CPU and RAM timing questions.

Hi,

Which of the following sets of speeds would be faster for gaming?

I am fairly new to overclocking and would like some input please...

1) CPU @ 2.2GHz / RAM @ 220MHz (3-3-3-8)

2) CPU @ 2.4GHz / RAM @ 166MHz (2.5-3-3-7)

CPU = AMD Athlon FX x2 3800+
RAM = 2 x 1GB Corsair ValueRAM

There are only 2 sets of speeds (listed above) shown under the "SPD" tab of CPU-Z

Also, what is the RAM divider, specifically where can I view the information and where can I alter it? In the BIOS only?

Motherboard = ASUS A8N32SLI-Deluxe

Thanks for your time.

 

Why dont your run the CPU at 2.4GHz & memory at 220MHz

On a 64 system What matter's most is the Max GHz
Also considering your running 2gb of memory the memory timmings dont matter for real wrould performance (tighter timmings will show improvement in benchmarks)
It's Ok to use memory divider, then you can squeeze all the Mhz out of your CPU, then your system will fly

 

Jeepers saw your post earlier and I thought someone with more experience would have answered it but anyway. What is important with your above query is not you CPU output (eg. 2.2GHz) but how it was achieved. Your RAM clock will be signifcantly correlated with your FSB clock, i.e. there will be an interdependant relationship btwn the 2. You want try to aim to have your FSB and RAM clock the same or your RAM at a slightly higher clock than the FSB but not lower.

Lets say you had your multiplier 11 X 200MHz (FSB)= 2.2GHz then you would want your RAM also at 200MHz otherwise @166MHz your memory is moving slower than the data being generated and can cause a bottleneck and effectively slow the potential output. Read the OC guide at the top thread.

 

At Bold Egale
I know you mean well, but your advice isnt exactly applicable to a 64 system

At the original poster, Syrillian
In your system BIOS is where to make changes.
In CPUz your SPD tab shows the rated/guaranteed timings, what's programed into the chips of your Memory.
Some can run much faster than the SPD values, but dont expect much from value stuff.

You need to do some Homework before you begin OCing.
OCing has Risks, Are you willing to risk your system/hardware?
OCing can shorten the Life of system.
OCing can be Hard work & can eat up lots of time, it also requires lots of patients.
Is your PSU up to the task of OCing? if your running a generic it's probably going to fall short.
Dont forget Stability tests, without stability ya got Nothin.
Run Prime95 for minimum of 8hrs, Blended Torture test then run some 3Dmarks



A couple OCing Guides:
http://wiki.extremeoverclocking.com/wiki/A64_Guide
And this one too, even though it more related to DFI MOBO's the basics apply to all 64 systems:
http://www.dfi-street.com/forum/showthread.php?p=203167#post203167

Something else to do is read your MOBO manual pay particular attention to the BIOS section.
Here's a good BIOS guide, get familiar with it, it will help you make & understand most of your BIOS settings :
http://www.rojakpot.com/freebog.aspx

 

Thanks ASUS....

If you are interested, read on:

Fortunately for my rig, I am a 38 yr-old patient person that reads a lot. As far as retention goes,.... lets just say I read the same thing numerous times.

I have been twiddling with this rig for about four weeks now, and have had what I hope to be good results. I have experienced about a dozen instances of POST, but no OS loading, and once I lost my BIOS altogether due to a CheckSum error and had to boot with the BIOS on the MoBo CD.

I took your advice from a couple of posts ago and OC'd the CPU to 2400MHz @ 1.44Volts and then started to change the RAM timing. RAM is now 218.2MHz @ 3-3-3-8.

FPS are up on gaming load! Enviornments, visuals and physics are great!

Here is my hardware:

ASUS A8N32 SLI-Deluxe
AMD Athlon 64 x2 3800+
Zalman CNPS9500
EVGA 7600GT (OC'd @ 619/839)
Zalman VF700 cu
2 x 1GB Corsair ValueRam
Antec SmartPower 500W
WD 250GB SATA HDD
LiteOn 16x DVD/combo

3DMark06:

SM2.0 = 1490
HDR/SM3.0 = 1370
CPU = 1757
3DMark Score = 3678

Prime95 for 3 hours (stopped manually) w/ no errors. I will run it again for 24 hours.

Do you have any more advice from personal experience with ASUS Mobo's?

Thanks for your time.

 

Ya I'm interested
My retention ah, I read some stuff many times only to forget.

Are you Priming both Cores?

Your system Look's pretty Good, PSU should be fine.
Corsair?? some of thier chips?? Corsair support/tech ??



Personal experience with Asus mobo's I have a NF2, A7N8X Deluxe, never Oced it.
I did just purchase a used A8N-SLI Premium but haven't received it yet nor decided what CPU I want to use
I might go with an Opteron 146, I'm watching prices.


I have a bit of experience with DFI mobos
Here's my last build, one of several PC's I use/own
DFI Ultra D NF4, Modded to SLI, 704 Big Toe Bios
Opteron 146 (stock is 10x200 at 2000 MHz) I'm at 10x276 at 2760MHz for everyday use
AMD Athlon 64 stock HSF (4 copper Heatpipe HS from an X2)
2x1gb Dual kit, G.Skill HZ's pc4000 running 9/10 divider at 250MHz the stock rated speed
BFG 7800GT OC stock at 425/1050
NEC DVD_RW ND-3550a
OCZ 520w Powerstream
19" LCD Samsung 930b & 21" Trinitron Crt

Give me couple days, I'll have a look at your BIOS option's see if i can offer specific advice.
You should be able crank out some more MHz, Although, OCing has no guarantees!