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RAM timing + speed tweaks. And also CPU overclocking suggestions

Last response: in Overclocking
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CPU:
AMD Phenom II X3 720 , OC @3200 Mhz | XIGMATEK Gaia SD1283 Cooler
CPU Multiplier 16x
CPU FSB 201.2 MHz (original: 200 MHz)
HyperTransport Clock 1619.7 MHz
North Bridge Clock 2008.0 MHz
DRAM:FSB Ratio 20:6

RAM:
Memory Timings 9-9-9-24 (CL-RCD-RP-RAS)
Command Rate (CR) 2T
DIMM1: Kingston 99U5403-002.A00LF 2 GB DDR3-1333 DDR3 SDRAM (8-8-8-22 @ 609 MHz) (7-7-7-20 @ 533 MHz) (6-6-6-17 @ 457 MHz)
DIMM2: Kingston 9905402-015.A03LF 1 GB DDR3-1333 DDR3 SDRAM (8-8-8-22 @ 609 MHz) (7-7-7-20 @ 533 MHz) (6-6-6-17 @ 457 MHz)
DIMM3: Samsung M378B5673EH1-CH9 2 GB DDR3-1333 DDR3 SDRAM (8-8-8-22 @ 609 MHz) (7-7-7-20 @ 533 MHz) (6-6-6-17 @ 457 MHz)
DIMM4: Kingston 9905402-015.A03LF 1 GB DDR3-1333 DDR3 SDRAM (8-8-8-22 @ 609 MHz) (7-7-7-20 @ 533 MHz) (6-6-6-17 @ 457 MHz)
Total: 6GB

Motherboard:
GA-970A-D3

Video Adapter Gigabyte Radeon HD 6850
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Voltages:
CPU VID 1.3250 V
CPU Core 1.360 V
North Bridge VID 1.2000 V
+3.3 V 3.360 V
+12 V 12.049 V
VBAT Battery 3.280 V
DIMM 1.472 V

Power Supply: Gigabyte 550W Peak
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I've read a quite a few forums saying that adjusting RAM timing will alter the speed of the RAM.

My question is should I increase the speed of the RAM or decrease the timing? Or should I Increase speed AND Decrease timing?
Any suggestions on the voltage adjustments?

As for the CPU overclocking, can I overclock it further?

Thanks.

More about : ram timing speed tweaks cpu overclocking suggestions

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Memory Expert
CPUs Authority
Overclocking Authority

start by unlocking your CPU to a quad core :) 

adjusting the RAM timings will make the ram faster, but will make it much harder to achieve higher frequencies, i would go for faster timings and lower frequencies B/C the Phenom II memory controller hates high frequencies
Memory Expert
CPUs Master
Overclocking Authority

I've heard that issue about PII's as well. Better to keep them at 1333mhz, which AFAIK is the highest that control will "usually" like, although you can try going higher.

Basically, though, here's how it works. Higher speeds (mhz) requires higher timings. Higher timings means more delay - they represent the number of cycles of delay as I understand it. However, once a piece of memory is accessed, the only thing that matters is the speed. Generally, speed is going to make a significantly bigger impact on performance than timings.

I've run tests on my memory, which is rated 1600mhz CL8. I've tried it at 1400, 1600, 1800 with timings at 7, 8, and 9 - respectively. I had the fastest speeds according to Everest at the rated speed/timings of 1600 CL8.

If you want to try lowering your timings at the same 1333mhz, you will definitely need more voltage. I'm guessing it's 1.5V RAM, you can go as high as 1.6V safely, 1.65V being kind of the upper limit (that's the spec max). 1.7V would be really pushing it and dangerous.

I don't think I'll be unlocking 4th core permanently because I tried and its unstable, there's quite some processor read errors and system crashes.

However, I've adjusted the CPU NB to 2400Mhz @ 1.25V and changed the RAM speed to 1600Mhz @ timings 9-9-9-27 , base cycle time 40 clocks. Command rate 2T.

Default RAM timing running at 1600Mhz is 11-11-11-29

I've also noticed that the FSB: DRAM changed from 3:10 to 1:4
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Its stable, no crashing at all, I didn't increase the RAM voltage, but I increased the CPU NB voltage from 1.175V to 1.25V
RAM voltage is 1.472V
CPU NorthBridge 2400Mhz @ 1.25V

But the FSB: DRAM changed from 3:10 to 1:4, is that slower?
Memory Expert
CPUs Master
Overclocking Authority

Idle temp is usually meaningless, it's the load temp that matters, however 52C idle is about 20C higher than most people so that's an issue. Might want to make sure your cooler is properly attached.

What programs are you testing stability with?

I've tuned my system back to normal RAM speed and CPU @3200MHz
So far I've managed to reduce my CPU temperature to 36C Idle 45C max load.

I don't feel like increasing the RAM speed or decreasing the timing increases my computer speed.
My target now for CPU is @3600MHz, any suggestions on the:
CPU NB frequency:
CPU NB voltage:
CPU voltage:
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