Please help with optimizing RAM

[Chiba]

Hi,

I recently bought 4GB of this RAM: OCZ Vista Performance Gold Edition DIMM Kit 4GB PC2-6400U CL5-5-5-18 (DDR2-800) (OCZ2G8004GK).
I just switched it with my old PC-5300 RAM and it worked fine, but only at 333MHz like the old RAM. But now I read that there would be a large performance increase if the memory would run at 400MHz as it's intended to. And here's the problem: I have no idea how to do this.
I've read several instructions on this, but I don't dare to do it. I need my computer for university every day, if I destroy it that would be a huge problem.

So I would really appreciate it if someone could give me a step-by-step explanation of which settings to change in the BIOS.

I've also uploaded a CPU-Z dump if that helps.

Thanks in advance

 

[nukemaster]

I do not think you will see a noticeable difference, but if you wish to do it,

On post, hammer the del key a few times for good measure to enter the bios.

Once in there, under Advanced go to AI Overclocking and set it to Manual.

In there, you can set the memory speed, Be sure not to set it too high and remember, on some boards 800 is reported as 400.

Note: Some boards(The P5W DH being one) need a bit of a voltage tweak for 4 sticks. You can try 1.9 volts for that ram if its not stable.

If you have any other questions, ask away.

 

[Chiba]

I have two 2GB sticks, does that still need a voltage tweak?
Also, if the performance increase is really that insignificant I'd rather leave it as it is now, because it's running very stable.

It's just that I read that it's a big difference and I thought that since I spent the money on the 400MHz RAM why not use it.

 

[nukemaster]

With 2 sticks, no you should be fine.

your cpu-z dump makes it look like 4 sticks

Memory SPD
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DIMM #1

General
Memory type DDR2
Module format Regular UDIMM
Manufacturer (ID) OCZ (7F7F7F7FB0000000)
Size 2048 MBytes
Max bandwidth PC2-6400 (400 MHz)
Part number OCZ2G8002G

Attributes
Number of banks 2
Data width 64 bits
Correction None
Nominal Voltage 1.80 Volts
EPP no
XMP no

Timings table
Frequency (MHz) 266 333 400
CAS# 4.0 5.0 6.0
RAS# to CAS# delay 4 5 6
RAS# Precharge 4 5 6
TRAS 12 15 18
TRC 16 20 24

DIMM #2

General
Memory type DDR2
Module format Regular UDIMM
Manufacturer (ID) OCZ (7F7F7F7FB0000000)
Size 2048 MBytes
Max bandwidth PC2-6400 (400 MHz)
Part number OCZ2G8002G

Attributes
Number of banks 2
Data width 64 bits
Correction None
Nominal Voltage 1.80 Volts
EPP no
XMP no

Timings table
Frequency (MHz) 266 333 400
CAS# 4.0 5.0 6.0
RAS# to CAS# delay 4 5 6
RAS# Precharge 4 5 6
TRAS 12 15 18
TRC 16 20 24

DIMM #3

General
Memory type DDR2
Module format Regular UDIMM
Manufacturer (ID) OCZ (7F7F7F7FB0000000)
Size 2048 MBytes
Max bandwidth PC2-6400 (400 MHz)
Part number OCZ2G8002G

Attributes
Number of banks 2
Data width 64 bits
Correction None
Nominal Voltage 1.80 Volts
EPP no
XMP no

Timings table
Frequency (MHz) 266 333 400
CAS# 4.0 5.0 6.0
RAS# to CAS# delay 4 5 6
RAS# Precharge 4 5 6
TRAS 12 15 18
TRC 16 20 24

DIMM #4

General
Memory type DDR2
Module format Regular UDIMM
Manufacturer (ID) OCZ (7F7F7F7FB0000000)
Size 2048 MBytes
Max bandwidth PC2-6400 (400 MHz)
Part number OCZ2G8002G

Attributes
Number of banks 2
Data width 64 bits
Correction None
Nominal Voltage 1.80 Volts
EPP no
XMP no

Timings table
Frequency (MHz) 266 333 400
CAS# 4.0 5.0 6.0
RAS# to CAS# delay 4 5 6
RAS# Precharge 4 5 6
TRAS 12 15 18
TRC 16 20 24

For more info on memory speed and performance, read this

http://www.madshrimps.be/?action=getarticle&number=1&artpage=1962&articID=472

Please note that it generally shows that increasing speed without tighter or at least the same timings does not give the same boost as getting higher speed and tight timings. @ 400 (800) you will have to run loose timings of 6,6,6,18. That it self may make it even less of a boost over your current 667 5,5,5,15. Your best bet is to check with apps you use, but i think you will not see much difference.

If it helps any I have a P5W system(Same cpu as you) running 266 3,3,3,10(i think, i do not even remember it was long ago and i am too lazy to go check) with 400 rated memory

If its stable and fast enough for you, i would just leave it.