v on ram while using an Ivy Bridge CPU. It just may be possible to get a little bit better timings from the ram - again just a possibility, no guarantees.

 
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Solution
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Kadathan

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Mar 25, 2013
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I think I get it now, the chips already underwent such a process and were labelled with the results, probably on the safer side which could mean that one could try to push it if they were wreckless... However the important thing is those numbers are a guideline, then, it sounds like. I guess that would explain why I can't find any info on it - it is pretty self explanatory lol. Thank you very much Friedman!
 
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