RAM - FSB problems

[shambf00]

Motherboard - ASROCK VSTA 775
CPU - Conroe E6300
RAM - Simple Tech DDR3200 256MB x2 (DUAL CHAN)

Here's the prob:

Since my ram (DDR 400mhz) is in dual channel, I thought my FSB would double up to run at 800mhz to the cpu, however, it's stuck at 533mhz.

I believe my bios date is the latest (sept 9 06), everything is set to auto in the bios (im not trying to OC), yet the bios info is saying my ram is ddr running @ 266mhz. Why?

Please help.

Thanks!

 

[yas]

Because your processor the E6300 has a FSB of 266mhz the ram runs at a 1 to 1 ratio which is double that of the FSB which is 533mhz. THe ram being 800mhz means it CAN raech 800mhz when you increase the FSB to 400. The cpu has a multiplier of 7 which means 266x7=1860mhz.

So what im saying is theres nothing wrong with your ram!

 

[fishboi]

Try take your FSB to 400Mhz (therefore your RAM = 800Mhz, the 1:1 ratio), and change you CPU multiplier to get your max Ghz on CPU. FOr eg., 400FSB X 6 = 2.4Ghz CPU.

 

[shambf00]

omgosh, i thought no one would post =/

Thanks so much =D

So if I got dd2 533mhz (which is the next upgrade on my list) will the FSB remain the same? Or like is there a way to increase the ratio?

 

[CompuTronix]

FSB 266 x 2 (DDR - Double Data Rate) = DDR 533. Changing the memory modules will not affect the FSB. Since you said you're not trying to overclock, then understand that the only proper way to change the FSB and memory muiltiplier ratio is to adjust them in BIOS, as FishBoi suggested. Hence, you won't be able do so, unless you're willing to take the settings out of "Auto" and work with them, so it's up to you to decide what you want to do. If you want to crank it up, then we'll be glad to help you.

 

[shambf00]

Hrmm...ok if I have to overclock so my memory can run at what it's supposed to then I think i may take that option.

I have a gigabyte 3d rocket cooler gt (all copper), which, i believe, can deal with the heat (i got it in prep of hot summer days).

So my thought was, at least in longterm, buying ddr2 533mhz - installed in dual channel - would allow my system to perform at the e6300's max fsb which reads as 1066MHZ (533 x 2) on the box.

However, according to the point about the multiplier, does this mean that I have to set my fsb to 533 to get my ddr 533 to run at it's full speed? cos that means my cpu with tag along to run at 3.7 ghz (533 x 7). That sounds kinda dangerous =(

 

[CompuTronix]

The E6300 and E6400 are 2Mb shared cache Allendale Cores. The E6600's and up are 4Mb shared cache Conroe Cores. Your Asrock motherboard supports two DDR slots, and two DDR2 slots. Your present memory modules are PC 3200 (DDR 400) 256Mb x 2 = 512Mb. To clarify, DDR refers to 184 pin memory, and DDR2 refers to 240 pin memory. DDR always means Double Data Rate. DDR2 is simply newer arcitecture.

Since there are two 256Mb modules installed on your motherboard, rather than one 512Mb module, BIOS (Basic Input Output System) configures them to operate separatly, or in Dual Channel mode. This configuaration refers to the method by which the memory is simultaneously accessed, and is unrelated to the speed at which they operate.

The memory controller for your Intel CPU has a default setting of 266 x 2, or 533Mhz (266 DDR = 533). Since the chipset operates the FSB (Front Side Bus) "quad pumped" the resulting FSB is 266 x 4 or 1066Mhz. The CPU frequency is then 266 x 7, or 1866 Mhz. 266:266 = 1:1 ratio. As you can see, all clock settings are based upon the FSB. I hope this helps you to understand the relationships between the system's basic components.

Since BIOS reports your present 184 pin DDR 400 memory at DDR 266, then BIOS has defaulted the memory to boot at a safe 133 x 2, or DDR 266 (1:2 ratio), rather than forcing your DDR 400 memory to attempt to boot at DDR 533. In order to bring your DDR 400 up to it's native speed, you must change the memory ratio in BIOS from from an "Auto" setting of 1:2, to a "Manual" setting of 3:4, assuming that BIOS provides for changing this setting. I can't tell you exactly where to find the proper settings, as I don't have your board, but I'm sure you can now grasp the concept, and put it into action.

If you're not yet comfortable with adjusting BIOS settings and need further guidance, then perhaps someone who is also running your motherboard will be kind enough to offer their assistance. You can also read wusy's excellent overclocking (sticky) guide, to familiarize yourself with general BIOS functions.

Good luck, and enjoy!

 

[shambf00]

Thanks!

I'm gonna mess around with that for a bit.

 

[CompuTronix]

I was just reading the reviews on Newegg regarding your board, and some additional thoughts come to mind. If your BIOS won't allow you to access the appropriate memory settings to allow you to tweak your DDR 400 (200 x 2) memory, then you can replace your memory with DDR2 533, as you had mentioned. It also appears that your motherboard is capable of being mildly overclocked. You can update the BIOS, purchase DDR2 667, and tweak up the FSB. Some reviews report 315Mhz FSB on the E6300 which is 2.2Ghz. Interestingly enough, some extreme overclockers were able to exceed 400Mhz FSB by hardware volt modding, which would be 2.8Ghz on an E6300. Amazing results for this board! You may want to read the reviews and search the forums for more information to learn what can be accomplished. Sorry I can't provide you with all the links. You'll have to ferret it out for yourself.

 

[yas]

I was just reading the reviews on Newegg regarding your board, and some additional thoughts come to mind. If your BIOS won't allow you to access the appropriate memory settings to allow you to tweak your DDR 400 (200 x 2) memory, then you can replace your memory with DDR2 533, as you had mentioned. It also appears that your motherboard is capable of being mildly overclocked. You can update the BIOS, purchase DDR2 667, and tweak up the FSB. Some reviews report 315Mhz FSB on the E6300 which is 2.2Ghz. Interestingly enough, some extreme overclockers were able to exceed 400Mhz FSB by hardware volt modding, which would be 2.8Ghz on an E6300. Amazing results for this board! You may want to read the reviews and search the forums for more information to learn what can be accomplished. Sorry I can't provide you with all the links. You'll have to ferret it out for yourself.

I dunno if he should change the ratio from his 1:1 ratio though. Do you really think he would see an increase in performance. Usually its best to leave it unless its a massive gap.

shamb,
if your gonna fiddle around in the bios you may as well try increasing the FSB a little since you have some headroom in your ram

 

[CompuTronix]

Understand that he doesn't have any headroom. His memory is DDR, not DDR2, so his DDR 400 can't run at DDR2 533, and he can't run at 1:1.

 

[yas]

No I mean to increase the FSB keeping the ratio the same.

 

[CompuTronix]

I see your point. Since shambf00's DDR 400 is only running at 133 x 2 (DDR 266), which unfortunately, is just 1:2, then he might be able to simply bump up the FSB clock with his memory as is, which is what I believe you're pointing out.

I understand there are no voltage adjustments in that BIOS, so they say flashing to the latest version is critical. Regardless, if he can reach FSB 300, that would bring his memory a little closer to it's rated frequency, 150 x 2 (DDR 300) and 2.1Ghz (300 x 7) on the CPU. That would give him an overall performance increase of 12.5% for just a simple FSB bump. It's certainly worth a try. Speed for $0.00 is always a beautiful thing.

 

[shambf00]

Yeah, I think I've about exhausted all options without overclocking FSB.

Even when I try to over clock fsb to 285mhz so i can get effective clock of 2.0ghz windows will lock up when I run everest, or anything else that "mildly" taxes the system.

I also can't find the option to change the ratio.

I've always had the plan to get faster ram, so I guess I'll be looking forward to it.

So I looked at my bois and confirmed from my bios manual that the multiplier for the E6300 is locked @ 7; fsb = 266mhz, resulting in cpu clock @ 1862mhz.

Here's what everest shows me though:

http://img377.imageshack.us/my.php?image=everestonasrockcore2e63gq1.jpg

Thanks guys.

Any last thoughts? =D

 

[shambf00]

Yeah, I think I've about exhausted all options without overclocking FSB.

Even when I try to over clock fsb to 285mhz so i can get effective clock of 2.0ghz windows will lock up when I run everest, or anything else that "mildly" taxes the system.

I also can't find the option to change the ratio.

I've always had the plan to get faster ram, so I guess I'll be looking forward to it.

So I looked at my bois and confirmed from my bios manual that the multiplier for the E6300 is locked @ 7; fsb = 266mhz, resulting in cpu clock @ 1862mhz.

Here's what everest shows me though:

http://img377.imageshack.us/my.php?image=everestonasrockcore2e63gq1.jpg

Thanks guys.

Any last thoughts? =D

 

[shambf00]

Yeah, I think I've about exhausted all options without overclocking FSB.

Even when I try to over clock fsb to 285mhz so i can get effective clock of 2.0ghz windows will lock up when I run everest, or anything else that "mildly" taxes the system.

I also can't find the option to change the ratio.

I've always had the plan to get faster ram, so I guess I'll be looking forward to it.

So I looked at my bois and confirmed from my bios manual that the multiplier for the E6300 is locked @ 7; fsb = 266mhz, resulting in cpu clock @ 1862mhz.

Here's what everest shows me though:

http://img377.imageshack.us/my.php?image=everestonasrockcore2e63gq1.jpg

Thanks guys.

Any last thoughts? =D

 

[shambf00]

Yeah, I think I've about exhausted all options without overclocking FSB.

Even when I try to over clock fsb to 285mhz so i can get effective clock of 2.0ghz windows will lock up when I run everest, or anything else that "mildly" taxes the system.

I also can't find the option to change the ratio.

I've always had the plan to get faster ram, so I guess I'll be looking forward to it.

So I looked at my bois and confirmed from my bios manual that the multiplier for the E6300 is locked @ 7; fsb = 266mhz, resulting in cpu clock @ 1862mhz.

Here's what everest shows me though:

http://img377.imageshack.us/my.php?image=everestonasrockcore2e63gq1.jpg

Thanks guys.

Any last thoughts? =D

 

[shambf00]

sorry about the multiple posts...it told me "an error occured" everytime

 

[TabrisDarkPeace]

Install SiSoft SANDRA

www.sisoftware.co.uk

Run the CPU benchmark and Memory Throughput Test with window maximized.

Screenshot the results.

Usually a 266 base FSB on the current Intel platforms is QDR, which is a 1066 FSB effectively.

I don't know where you are getting this 533 FSB figure from, unless your base FSB is 133 MHz, and your are underclocking the CPU by -50%.

Sounds like RAM ratio is the least of your concerns


PS: 285/266.667 = +7% which means your SATA and PCI bus will get out of sync and fail as the divider for PCI bus hasn't raised.

Tip: Try 300 FSB or 333 FSB, they'll each keep the PCI/SATA bus at 33/100 - so it might be stable. (Well double check the mainboard manual, may they won't raise the divider at all, and give way out of spec PCI/SATA clocks )

You want FSB:RAM ratio at 4:3 (1066:400 Dual-Channel) - if not overclocking.

At 300 base FSB (1200 FSB) you'll want FSB:RAM ratio at 3:2 (1200:400 Dual-Channel) instead.

 

[shambf00]

anytime i try to download sisoft sandra i get a "no files to extract" error. I tried 4 sites, same error.

and, my bios see the ram as something like this:

Dual Channel

DDR2 - NONE
DDR1 - 256mb/166mhz - DDR 333

DDR2 - NONE
DDR1 - 256mb/166mhz - DDR 333

Total RAM 512mb

I think the ratio option is locked for this particular cpu (e6300)

 

[CompuTronix]

The ability to change memory ratios, as well as other BIOS settings, are dependent upon the flexibility of clocking features on the motherboard, and except the CPU multiplier, are unrelated to the CPU. Therefore, the memory ratio is not "locked" but is just typically not available on a $57.00 motherboard. Please read through the following reviews:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/CustratingReview.asp?item=N82E16813157092

http://www.anandtech.com/mb/showdoc.aspx?i=2810

Many of the posts are a wealth of information regarding the abilities and limitations of your ASRock 775Dual-VSTA, and describe how other users are getting the most out of this motherboard.

Hope this helps.

 

[TabrisDarkPeace]

anytime i try to download sisoft sandra i get a "no files to extract" error. I tried 4 sites, same error.

Try downloading Prime95 and run the torture test in blend mode.

If you're pushing your RAM / MCH / FSB too far you'll get corrupted downloads, it could just be pushing PCI / NIC interface too far though (much less data will be corrupt).

Either way data is going corrupt, so avoid defrags until you know the cause.

 

[GunnySpook]

Great thread - thanks!

How about this then:

My Intel XBX2 MB has 2 frequency references in the performance/memory config section of the bios.

Reference Frequency (Default/333/266/200/133) currently at 266

Memory Frequency (800/667/533/400) currently at 533

My memory is Corsair DDR2-6400C4 and my FSB is at 334, running at 3.00 GHz.

CPU-Z currently reports the FSB:RAM as 1:1, which I thought was the ideal.

What is the difference between Reference freq and Memory freq?

And what should they be for best performance?

Thanks!

The Gunny

 

[TabrisDarkPeace]

If your FSB is 333 (1333 QDR) then you want memory clocked at 333 or higher (667 DDR).

DIMM1 = 333 MHz, DDR2, 64 bits wide
DIMM2 = 333 MHz, DDR2, 64 bits wide
MCH (NorthBridge / Memory Controller Hub) links them in Dual-Channel (128 bits wide, for 10.67 GB/sec peak throughput).

MCH talks to FSB on a 333 MHz, QDR FSB, 64 bits wide, which is also 10.67 GB/sec peak throughput just the bus to the CPU from MCH is half as wide (vs MCH to RAM).

However a setting of 266 MHz in your "Intel mainboard" BIOS may actually mean 1:1 ratio with 266 FSB, and as you've changed FSB to 333 to overclock, your RAM may actually be running at 333 (667 DDR).

If this is the case setting it to 333 will lead to your memory trying to run at 833.333 MHz DDR (416.667 MHz base clock, which is likely out of spec and may cause problems).

However (2), if this is not the case then you want to use 333/333. But I strongly suspect in the Intel BIOS that every value you see is assuming there is not overclock in place (a pre-overclock value) - I could be wrong though.

:? - Confusing, eh ?

Try the memory throughput benchmark in SiSoft SANDRA 2007.

http://www.sisoftware.co.uk

At least then we can compare scores.

RAM: INT: 5247 / FLOAT: 5270 - both in MB/sec

Use Large Memory Pages was off (this reduces the score, so to compare we both need to confirm it is not flagged)

This is while running browsers, iTunes with music, etc with 2 x G.Skill DDR2-800 (4-4-4-12, 2.05 Volts) running at DDR2-667 with 5-5-5-14 (or 15) timings though.

FSB is: 333 MHz base (1333 QDR).

The large prefetching of Core 2 Duo hurts its results in this test btw, but it does score high on efficiency. 8)

Least using SANDRA Mainboard Info and Memory Throughput test you'll be able to see what is going on under the hood.

eg: (Copy the below into Notepad or WordPad, OpenOffice, etc, or just bump the fonts up heaps to read on) - 8)

SiSoftware Sandra

Mainboard
Manufacturer : Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd.
MP Support : 1 Processor(s)
MPS Version : 1.40
Model : 965P-DQ6
System BIOS : 09/20/2006-P965-ICH8-6A79LG0GC-00

System Memory Controller
Location : Mainboard
Error Correction Capability : None
Number of Memory Slots : 4
Maximum Installable Memory : 4GB
Bank0/1 - A0 : DIMM 1GB/64 @ 66Mt/s
Bank2/3 - A1 : Empty
Bank4/5 - A2 : DIMM 1GB/64 @ 66Mt/s
Bank6/7 - A3 : Empty

Chipset 1
Model : Giga-Byte Technology ??? (29A0)
Bus(es) : PCI PCIe IMB USB FireWire/1394 i2c/SMBus
Front Side Bus Speed : 4x 334MHz (1336MHz data rate)
Maximum FSB Speed / Max Memory Speed : 4x 400MHz / 4x 233MHz
Width : 64-bit
IO Queue Depth : 12 request(s)

Chipset 1 Hub Interface
Type : DMI (Direct Media Interface)
Version : 1.00
Number of Ports : 4
In/Out Width : 4-bit / 4-bit
Multiplier : 3/1x
Speed : 8x 2500MHz (20000MHz data rate)

Logical/Chipset 1 Memory Banks
Speed : 4x 167MHz (668MHz data rate)
Multiplier : 4/8x
Width : 64-bit
Memory Controller in Processor : No
Performance Acceleration Technology : Yes
Refresh Rate : 7.80µs
Power Save Mode : No
Fixed Hole Present : No

APIC 1
Version : 2.00
Multiplier : 1/2x
Maximum Interrupts : 24
IRQ Handler Engaged : Yes
Enhanced Support : Yes

Memory Module 1
Model : F2-6400PHU1-1GBHZ
Type : 1GB DIMM DDR2-SDRAM
Technology : 16x(64Mx8)
Speed : PC2-6400U
Standard Timings : 5.0-5-5-14 (tCL-tRCD-tRP-tRAS)
Version : 1.2
Date of Manufacture : Saturday, 25 December 1999
Set Timing @ 400MHz : 5.0-5-5-14 (tCL-tRCD-tRP-tRAS)
Set Timing @ 267MHz : 4.0-3-3-10 (tCL-tRCD-tRP-tRAS)

Memory Module 2
Model : F2-6400PHU1-1GBHZ
Type : 1GB DIMM DDR2-SDRAM
Technology : 16x(64Mx8)
Speed : PC2-6400U
Standard Timings : 5.0-5-5-14 (tCL-tRCD-tRP-tRAS)
Version : 1.2
Date of Manufacture : Saturday, 25 December 1999
Set Timing @ 400MHz : 5.0-5-5-14 (tCL-tRCD-tRP-tRAS)
Set Timing @ 267MHz : 4.0-3-3-10 (tCL-tRCD-tRP-tRAS)

PCI Bus(es) on Hub 1
Version : 2.30
Number of Bridges : 5
PCI Bus 0 : PCI (1/1x PCIClk)
PCI Bus 1 : PCIe (3/1x PCIClk)
PCI Bus 2 : PCIe (3/1x PCIClk)
PCI Bus 3 : PCIe (3/1x PCIClk)
PCI Bus 4 : PCIe (3/1x PCIClk)
PCI Bus 5 : PCI (1/1x PCIClk)
Number of PCIe Lanes : 19

LPC Hub Controller 1
Model : Giga-Byte Technology ??? (2810)
ACPI Power Management Enabled : Yes
Advanced TCO Mode Support : Yes
Advanced TCO Mode Enabled : No
High Precision Timer Support : Yes
High Precision Timer Enabled : No
Delayed Transaction Enabled : Yes

LPC Hub Controller 2
Model : Giga-Byte Technology ??? (283E)

USB Controller 1
Model : Giga-Byte Technology ??? (2834)
Version : 1.10
Interface : UHCI
Channels : 2
Speed : 48MHz
Supported Speed(s) : Low (1.5Mbps) Full (12Mbps)
Legacy Emulation Enabled : No

USB Controller 2
Model : Giga-Byte Technology ??? (2835)
Version : 1.10
Interface : UHCI
Channels : 2
Speed : 48MHz
Supported Speed(s) : Low (1.5Mbps) Full (12Mbps)
Legacy Emulation Enabled : No

USB Controller 3
Model : Giga-Byte Technology ??? (283A)
Version : 2.00
Specification : 1.00
Interface : EHCI
Channels : 4
Companion Controllers : 2
Supported Speed(s) : Low (1.5Mbps) Full (12Mbps) High (480Mbps)
Addressing Support : 64-bit
Legacy Emulation Enabled : No

USB Controller 4
Model : Giga-Byte Technology ??? (2830)
Version : 1.10
Interface : UHCI
Channels : 2
Speed : 48MHz
Supported Speed(s) : Low (1.5Mbps) Full (12Mbps)
Legacy Emulation Enabled : No

USB Controller 5
Model : Giga-Byte Technology ??? (2831)
Version : 1.10
Interface : UHCI
Channels : 2
Speed : 48MHz
Supported Speed(s) : Low (1.5Mbps) Full (12Mbps)
Legacy Emulation Enabled : No

USB Controller 6
Model : Giga-Byte Technology ??? (2832)
Version : 1.10
Interface : UHCI
Channels : 2
Speed : 48MHz
Supported Speed(s) : Low (1.5Mbps) Full (12Mbps)
Legacy Emulation Enabled : No

USB Controller 7
Model : Giga-Byte Technology ??? (2836)
Version : 2.00
Specification : 1.00
Interface : EHCI
Channels : 6
Companion Controllers : 3
Supported Speed(s) : Low (1.5Mbps) Full (12Mbps) High (480Mbps)
Addressing Support : 64-bit
Legacy Emulation Enabled : No

FireWire/1394 Controller 1
Model : Giga-Byte Technology TSB43AB23 1394a-2000 OHCI PHY/link-layer Controller
Version : 1.10
Interface : OHCI
Enhanced Support : Yes
Channels : 64
Speed : 400MHz

System SMBus Controller 1
Model : Intel 801xx/63xx SMBus
Version : 0.02
Specification : 2.00
Advanced TCO Mode Enabled : No
Slave Device Enabled : Yes
PEC Support : Yes
Speed : 100kHz

Expansion Slot(s)
PCI : PCI 32-bit +5V +3.3V PME i2c/SMBus Full-Length Used
PCI (1h) : PCI 32-bit +5V +3.3V PME i2c/SMBus Full-Length Available (Intel Corporation ??? (29A1))
PCI (6h) : PCI 32-bit +5V +3.3V PME i2c/SMBus Full-Length Used
PCI : PCI 32-bit +5V +3.3V PME i2c/SMBus Full-Length Used

Port Connector(s)
PRIMARY IDE : None - ATA / None
SECONDARY IDE : None - ATA / None
FDD : 8251 FIFO - Floppy Disk / None
COM1 : Serial Port 16450 - 9 Pin Dual Inline / DB-9 pin male
COM2 : Serial Port 16450 - 9 Pin Dual Inline / DB-9 pin male
LPT1 : Parallel Port ECP/EPP - DB-25 pin female / DB-25 pin female
Keyboard : Keyboard - None / PS/2
PS/2 Mouse - Detected : Mouse - PS/2 / PS/2
USB : USB - None / USB
USB : USB - None / USB

Performance Tips
Notice 224 : SMBIOS/DMI information may be inaccurate.
Tip 2511 : Some memory slots are free so the memory can be easily upgraded.
Tip 2 : Double-click tip or press Enter while a tip is selected for more information about the tip.

 

[zjohnr]

Yeah, I think I've about exhausted all options without overclocking FSB. .... Here's what everest shows me though:
http://img377.imageshack.us/my.php?image=everestonasrockcore2e63gq1.jpg

OK, I'm totally confused by this. According to your post, you are not overclocking and your system clock/FSB is set to 266MHz and your CPU multiplier is 7. But the everest screen shot you referenced shows your FSB running at twice that speed or 533MHz and your multiplier set to 7/2 or 3.5. Something wrong with the everest program?? :?

Have you tried the old stand-by of CPU-Z? Here's a link to the CPU-Z web site. To use it you just download the .zip file, unzip it to a directory, then run the cpuz.exe file in that directory. After anywhere from a few to a couple seconds delay, the CPU-Z window pops up. (The reason for the delay when starting is supposedly because it takes some time to gather the memory SPD information).

I'd be curious what it says your CPU, FSB, and SDRAM speeds are.

-john, the redundant legacy dinosaur