Adjusted my ram timings a bit: noob searches for confirmation

[guggi4]

Hey, since i saw some experts here in this forum about memory (tradesman1, gskill), i'd like to ask if the ram can actually handle it:

im using 2x4gb gskill ripjaws x 1600mhz cl9 along with the setup in my signature.
at first, the mobo set the timing automatically, which resulted in 1600mhz cl11 with 2T
then i found a option to activate xmp profile, which resulted in 1600 with cl9 and 2T
I dont really know whats the difference between 2T and 1T, but i think i read that it makes quite much difference. so i just tried to manually set it to 1T and it booted fine and hasnt caused problems since 2 weeks. But i havent tried any stability test, so my question is, is the ram even supposted to work with this timings or was i just really lucky that i got a nice pair/just havent encountered any problems?

thanks for your help

 

[bigpinkdragon286]

Have you run a utility such as CPU-Z to read the SPD of your memory modules to see if they list 1T or 2T for their command timing rate?

While 1T is faster than 2T, if your memory is not designed for it, you can expect lock-ups and BSODs at random intervals. You would be recommended to run tests to determine your RAM is returning correct values if you are going to run it at 1T. While it won't hurt the RAM, it may cause data errors you are not aware of, which could hurt reliability and productivity.

 

[guggi4]

cpu-z says obviosly 2T at the xmp profile..
ill try the memtest

 

[guggi4]

Ran a bit of memtest86+, but only 50% due to too less time, haven't had a error. Will do a full run tomorrow.

It listed my ram at 9-9-9-24@128bit mode, what does the bit mode mean?
Also, it said it runs only at ~730mhz/1460mhz, in windows in AMD overdrive and cpu-z it says 800/1600...
Also, is it even worth messing around with it or won't I notice a difference anyway?

 

[Tradesman1]

You're fine, 128bit mode insdicates it's running in dual channel mode, DRAM of itself is a 64bit device, so when in dual it runs as 128, quad (X79 mobos) run at 256 and Tri-channel (X58 mobos run at 192)........1T is preferable for slightly better performance, but 2T is about the standard these days, if at 1T stay there, if any problems like BSODs can drop it to 2T

 

[guggi4]

Thanks, any guess why its running at lower freq in memtest than in win?

 

[Tradesman1]

Memtest generally shows the freq it pulls from the SPD of the DRAM, which more often than not is it's default boot value of 1066 or 1333 for DDR3

 

[guggi4]

Thanks guys for your help!

 

[Tradesman1]

No worries, glad all is well 😉