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New Conroe build and RAM

A

ATW

Limp Gawd
Joined
Jan 27, 2003
Messages
476
I'm assembling my new Conroe build and, having had issues with RAM in the past, I'd like to check to make sure it runs at spec right off the bat before installing Windows. Is this done on a C2D the same as with an A64...set to 5x400 or so and run Memtest? And which slots on the DS3, red or yellow, seem to work best overall?
 
well, you're lucky b/c Intel motherboards are usually GREAT at ram compatibility. Though there were some issues initially with the DS3, (& some other 965 mobos) b/c DDR2 800 spec isn't set in stone. Many sticks of ddr800 need 2.2v to run correctly and some motherboards set default voltage to 1.8v (the correct DDR2).

Anyway, at default FSB, 266 (also called 1066 quad) the DS3 calls the ratios,
2:1 for DDR2 533,
2.5:1 for DDR2 667
3:1 for DDR2 800

I usually put my sticks in the closer of the dimm slots, usually 1 & 3, unless there is a reason like clearance on the HSF, etc. I don't think it will matter too much on speed.

After testing the memory at default speed, with the CAS and vdimm set manually to the correct settings. Try the jump to 320FSB (with 2.5:1 dram ratio), if thats stable try for 400FSB (with 2:1 dram ratio).
 
The guy above me is wrong, don't listen to him.

DDR2 ram is Double Data Rate x 2. Basically 533mhz is a 1:1 ratio because...

if you get 2 sticks of 533 ram, it's 1066.
266 x 4. quad pumped.

each side of the ram has 266 bus speed, creating '533' ddr2 speeds (it's a marketing gimmick)
 
No shit, but thats the way the DS3 calls the ratios, by those names.

Notice the part right above the table where I say "DS3 calls the ratios"

Asus calls them by the correct terms 1:1 for ddr2 533 at stock FSB, etc..
 
ATW said:
I'm assembling my new Conroe build and, having had issues with RAM in the past, I'd like to check to make sure it runs at spec right off the bat before installing Windows. Is this done on a C2D the same as with an A64...set to 5x400 or so and run Memtest? And which slots on the DS3, red or yellow, seem to work best overall?
Click to expand...

I just throw the damn thing together, leave everything at auto, except I do lock my processor down at the correct stock speed so that no dynamic overclocking occurs, then I install the OS, and get to testing. *IF* I have problems, then I'll go back and investigate why. Now with DDR2 based system, I'll usually lock in the memory frequency at DDR2 667 or DDR533 depending on the ram, and then I'll make adjustments later.

I've never run memtest on a new machine unless I've thought I had a problem with something. This has always worked for me and I have built, litterally hundreds of machines professionally over the years. I do however do research up front to ensure that I buy the correct parts the first time. This way everything should work when I assemble it.

My methods have worked for the Biostar TForce P965 Deluxe, the abit AB9 Pro, the P5W DH, the P5B Deluxe WiFi/AP, and the EPoX EP5P945PRo and those are just the recent ones. All of which used Intel P965 Express, 945P Express, and i975x chipsets. I did not have any problems running things stock out of the box on any of the above mentioned motherboards.
 
Dan_D said:
I just throw the damn thing together, leave everything at auto, except I do lock my processor down at the correct stock speed so that no dynamic overclocking occurs, then I install the OS, and get to testing. *IF* I have problems, then I'll go back and investigate why. Now with DDR2 based system, I'll usually lock in the memory frequency at DDR2 667 or DDR533 depending on the ram, and then I'll make adjustments later.

I've never run memtest on a new machine unless I've thought I had a problem with something. This has always worked for me and I have built, litterally hundreds of machines professionally over the years. I do however do research up front to ensure that I buy the correct parts the first time. This way everything should work when I assemble it.

My methods have worked for the Biostar TForce P965 Deluxe, the abit AB9 Pro, the P5W DH, the P5B Deluxe WiFi/AP, and the EPoX EP5P945PRo and those are just the recent ones. All of which used Intel P965 Express, 945P Express, and i975x chipsets. I did not have any problems running things stock out of the box on any of the above mentioned motherboards.
Click to expand...

I think dynamic overclocking---even of the nb & sb--occurs if you don't set the parameters on that item. My temps are lower when I move the NB voltage, sb voltage, ect. to the lowest option than they are if I leave them on auto.

Since we know this is what happens to the cpu (the voltage is pumped up if you don't specify voltage); then it seems logical to think this is true as well.
 
Lamont Cranston said:
This made me laugh out loud. That is very ballsy to say something like that.
Click to expand...

Yes very ballsy from a noob with 15 posts! :) Though I remember owning a few people as a noob, b/c I had lurked for a long time with out posting, AND I had lost my original forum name.
 
Ok, I FINALLY got this thing running after 3 weeks, and the bios options have got me confused. For now I want to test the ram at 800mhz without overclocking to make sure it runs at spec, and then revert it back to whatever ratio it needs be at so I can install Windows and get it all going before overclocking. Right now the system memory multiplier is on auto and the memory frequency locked at 800. Read the manual and that wasn't too helpful either. Would it be 2:1 to run at stock and 3:1 to test it at 800mhz?
 
ATW said:
Ok, I FINALLY got this thing running after 3 weeks, and the bios options have got me confused. For now I want to test the ram at 800mhz without overclocking to make sure it runs at spec, and then revert it back to whatever ratio it needs be at so I can install Windows and get it all going before overclocking. Right now the system memory multiplier is on auto and the memory frequency locked at 800. Read the manual and that wasn't too helpful either. Would it be 2:1 to run at stock and 3:1 to test it at 800mhz?
Click to expand...

Yes, just as Chris said. Make sure you check you RAM's stated Voltage. You may have to add a little.
 
This is probably the dumbest question ever...but where in the world do you change memory timings in this bios? I don't see them anywhere.
 
jamiewa said:
The guy above me is wrong, don't listen to him.

DDR2 ram is Double Data Rate x 2. Basically 533mhz is a 1:1 ratio because...

if you get 2 sticks of 533 ram, it's 1066.
266 x 4. quad pumped.

each side of the ram has 266 bus speed, creating '533' ddr2 speeds (it's a marketing gimmick)
Click to expand...

Sup nub.
 
ATW said:
This is probably the dumbest question ever...but where in the world do you change memory timings in this bios? I don't see them anywhere.
Click to expand...

hit CTRL + F1 while in the main BIOS screen, then go to MIT menu... and they'll magically be there
 
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