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DRAM frequency 50% lower than expected

Forum Motherboards & Memory : Memory - DRAM frequency 50% lower than expected

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In DRAM frequency CPU-Z indicates half the value set and indicated in the BIOS. And I´ve fiddled with the BIOS somewhat to correct that, but to no avail. I´m back to mostly default settings.

Is CPU-Z not showing the right freq.? FSB : DRAM shown as 3 : 5, those relations don´t appear in the BIOS, available settings are in the range of 1 : 1 to 1 : 2.

Or is my processor locking the freq. down? (see thread on issue http://communities.intel.com/thread/3442 )

My stuff:
*WinXP Home
*mobo MSI P45 Diamond
*CPU C2D E6800 3.33 MHz running cool @ 400x10 (default clock as jumpers are removed, and the enclosed OC sofware from MSI is installed, but not active)
*RAM 2 x 2048MB Corsair XMS3 DDR @-9-9-9-24 1.60V, capable of 1333MHz.
BIOS indicates 1200 MHz, CPU-Z indicating approx half that value. I´ve set voltage to 1.8. RAM super cooled with Thermalright HR07. tRFC default @ 74 clocks, CR 2T default.
*PSU 750 W

And what do I want? A stable FlightSim X, which I think is quitting over the above mentioned RAM-issue.
I can list my whole Cell Menu from my BIOS if necessary, but I´ll spare you that for now.

Any help appreciated.
Crewe

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are you sure you aren't just seeing the base value, First you don't have DDR1 you have DDR3 (probably). Check what the bios reports when you first start, it usually compensates by multiplying the value for you.

Reply to Anonymous
- 0 +

Yes, DDR3, sorry for leaving that out.
At the moment BIOS is reporting DRAM freq. 1200, CPU-Z 668.4 at an FSB : DRAM of 1 : 1,5. I see that 400 x 1,5 = 600.
But why then does BIOS show double the figure?
What is my actual DRAM freq.?

Crewe

Reply to Crue73
- 0 +

> BIOS is reporting DRAM freq. 1200, CPU-Z 668.4


"DDR" means Double Data Rate".

CPU-Z reports the raw DRAM frequency x 2 = effective data rate.

What you're seeing is simply a difference in nomenclature.

"DRAM Frequency" in CPU-Z means one thing;
"DRAM Frequency" in your BIOS means TWICE that!


If you were viewing the memory clock as a sine wave,
you would have 1 peak and 1 trough for every cycle:
that's how DDR works: it transmits data once for each
rise in voltage and once again for every drop in voltage.

Of course, the sine wave analogy is "analog" --
whereas DRAM is digital -- more like a "step function"
as opposed to a smooth undulating "wave".


Because CPU-Z has become a de facto standard,
get used to the tables produced with the "Memory" and "SPD" tabs
in that fine program.


MRFS

Reply to MRFS

Nothing is wrong, everything is working as it should.
DDR (Double Data Rate) RAM is designed to transfer data twice per clock cycle.
600Mhz x 2 transfers per clock = 1200Mhz effective.
Your DDR3 is working as it should.

------------------------------ If the automobile had followed the same development cycle as the computer, a Rolls-Royce today would cost $100, get a million miles to the gallon, and explode once a year, killing everyone inside.
PSA
Reply to outlw6669
- 0 +

Thanks for clearing that up for me, guys ;) !

Crewe

Reply to Crue73
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