Gskill DDR2-1200 PC2-9600 memory reads as PC2-6400 (400 MHz) by CPU-Z

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JohnRoss

JohnRoss

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Oct 1, 2010
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Purchased GSkill F2-9600CL5D-4GBTD DDR2-1200 PC2-9600 installed on Gigabyte GA-EP43-UD3L with Intel Q9650 CPU. In checking to see if the memory is what I expected - CPU-Z under the SPD tab reads max bandwidth = PC2-6400 (400 MHz) and shows frequency under JEDEC #1 of 255 MHz, JEDEC#2 of 400 MHz, and EPP#1 of 533MHz. Voltage is 1.8

Under the Memory tab DRAM Frequency is 533.3 MHz and DDR2, 4096 MBytes (I understand I multiply 533.3 by 2 to get current memory of 1066 - is that right, how do I get 1200?

Why doesn't CPU-Z show the PC2-9600 and the higher frequency?

All help is much appreciated.
 
Solution
jaquith
^OP has non-support RAM; I'm surprised it posts muchless is stable - luck of the Irish maybe.

OP should get 1333 MHz RAM from either Certified or Tested or from another RAM Mfg ~ Corsair. Setting an odd 1200 would require some radical FSB X Multiplier to achieve 1200 MHz.

Spec = Front Side Bus 1600(O.C.)/1333/1066/800 MHz FSB

Therefore, a 1:1 is 'impossible' or the RAM would need to run @ 1333 MHz with an offset multiplier. Therefore, if it were me: 1. Exchange RAM, or 2. Be happy with 1066 MHz. My primary concern is future instability w/unsupported RAM IC.
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Were you expecting to have the RAM operate at 1200 because the packaging or item description online showed it as such? If so, the logical explanation is that what you saw were likely the overclock settings. Nevertheless, to achieve the higher performance, manually configure the RAM settings in your BIOS.
 
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I was expecting 1200 because the package refers to it as a DDR2-1200 PC2-9600.
 
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As you've already discoverd, RAM can operate at various settings. Manufacturers annotate the highest level of performance achieved with the lot of RAM the sticks came from. This annotation is found on the packaging, and in turn, found on websites selling said RAM. Manufacturers do this to take the guess work out for consumers.

To get your RAM to the properties displayed on the packaging, get into your BIOS and configure your RAM manually.
 
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So it is what you can get if you crank things up a notch - not what you get if you just install and power up? Didn't know that. Kinda false advertising for all except PC experts, I would say.
 
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DDR2 - Double Data Rate.

Default BIOS speed = 1066 / 2 = 533±1; also 9600 / 8 = 1200 MHz <=> DDR2-1200.

Therefore,[strike] not having a clue of what MOBO {unlisted}[/strike] you'll need to set the correct speed in the BIOS manually.

Just noticed e.g. GA-EP43-UD3L (rev. 1.3) 1600(O.C.)/1333/1066/800 MHz FSB. Hmm, unsupported memory native speed, and 1066 is the default.

Question, I assume that you did NOT search for Certified or Tested RAM before purchasing?

GA-EP43-UD3L (rev. 1.3) Certified memory list http://www.gigabyte.us/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3483#memory%20support%20list
G.SKILL Tested - http://www.gskill.com/configurator2.php?pid=2&model=1085
 
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Yes. If you manually configure the settings, you should be able to achieve the "advertised" specs. However, this takes into consideration that your motherboard can support the "advertised" specs, too.

Now, as far as "advertising" goes (i'm not trying to defend the manufacturers or retailers), they don't design RAM specific to certain model motherboards. Motherboard BIOSs have default or [Auto] settings. These settings allow you to "plug and play" with your hardware.

Consider this example. If your mobo came with a locked BIOS and all of the settings preconfigured, you would almost guarantee that nothing would work. This method would also ensure bad reviews on that motherboard, and thus sales would decline because of the lack of flexability.

In an effort to provide consumers, expert or not, with the best flexabililty and performance, the BIOS writers design the [Auto] values that give the BIOS the ability to auto configure your devices that you install. Now, the auto changing values are also a range of values. This range is designed to protect devices from either going to high or too low, in terms of voltage and/or speed.

 
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^OP has non-support RAM; I'm surprised it posts muchless is stable - luck of the Irish maybe.

OP should get 1333 MHz RAM from either Certified or Tested or from another RAM Mfg ~ Corsair. Setting an odd 1200 would require some radical FSB X Multiplier to achieve 1200 MHz.

Spec = Front Side Bus 1600(O.C.)/1333/1066/800 MHz FSB

Therefore, a 1:1 is 'impossible' or the RAM would need to run @ 1333 MHz with an offset multiplier. Therefore, if it were me: 1. Exchange RAM, or 2. Be happy with 1066 MHz. My primary concern is future instability w/unsupported RAM IC.
 
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Solution
Lots of helpful information to absorb, Thank you all - 1st I bought 1200 because Gigabyte lists a Kingston DDR2 1200 on their Qualified Vendors List. I didn't get Kingston 1200 cause I couldn't find it. I clearly erred in getting 1200 though since it is not listed in my manual - why didn't I look. It is working at 1066. I did have it working at 1280 for a bit but my main application wasn't stable - hung. I am strongly considering the advice to return it. The only 1300 Gigabyte lists is TEAM TXDD1024M1300HC6 Anyone know where to get it? Is it any good. PC is stable for one week on this memory - except when I got it to 1280.

Rechecked motherboard manual - Product Specifications - indicates "Support for DDR2 1200/1066/800/667 MHz memory modules". Thought I had read that somewhere.

Looks like that TEAM XTREME DDR2 1333 MHz is a thing of the past. Couldn't find it anywhere and reviews I saw weren't good.

So since the manual says it supports 1200 should I keep it?
 
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Your motherboard is not listed here:

http://www.gskill.com/products.php?index=160

Qualified Motherboards List

ASUS Maximus II GENE
ASUS Maximus II Formula
ASUS P5Q Premium
ASUS P5Q Deluxe
ASUS P5Q-E
ASUS P5Q Pro Turbo
ASUS P5Q Pro
ASUS P5Q Turbo
ASUS P5Q SE PLUS
ASUS P5Q SE/R
ASUS P5Q WS
ASUS P5QD Turbo

DFI UT P45-T2RS
DFI DK P45-T2RS PLUS
DFI DK P45-T2RS / Turbo
DFI JR P45-T2RS


DRAM Frequency options for the ASUS P5Q Deluxe
include (among others):

DDR2-1066 MHz
DDR2-1111 MHz
DDR2-1335 MHz


The FSB Strap for your motherboard may not
permit the FSB : DRAM ratio which you have chosen.


MRFS
 
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ONLY in the 'motherboard_memory_ga-ep43-ud3l.pdf' do I see 1200/1300 DDR2 - BUT it doesn't mean that the DIMM modules will run at rated speed 'automatically.' As I mentioned earlier you will need to OC, and achieving the ideal 1:1 FSB ratio is impossible. Unlike a 1366 where you pop-in any Memory Multiplier X BCLK you want {w/i reason} your CPU set utilizes a different scheme of FSB ratio to memory speed.

Most importantly, the IC on the DIMM itself is 98% of the 'speeds' realized, and 1066 -> 1200 is NOT a 12% increase -- more like <1% at best. Now if you plan to OC the CPU and increase the FSB ratio them look at 1333 or 1600 {if available}.

So to answer your Question, "I" would only use RAM listed in either QVL/Certified or Tested/Approved by RAM Mfg. Especially if a baby OC used instability AND my OC setting were correct {my guess} is that you only changed the Memory Multiplier.


^ Yes it is as "I" listed earlier; check again
G.SKILL - http://www.gskill.com/configurator2.php?pid=2&model=1085
 
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Memory test shows a failure in Stride6 test. It is not that easy for me finding memory on the Gigabyte tested list - hard to find model matches and there aren't many on the list. I will go to 1066. Not sure what to get.

Maybe: Kingston HyperX T1 Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model KHX8500D2T1K2/4G

* DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500)
* Timing 5-5-5-15
* Cas Latency: 5
* Voltage: 2.2V
 
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Before purchasing VERIFY with Kingston or 'any' company. They typically email/respond back within a few hours. I treat your build the same as a $12K+ SR-2 build; verify.

I'm sorry if I'm not a 'yes man' I suggest ONLY Best Practices to 'avoid' problems from occurring in the first place. On my own builds I find RAM that I like, but unless it is on a Certified / Tested List -- my next step is to get the thumbs-up from the RAM Mfg.

Kingston list - http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/configurator_new/modelsinfo.asp?SysID=54875&mfr=Gigabyte&model=GA&search_type=&root=us&LinkBack=http://www.kingston.com&Sys=54875-Gigabyte-GA-EP43-UD3L+Motherboard&distributor=0&submit1=Search

Otherwise Crucial BL2KIT25664AA106A 4GB kit (2GBx2), Ballistix 240-pin DIMM, DDR2 PC2-8500 - http://www.crucial.com/store/mpartspecs.aspx?mtbpoid=57D5CDB5A5CA7304
Crucial Full List - http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=GA-EP43-UD3L%20(rev.%201.0)

-----------
Corsair Example:
"Technical Support
The CMP8GX3M2A1600C9 should be fully compatible with the P7P55D motherboard. Many of our 4GB module kits are fairly new and have not yet made it to our memory configurator, but these parts are definitely tested to run on the P55 chipset. 11/5/2010 7:40:21 PM"
 
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Continuing the learning and diagnosis, tested each stick individually - they both passed, no Stride6 failures. So I moved the 2 sticks to memory slots 3 and 4 and they failed again.

So they fail together but not separately. Technically, What's this mean?

This memory is running at 1248 mHz (based on CPU-Z reading DRAM Frequency at 624.0 MHz). Did this by using Gigabyte's Easytune - tuning from 3.0 gHz to 3.51 gHz and set memory to AUTO.
 
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In a nutshell: There is RAM the will work as {1/2/4} DIMM support; DIMM socket support {1} works with (1) stick, DIMM {2} only works with Dual Channel, and DIMM {4} requires Quad Channel. Therefore, my 'assumption' is that you 'current' DDR2 is the DIMM {1} type <or> as I indicated earlier "Incompatible."

Gigabyte on the other hand is a little more vague and typically lists only Single Channel & Dual Channel; a/k/a DIMM {1}/{2or4}.

To 'Test' this hypothesis, 'break' the Dual channel and place one stick in DDR2_1 & DDR2_2; normal is Dual DDR2_1 | DDR2_3 & Quad DDR2_2 | DDR2_4. Keep in mind you 'might' have a post failure.

Channel 0: DDR2_1, DDR2_2
Channel 1: DDR2_3, DDR2_4

{CPU}: | DDR2_1 | DDR2_2 | DDR2_3 | DDR2_4 |

Are 'we' totally confused yet??!!

 
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The test you suggested was done and the memory test was allowed to run through 3 passes, all without failure.

So it will not work in slot 3 or slot 4 (I tried 2 and 4 earlier)?
 
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DDR2_1 & DDR2_2 is different than {3/4} in a 'broken' Dual Channel; the {1 & 2} initialize 1->3 & 2->4. If that makes any sense.

My 'test' was a 'correct' for broken Dual Channel; I ain't saying it is the ideal way.

I still would exchange, the DDR2_1 & DDR2_2 is, how can I say, Jerry-Rigged approach.

Also, I hope that I am helping vs confusing you more.
 
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Very much appreciate the help. I found something that appears useful on the CSkill forum for a board close to mine and this same memory (F2-9600CL5D-4GBTD). This tuning was to get to 1200 MHz. So I did it and the results were good. I ran a 2 hour memory test of 28 passes and had one Stride6 failure. They were occurring on every Stride6 test before these changes.

My memory is now at 1200 MHz based on CPU-Z (DRAM Frequency 600 MHz).

CPU Host Clock Control - Enabled
CPU Host Frequency - 375
Performance Enhance - Standard
System Multiplier - 3.20B
DRAM Timing Selectable - Manual
CAS Latency 5
tRCD 5
tRP 5
tRAS 15

Advanced Timing Control (submenu)
tRRD 4
tWTR 4
tRFC 68
tRTP 4
Command Rate 2

Load Line Calibration - Disabled
CPU VCore 1.25
MCH Core 1.20V
MCH/DRAM Reference 1.0V
ICH I/O Core 1.60V
ICH Core 1.20V
DRAM Voltage 1.90V
These were provided by GSkill Support

I am pretty happy with those results and will check with GSkill to see if my numbers can be improved (and possibly eliminate that one error). I'll put some stress on it to see if everything is stable.

I'll run memory test overnight to see what I get over 12 hours or so.
 
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My delight in 1 error in 2 hours was short lived. I closed the case and ran a longer test which resulted in 26 Strade6 errors in 79 passes. Heat must be a factor (fewer errors when warmer), my case is hotter open than closed. It's very cool closed.

I have an RMA now, so i'll get a 1066, but which one will work at 1066 or better dual channel. Or should I get one 4 gb stick, if available?
 
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Good Morning!

Sorry that you had the failures, {square peg -> round hole}, and you do NOT need that hanging over your head. I am certain it was an educational thing; it always interesting messing around in the BIOS - you can always 'reset' and try again.

The amount of RAM depends upon both the use and OS:
OS 32-bit -> 2GB minimum
OS 64-bit -> 4GB minimum

Rendering - then the more the better.

From above:
Kingston list - http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/configurator_new/modelsinfo.asp?SysID=54875&mfr=Gigabyte&model=GA&search_type=&root=us&LinkBack=http://www.kingston.com&Sys=54875-Gigabyte-GA-EP43-UD3L+Motherboard&distributor=0&submit1=Search

Otherwise Crucial BL2KIT25664AA106A 4GB kit (2GBx2), Ballistix 240-pin DIMM, DDR2 PC2-8500 - http://www.crucial.com/store/mpartspecs.aspx?mtbpoid=57D5CDB5A5CA7304
Crucial Full List - http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=GA-EP43-UD3L%20(rev.%201.0)
 
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Replaced that memory, which was giving numerous Stride6 errors in Memtest, with 1066 DDR2 memory by Gskill. This memory is working fine at 1066. Still don't understand why Gigabyte manual for my motherboard says it supports 1200 DDR2 and Gskill tech thought it would work.
 
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Your going to love this answer - yes for the most part true. Some MOBOs don't list ALL supported speeds {e.g. EVGA}. I 'personally' only get RAM that is listed under the RAM Mfg's configuration for a particular MOBO <or> that via email/ticket the RAM Mfg confirms will work properly.

The FSB LGA 775 idea {1:1} only pertains to certain socket MOBO's; in contrast the X58/LGA 1366 is 800/1066 and the FSB ratio doesn't pertain ---> and in theory 2200 MHz RAM and everything in between 'can' work via simple Memory Multipliers X BCLK; no ratios. The limitation comes in that the i7 9xx Memory Controller supports {Memory Types DDR3-800/1066}.
 
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