RAM overclock question

[thizzlefry]

This is my current specs:

Intel e8400 @ 4.0ghz (450 x 9.0)
Asus P5Q Pro
G.skill (2x2GB) 1066 mhz 5-5-5-15 2T
Powercooler Radeon HD4870 (the 800mhz core one)

Well, my question is what do I do about RAM. My system is currently running stable (Orthos 10+ hours) with my ram at 1:1 ratio which means its only running at 900mhz. If I set my ram frequency to the 1066 setting my ratio changes to 5:6. I've been reading around and heard it's better if your RAM and CPU are synced. I've also heard tightening my timings is good, like to 4-4-4-12 2T. At this point I have no idea what to do because there are so many different things people are suggesting to do. You guys have helped me before, so I'm hoping you can help again! Thanks!

 

[faster3200]

5:6 is still synched. Unsynching is only available on nvidia chipsets so don't worry about that.

Tighter timings are important but usually the speed benefit you get from running at fast settings plus higher latencies yields better performance than slower mhz plus lower latencies.

 

[thizzlefry]

awww i see. thank you very much for the insight

 

[jay_l_a]

I think when you're talking about 'synced' you're talking about a 1:1 multiplier. Aim for this and tighten the timings. Benchmark.
Then try your 5:6 (hence running your RAM faster, may have to back off the timings) Benchmark.

I'd guess you're not going to see much difference between the 2

 

[faster3200]

I think when you're talking about 'synced' you're talking about a 1:1 multiplier. Aim for this and tighten the timings. Benchmark.
Then try your 5:6 (hence running your RAM faster, may have to back off the timings) Benchmark.

I'd guess you're not going to see much difference between the 2

5:6 is synced. Nvidia chipsets have the option for the ram to be run out of sync (as in there is no correlation between ran and cpu speed). For example, the ram could be at 932mhz while the cpu is at 400x9.

 

[jay_l_a]

I understand 5:6 is still synced.

But there is still the idea that matching FSB and RAM speed (ie 1:1 ratio) still yields the best performance.

My advice (which I stand by) is to try both 1:1 and 5:6 ratios and see which gives the best performance.

 

[faster3200]

I understand 5:6 is still synced.

But there is still the idea that matching FSB and RAM speed (ie 1:1 ratio) still yields the best performance.

My advice (which I stand by) is to try both 1:1 and 5:6 ratios and see which gives the best performance.

Oh got ya, I guess I misunderstood you. That is good advice.

 

[thizzlefry]

anytime i ever try and make my RAM at the 1081mhz setting, it wont even orthos for more the like 15 min. I've tried my ram all the way up 2.2v (its rated 2.0 ~ 2.1) and raising my NB voltage to 1.24 and my FSB termination voltage to 1.24, and ive also tried adjusting my tFRC to a higher number than 52.... nothins workin. any suggestions how i can get this to work? 2.2v jus seems so high...

 

[faster3200]

More than likely you just can't go that high. A lot of the higher rated mem chips will run at what they are rated but nothing beyond it.

I have owned two sets of DDR2 1000 memory. One set wouldn't go past 1030mhz while the other went to 1150.

 

[thizzlefry]

damn, so i guess i jus have to settle for my RAM at 900 mhz...... guess that means ima try and up my cpu to 4.2! so it will at least be around 930mhz.... bummer

 

[faster3200]

Don't worry ram speed isn't super important. It may make a difference in benchmarks but in actual real world uses it won't really effect much.