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Can you rely on SPD when not overclocking?

U

Ubtree

n00b
Joined
Jan 5, 2007
Messages
23
I am about to build a system with 8GB memory (for Photoshop, it's a case of the more RAM the better), and need to know whether I can simply physically install the memory, or whether I need to change the motherboard BIOS settings. I will need to flash the motherboard BIOS to get it to recognise the processor, and have read elsewhere that after flashing the BIOS I should "set the memory voltage and timings as per the manufacturer's specifications". However, I had understood that with SPD, the voltage and timings are usually automatically set to the manufacturer's settings.

Any advice would be very welcome.

NB.
  • I will not be overclocking.
  • The main components of the system are an Abit IP35 Pro, a Xeon X3350 (equivalent to a Q9450), and 4 x Crucial Ballstiix 2GB DDR2-800 CL4 (BL2KIT25664AA804.16FE5).
 
The answer to your question is usually "no". There is no guarantee that you'll be even able to run all four sticks of memory at even its stock speed, let alone overclocked, due to the increased loading on your system's memory controller. And some DDR2-800 memory might have to run at a reduced DDR2-667 speed with all four slots on your motherboard filled just to remain stable.

In addition, you would be unable to use anywhere near the full 8GB if you're running only a 32-bit operating system anyway. 32-bit operating systems can only address a maximum of 4GB of total space, including the reserved hardware interrupt and cache space. Thus, with 8GB installed, a 32-bit O.S. can only detect 2.x to 3.x GB.
 
I try and trust the SPD if not overclocking but only when using 3 or less memory sticks.
When using 4 memory sticks in dual channel mode, I set the timings manually and make sure the client knows how to reset the values in the case of a CMOS reset.
It often does work ok with 4 sticks on Auto but I have seen systems that were fine and later needed adjustment while using 4 memory sticks so I play safe now.
(I get the feeling that some were overclocking and stressed the ram a bit much but I have no proof)
 
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