Machine specs:
2500+ (AQZFA0347XPMW)
Abit NF7-S rev. 2
Kingston KVR400X64C25/512 (x2): 2.5 - 3 - 3 - 7 (I think, but not sure on the last one)
9800 Pro (flashed to 9800 XT)
SLK-947 w/ Cooler Master Aero blower
Antec Sonata (stock PSU)
Behavior:
Though locked, the processor seems more or less OK at 3200+. (I think the stepping is actually pretty good.) When I try anything that uses serious system memory (MemTest), I get a crash. Also video apps like 3DMark (any) crash shortly after starting.
Upping the voltage on the CPU (as high as 1.8V), memory (2.8V), AGP (1.6V?) and chipset (as high as the board can go, but don't remember exactly), the system is more stable, but eventually crashes running both apps mentioned above.
Thinking I had a memory issue, I ran the CPU at 400 and the RAM at 333. The system was completely stable in that case with minimal voltage increases, if any. Tried relaxing the timings across the board (3 - 4 - 4 - 8) and the system wouldn't boot. =/ Also tried running the memory is single-channel mode and even taking out one DIMM, to no avail.
Questions:
Is my north bridge having problems or my RAM? My guess is RAM, in which case is there anything I can do short of buying better stuff? Is it worth while to run the CPU at 400 and the RAM at 333? My preliminary benchmarks suggest not.
And what's with my machine not booting with relaxed memory timings?
Thanks for any input you guys/gals might have
2500+ (AQZFA0347XPMW)
Abit NF7-S rev. 2
Kingston KVR400X64C25/512 (x2): 2.5 - 3 - 3 - 7 (I think, but not sure on the last one)
9800 Pro (flashed to 9800 XT)
SLK-947 w/ Cooler Master Aero blower
Antec Sonata (stock PSU)
Behavior:
Though locked, the processor seems more or less OK at 3200+. (I think the stepping is actually pretty good.) When I try anything that uses serious system memory (MemTest), I get a crash. Also video apps like 3DMark (any) crash shortly after starting.
Upping the voltage on the CPU (as high as 1.8V), memory (2.8V), AGP (1.6V?) and chipset (as high as the board can go, but don't remember exactly), the system is more stable, but eventually crashes running both apps mentioned above.
Thinking I had a memory issue, I ran the CPU at 400 and the RAM at 333. The system was completely stable in that case with minimal voltage increases, if any. Tried relaxing the timings across the board (3 - 4 - 4 - 8) and the system wouldn't boot. =/ Also tried running the memory is single-channel mode and even taking out one DIMM, to no avail.
Questions:
Is my north bridge having problems or my RAM? My guess is RAM, in which case is there anything I can do short of buying better stuff? Is it worth while to run the CPU at 400 and the RAM at 333? My preliminary benchmarks suggest not.
And what's with my machine not booting with relaxed memory timings?
Thanks for any input you guys/gals might have