Can't OC RAM very much, what is wrong?

[WickedWeasel]

Some help on overclocking RAM please.

I wanted to OC just the RAM just to test its potential

2x2G Corsair XMS2 DHX 6400 DDR2-800 CL 5-5-5-18.
P35 Gigabyte mobo
E2160 Processor

I cannot even overclock to 840 on this 800 CL5 RAM
BIOS Settings

Robust Graphics Booster [AUTO]
CPU Clock Ratio changed from [9x to 8x]
CPU host freq 210
PCI Express Frequency [100]
CIA [disabled]
System memory multiplier [4]
DRAM timing selectable [AUTO]
DDR2 Overvoltage control +0.3

am i missing some setting? CPU freq of 205 runs without errors.
CPU freq of 210 causes errors in memtest within a few secs.
setting the memory timings manually to 5-5-5-18 doesn't help the overclock
where is the setting for the PCI to lock it at 33MHz on a Gigabyte board?
is this RAM really that bad for overclocking?


The cpu can overclock from 1.8GHz to 2.7GHz at 1.3v. I haven't tried for more.
Dropped memory multiplier from 4 to 2 (1:1) to check CPU, FSB at 300

 

[BillParrish]

where is the setting for the PCI to lock it at 33MHz on a Gigabyte board?

It is non-user adjustable and is already locked, it will not change with FSB.

is this RAM really that bad for overclocking?

Perhaps, it already has fairly loose timings and you will have to go to CL6 (if that is even an option on the board). With those stock timings obviously this is not "Hot" OCing ram.

The CPU can overclock from 1.8GHz to 2.7GHz at 1.3v. I haven't tried for more.
Dropped memory multiplier from 4 to 2 (1:1) to check CPU, FSB at 300

Oh I see you are using a multi of 4 to investigate the memory, well yes, it appears you have less than stellar memory. Most 800MHz memory will only go to 840-860 ish before needed to loosen the timings, trouble is you are already loose. However using a mulitplier may be affecting the stability a bit, it might go a little higher on a 2.0 1:1 synchronous setting.

Forget the memory, you want to get the CPU running as fast as you can. You can do 400FSB x 8 for 3.2GHz with memory multi of 2.0 so you run right on your 800MHz memory speed. That is a very nice sweet spot and a respectable OC in anyones book.

 

[orion23]

What's wrong?

Well, its Corsair RAM, pretty much the only "Premium" RAM that doesn't overclock!

Learn this now, and use it in the future...

Buy Crucial Ballistix or G.SKill RAM!

 

[WickedWeasel]

Would it make a difference if the northbridge voltage is increased a bit? I was wondering if the 4G of RAM is putting undue stress on the northbridge. The northbridge heatsink gets quiite warm even at 200MHz.

The E2160 is only a temporary chip for now. I wanted to investigate the potential of the RAM for the upgrade to the Penryn Quad core. Is CL6 really slow?

 

[BillParrish]

With 2GB modules it definitely affects the overclock-ability, and the timings you have are standard, CL4 ram in 2GB modules is very expensive. You really cant expect them to OC like performance 1GB sticks regardless of who makes the 2GB module.

CL6 is considered slow for 1GB modules not not for 2GB, but the question is will it make a big difference in the machines performance ? Probally not, and if going to CL6 speeds lets you get a higher CPU overclock the CPU speed up will easily overcome the penalty in ram speed.


A little NB voltage cant hurt, another notch, but you should also be looking at a fan for the NB. Check the temp of those modules, just use your finger, if hot, back off on memory voltage to 2.0V. These are different animals than 1GB sticks.

 

[boshuter]

What's wrong?

Well, its Corsair RAM, pretty much the only "Premium" RAM that doesn't overclock!

Learn this now, and use it in the future...

Buy Crucial Ballistix or G.SKill RAM!

LOL, you say that and have your ram in your sig at 1000mhz and 5-5-5-15 ? Thats not a very good advertisement for Crucial

 

[orion23]

LOL, you say that and have your ram in your sig at 1000mhz and 5-5-5-15 ? Thats not a very good advertisement for Crucial

Summer time man!

Winter, it runs @ 1200mhz, same timings, and only .5V over the default voltage.
CPU is also down from 3.8 / 4.0 ghz, to 3.6ghz since it only needs about 1.32V