10600 RAM "messaging as 8500"? + Bios question

[l187l]

I'm stuck with this crappy computer for at least another 4-6 months, I just upgraded the PSU and bought a HD 6770, I'm planning on buying more RAM within the next couple days(and CPU next month) and was wondering what this meant? "Speed: PC3-10600 MB/sec (message as PC3-8500)" http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01949110&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&product=4107708#N252

The bios is completely useless and I'm not sure if it's possible to switch to a different bios(pretty sure it has to be supported by the mobo?). It wont let me change anything at all other than booting order and enable and disable drives lol... I've looked everywhere for an updated bios or anything but haven't found anything.

So my question is, what does it mean by messaging as 8500? Is it acting as 8500 RAM or just showing up as that while still getting the 10600 MB/s? would it do the same to new RAM that I buy?

Also is there any way to flash a new bios onto the mobo?
Bios and mobo info:

Motherboard Manufacturer: PEGATRON CORPORATION
Motherboard Model: Narra6
Motherboard Version: 6.01
BIOS Manufacturer: American Megatrends Inc.
BIOS Version: HPQOEM - 20100107
BIOS Release Date: 2010/01/07

iirc the bios says v2.6 at the bottom, I could be wrong though. I can check if needed.


and another thing I just noticed, it says for the CPU "Bus speed: 4000 MHz HT3 (clocked down to 2000 MHz)" would the mobo automatically clock a phenom II X4 945(planning on upgrading to that next month) down to 2000 MHz as well? It sucks ass having a mobo that's completely locked and keeps me from making useful changes...

 

[rdc85]

Looks like the mobo support PC3-10600 (DDR3-1333)... in the website..

U can use the PC3-10600 (DDR3-1333) rams but don't pair it with old PC3-8500, since it will down clock to lowest speed ram...

About bios usually OEM bios is locked and set to auto so not much can be done...

 

[l187l]

Looks like the mobo support PC3-10600 (DDR3-1333)... in the website..

U can use the PC3-10600 (DDR3-1333) rams but don't pair it with old PC3-8500, since it will down clock to lowest speed ram...

About bios usually OEM bios is locked and set to auto so not much can be done...

The site says it's 10600 though... what does "messaging as 8500" mean? I was planning to get a pair of 2GB's since that usually works the best, but if the bios is going to clock it down to 8500 automatically, I'll just get the 8500 RAM which a a couple bucks cheaper. I'm no expert but I know a good bit about computer hardware but I've never heard of anything like that =P

 

[alexoiu]

Yeah, these systems are proprietary, the BIOS prevents you from overclocking and you can't flash a BIOS available for similar motherboards.
My advice is to not invest in it and save the money for a next setup.
Uprading the RAMs would not improve too much the overall performance, unless you use memory demanding applications.

 

[rdc85]

It means it can support both 8500 and 10600....

so if u want to use 10600 just install 10600 rams only...
if u want to use 8500 rams use only 8500 ...
But don't use them both as pairs.....

so if u want to use the 10600 speed then u probably had to discard your old rams...
so if u want to use the old ram than it better to buy 8500 one........

but make sure what speed your old ram first, is it 10600 or 8500........
u can use free apps like cpu-z to identify it

 

[l187l]

It means it can support both 8500 and 10600....

so if u want to use 10600 just install 10600 rams only...
if u want to use 8500 rams use only 8500 ...
But don't use them both as pairs.....

so if u want to use the 10600 speed then u probably had to discard your old rams...
so if u want to use the old ram than it better to buy 8500 one........

but make sure what speed your old ram first, is it 10600 or 8500........
u can use free apps like cpu-z to identify it

I'm already aware of all of that lol... I was just wasn't sure about the "messaging as 8500" part... cpu-z, passmark benchmark, and the stickers on the ram all say 10600 @666 MHz.

After you mentioned cpu-z I decided to double check and I learned that it's 7 ms CL so I'll be sticking with the 2GB stick and just getting another 2GB stick with 7 ms CL and same timings =).

I might go ahead and get that phenom 945 since the RAM is gonna be $13 instead of $20 lol...

 

[l187l]

Yeah, these systems are proprietary, the BIOS prevents you from overclocking and you can't flash a BIOS available for similar motherboards.
My advice is to not invest in it and save the money for a next setup.
Uprading the RAMs would not improve too much the overall performance, unless you use memory demanding applications.

I play Minecraft here and there when I'm bored and when you used a texture pack, you're using 2GB RAM plus close to 1GB just for other system crap, skype, CCC, afterburner, etc. MW3 also uses a lot for some reason...

I would love to save up $700 for a nice PC but I also love building my car =P... so every time I have enough for a nice computer I end up spending it on the car. I've already bought a 530W PSU, and a HD 6770 GPU. The 4GB RAM and a Phenom II X4 945 will hold me over for a little while, later on I'll just get a 990fx board throw all my current stuff on that, rebuild the OEM Compaq and have it for my GF or give it to my dad. Then I'll get a FX 4350(or w/e the best AM3+ quad core is at the time). Small steps are better than waiting for that one large step . Unless I can find a better job which isn't likely lol.