RAM Speed Increase 05032011

[mowogo1820]

Desktop PC Specs:
------------------------

Specs From - Speccy v1.10.248


**Operating System
MS Windows XP Professional 32-bit SP3

**CPU
AMD Athlon II X2 255 37 °C
Regor 45nm Technology

**RAM
2.0GB Dual-Channel DDR2 @ 267MHz (3-4-4-12)

**Motherboard
ASRock N68-S (CPUSocket) 46 °C

**Graphics
NEC FE700 (1280x768@60Hz)
512MB GeForce 9500 GT (ASUStek Computer Inc) 51 °C

**Hard Drives
313GB Western Digital WDC WD32 00AAKS-00SBA SCSI Disk Device (ATA) 37 °C

**Optical Drives
ASUS DRW-24B1ST SCSI CdRom Device

**Audio
SB Audigy

===============================


More Detailed RAM Specs:
---------------------------------


Memory slots
Total memory slots 2
Used memory slots 2
Free memory slots 0
Memory
Type DDR2
Size 2048 MBytes
Channels # Dual
DRAM Frequency 267.9 MHz
CAS# Latency (CL) 3 clocks
RAS# to CAS# Delay (tRCD) 4 clocks
RAS# Precharge (tRP) 4 clocks
Cycle Time (tRAS) 12 clocks
Bank Cycle Time (tRC) 16 clocks
Command Rate (CR) 2T
Physical Memory
Memory Usage 75 %
Total Physical 1.99 GB
Available Physical 480 MB
Total Virtual 1.99 GB
Available Virtual 1.90 GB
SPD
Number Of SPD Modules 2
Slot #1
Type DDR2
Size 1024 MBytes
Manufacturer Crucial Technology
Max Bandwidth PC2-6400 (400 MHz)
Part Number BL12864AL106A.8FH5
Serial Number 9002688B
Week/year 165 / 165
SPD Ext. EPP
EPP #0
Frequency 400.0 MHz
CAS# Latency 4.0
RAS# To CAS# 4
RAS# Precharge 4
tRAS 12
tRC 24
Voltage 2.000 V
EPP #1
Frequency 534.0 MHz
CAS# Latency 5.0
RAS# To CAS# 5
RAS# Precharge 5
tRAS 15
tRC 29
Voltage 2.000 V
JEDEC #3
Frequency 400.0 MHz
CAS# Latency 5.0
RAS# To CAS# 5
RAS# Precharge 5
tRAS 18
tRC 23
Voltage 1.800 V
JEDEC #2
Frequency 333.3 MHz
CAS# Latency 4.0
RAS# To CAS# 5
RAS# Precharge 5
tRAS 16
tRC 20
Voltage 1.800 V
JEDEC #1
Frequency 266.7 MHz
CAS# Latency 3.0
RAS# To CAS# 4
RAS# Precharge 4
tRAS 12
tRC 16
Voltage 1.800 V
Slot #2
Type DDR2
Size 1024 MBytes
Manufacturer Crucial Technology
Max Bandwidth PC2-6400 (400 MHz)
Part Number BL12864AL106A.8FH5
Serial Number 8F03EE20
Week/year 165 / 165
SPD Ext. EPP
EPP #0
Frequency 400.0 MHz
CAS# Latency 4.0
RAS# To CAS# 4
RAS# Precharge 4
tRAS 12
tRC 24
Voltage 2.000 V
EPP #1
Frequency 534.0 MHz
CAS# Latency 5.0
RAS# To CAS# 5
RAS# Precharge 5
tRAS 15
tRC 29
Voltage 2.000 V
JEDEC #3
Frequency 400.0 MHz
CAS# Latency 5.0
RAS# To CAS# 5
RAS# Precharge 5
tRAS 18
tRC 23
Voltage 1.800 V
JEDEC #2
Frequency 333.3 MHz
CAS# Latency 4.0
RAS# To CAS# 5
RAS# Precharge 5
tRAS 16
tRC 20
Voltage 1.800 V
JEDEC #1
Frequency 266.7 MHz
CAS# Latency 3.0
RAS# To CAS# 4
RAS# Precharge 4
tRAS 12
tRC 16
Voltage 1.800 V



======================


More Detailed Mothrboard Specs:
------------------------------------------


Motherboard
Manufacturer ASRock
Model N68-S
Version To Be Filled By O.E.M.
Chipset Vendor NVIDIA
Chipset Model GeForce 7025
Chipset Revision A3
Southbridge Vendor NVIDIA
Southbridge Model nForce 630a
Southbridge Revision A2
System Temperature 48 °C

BIOS
Brand American Megatrends Inc.
Version P2.00
Date 12/15/2009

Voltage
CPU CORE 1.416 V
MEMORY CONTROLLER 0.144 V
+3.3V 3.392 V
+5V 5.088 V
+12V 11.765 V
VIN5 1.696 V
VIN6 1.880 V

PCI Data
1. PCI Available
2. PCI Available


=======================




How do I increase the Speed (MHz) of my RAM? My PC is running slow.

 

[COLGeek]

You can check your BIOS settings to make sure your system is set to AUTO. That way your motherboard will negotiate and set the fastest, stable speed possible with the memory. What you are likely seeing, though, is a result of having Cool and Quiet enabled. Basically your system will manage how fast it operates when max power isn't needed. When you game, or put a load on your system, your system will speed up the processor and memory. When it is idling (needs less resources), it will lower the speeds of these components. Saves power and reduces heat.

Good luck!

 

[COLGeek]

Also, run Malwarebytes (get the free version) to make sure no little nasties are running in the background....

 

[jaquith]

**RAM
2.0GB Dual-Channel DDR2 @ 267MHz (3-4-4-12)

**Motherboard
ASRock N68-S

E.G. N68-S UCC http://www.asrock.com/mb/overview.asp?Model=N68-S%20UCC&cat=Specifications
- 2 x DDR2 DIMM slots
- Supports DDR2 1066*(OC)/800/667/533 non-ECC, un-buffered memory
- Max. capacity of system memory: 8GB**

Type DDR2
Size 2048 MBytes
Channels # Dual
DRAM Frequency 267.9 MHz

There are 3 possible MOBOs, currently the RAM is running at ~536MHz and the RAM is rated for 800 MHz:
Frequency 400.0 MHz
CAS# Latency 4.0
RAS# To CAS# 4
RAS# Precharge 4
tRAS 12
tRC 24
Voltage 2.000 V

BIOS:
Memory Clock -> [400MHz (DDRII800)]
CAS Latency (CL) -> 4
TRCD -> 4
TRP -> 4
TRAS -> 12
-
DRAM Voltage -> 2.00 V

Save & Exit = Yes

 

[COLGeek]

To mowogo1820, jaquith is THE MAN when it comes to memory issues and how to make them better. Listen to what he tells you and you can't go wrong. Period.

 

[mowogo1820]

**RAM
2.0GB Dual-Channel DDR2 @ 267MHz (3-4-4-12)

**Motherboard
ASRock N68-S

E.G. N68-S UCC http://www.asrock.com/mb/overview.asp?Model=N68-S%20UCC&cat=Specifications
- 2 x DDR2 DIMM slots
- Supports DDR2 1066*(OC)/800/667/533 non-ECC, un-buffered memory
- Max. capacity of system memory: 8GB**

Type DDR2
Size 2048 MBytes
Channels # Dual
DRAM Frequency 267.9 MHz

There are 3 possible MOBOs, currently the RAM is running at ~536MHz and the RAM is rated for 800 MHz:
Frequency 400.0 MHz
CAS# Latency 4.0
RAS# To CAS# 4
RAS# Precharge 4
tRAS 12
tRC 24
Voltage 2.000 V

BIOS:
Memory Clock -> [400MHz (DDRII800)]
CAS Latency (CL) -> 4
TRCD -> 4
TRP -> 4
TRAS -> 12
-
DRAM Voltage -> 2.00 V

Save & Exit = Yes

Excuse Me, but I'm a little confused about you answer. What are you telling me to do?

 

[jaquith]

Excuse Me, but I'm a little confused about you answer. What are you telling me to do?

How do I increase the Speed (MHz) of my RAM? My PC is running slow.

Answering your question, how to speed-up your RAM. However, it will do very little. IMO - test your PC for either crapware or potentially as simple too many or conflicting Apps.

Crapware -> ESET http://www.eset.com/us/online-scanner
Apps conflicts/too many running -> run MSCONFIG and select Diagnostic ; see if the PC speeds-up.

Frankly, there are so many things slow down a PC this may or may not help. Housekeeping like Defragging, keeping 25%+ free space on a HDD, registry errors and a like all contribute. When I have a PC that's misbehaving it takes little to push me to reformatting and reinstalling the OS.

Registry errors -> http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner

Assuming Windows XP just in case, here's a Clean XP SP3 ISO from Microsoft -> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=2fcde6ce-b5fb-4488-8c50-fe22559d164e&displaylang=en

 

[COLGeek]

Excuse Me, but I'm a little confused about you answer. What are you telling me to do?

Jaquith is telling you the settings to manually enter in your memory settings to max out their performance.

 

[mowogo1820]

**RAM
2.0GB Dual-Channel DDR2 @ 267MHz (3-4-4-12)

**Motherboard
ASRock N68-S

E.G. N68-S UCC http://www.asrock.com/mb/overview.asp?Model=N68-S%20UCC&cat=Specifications
- 2 x DDR2 DIMM slots
- Supports DDR2 1066*(OC)/800/667/533 non-ECC, un-buffered memory
- Max. capacity of system memory: 8GB**

Type DDR2
Size 2048 MBytes
Channels # Dual
DRAM Frequency 267.9 MHz

There are 3 possible MOBOs, currently the RAM is running at ~536MHz and the RAM is rated for 800 MHz:
Frequency 400.0 MHz
CAS# Latency 4.0
RAS# To CAS# 4
RAS# Precharge 4
tRAS 12
tRC 24
Voltage 2.000 V

BIOS:
Memory Clock -> [400MHz (DDRII800)]
CAS Latency (CL) -> 4
TRCD -> 4
TRP -> 4
TRAS -> 12
-
DRAM Voltage -> 2.00 V

Save & Exit = Yes

===============

In the BIOS, my options for DRAM Voltage are:
1.80v, 1.85v, 1.90v, 1.95v, 2.05v, 2.10v, 2.15v, 2.20v, AUTO

"2.00v" is not an option. What should I do?

 

[mowogo1820]

I also disabled "Cool N Quiet" in the BIOS. I hope that doesn't screw anything up/ damage anything.

 

[mowogo1820]

My hardware diagnostic tool is Piriform Speccy v1.10.248.

When I run it, it gives me all the specs that I posted above. If I click on RAM, I notice that my DRAM Frequency meter keeps spiking from 401.5 to 401.9 MHz. Is this OK?

Physical Memory usage is only at 23% with nothing running except for the usual processes in the background.

 

[COLGeek]

My hardware diagnostic tool is Piriform Speccy v1.10.248.

When I run it, it gives me all the specs that I posted above. If I click on RAM, I notice that my DRAM Frequency meter keeps spiking from 401.5 to 401.9 MHz. Is this OK?

Physical Memory usage is only at 23% with nothing running except for the usual processes in the background.

The fluctuations are normal and disabling CnQ is fine. Did you go with 2.05? If so, that should be fine.

 

[jaquith]

I also disabled "Cool N Quiet" in the BIOS. I hope that doesn't screw anything up/ damage anything.

f I click on RAM, I notice that my DRAM Frequency meter keeps spiking from 401.5 to 401.9 MHz. Is this OK?

Cool N Quiet - If you get instability then [Enable]; [Auto] is the better choice.

The "CPU Frequency" varies so small variations in the DRAM Frequency are to be expected.

If your system both passes Prime95 and Memtest then you should be fine.

Q - How are things running now?

 

[mowogo1820]

Instead of 2.05v, I went with auto. Things seem to be running pretty good.

What instabilities should I be looking for with Cool N Quiet disabled? I'm still not that sure what it does.

Is Cool N Quiet common on motherboards?

 

[mowogo1820]

Current Detailed RAM Specs:
------------------------------------

RAM
Memory slots
Total memory slots 2
Used memory slots 2
Free memory slots 0
Memory
Type DDR2
Size 2048 MBytes
Channels # Dual
DRAM Frequency 401.9 MHz
CAS# Latency (CL) 4 clocks
RAS# to CAS# Delay (tRCD) 4 clocks
RAS# Precharge (tRP) 4 clocks
Cycle Time (tRAS) 12 clocks
Bank Cycle Time (tRC) 24 clocks
Command Rate (CR) 2T
Physical Memory
Memory Usage 68 %
Total Physical 1.99 GB
Available Physical 634 MB
Total Virtual 1.99 GB
Available Virtual 1.90 GB
SPD
Number Of SPD Modules 2
Slot #1
Type DDR2
Size 1024 MBytes
Manufacturer Crucial Technology
Max Bandwidth PC2-6400 (400 MHz)
Part Number BL12864AL106A.8FH5
Serial Number 9002688B
Week/year 165 / 165
SPD Ext. EPP
EPP #0
Frequency 400.0 MHz
CAS# Latency 4.0
RAS# To CAS# 4
RAS# Precharge 4
tRAS 12
tRC 24
Voltage 2.000 V
EPP #1
Frequency 534.0 MHz
CAS# Latency 5.0
RAS# To CAS# 5
RAS# Precharge 5
tRAS 15
tRC 29
Voltage 2.000 V
JEDEC #3
Frequency 400.0 MHz
CAS# Latency 5.0
RAS# To CAS# 5
RAS# Precharge 5
tRAS 18
tRC 23
Voltage 1.800 V
JEDEC #2
Frequency 333.3 MHz
CAS# Latency 4.0
RAS# To CAS# 5
RAS# Precharge 5
tRAS 16
tRC 20
Voltage 1.800 V
JEDEC #1
Frequency 266.7 MHz
CAS# Latency 3.0
RAS# To CAS# 4
RAS# Precharge 4
tRAS 12
tRC 16
Voltage 1.800 V
Slot #2
Type DDR2
Size 1024 MBytes
Manufacturer Crucial Technology
Max Bandwidth PC2-6400 (400 MHz)
Part Number BL12864AL106A.8FH5
Serial Number 8F03EE20
Week/year 165 / 165
SPD Ext. EPP
EPP #0
Frequency 400.0 MHz
CAS# Latency 4.0
RAS# To CAS# 4
RAS# Precharge 4
tRAS 12
tRC 24
Voltage 2.000 V
EPP #1
Frequency 534.0 MHz
CAS# Latency 5.0
RAS# To CAS# 5
RAS# Precharge 5
tRAS 15
tRC 29
Voltage 2.000 V
JEDEC #3
Frequency 400.0 MHz
CAS# Latency 5.0
RAS# To CAS# 5
RAS# Precharge 5
tRAS 18
tRC 23
Voltage 1.800 V
JEDEC #2
Frequency 333.3 MHz
CAS# Latency 4.0
RAS# To CAS# 5
RAS# Precharge 5
tRAS 16
tRC 20
Voltage 1.800 V
JEDEC #1
Frequency 266.7 MHz
CAS# Latency 3.0
RAS# To CAS# 4
RAS# Precharge 4
tRAS 12
tRC 16
Voltage 1.800 V


====================

Should I make any other changes?


I also have an open thread in the overclocking--->AMD thread called: AMD Athlon II X2 255 Overclocking Help 05042011

People are telling me that I have to make changes to my RAM to OC my CPU. Read the thread and tell me if you think I can gain any increase in speed. My heatsink & fan are factory.

 

[lowjack989]

When OCing on AMD rigs....I always disable CnQ, and C1E in BIOS...OP these should be your setting for the RAM..

JEDEC #3
Frequency 400.0 MHz
CAS# Latency 5.0
RAS# To CAS# 5
RAS# Precharge 5
tRAS 18
tRC 23
Voltage 1.800 V

 

[lowjack989]

Looks like your using RAM that was tweaked from the factory as the CAS 4 timings are under the EPP profile

 

[mowogo1820]

Looks like your using RAM that was tweaked from the factory as the CAS 4 timings are under the EPP profile

=============


Lol. You just spoke greek to me. Say what now?

 

[mowogo1820]

When OCing on AMD rigs....I always disable CnQ, and C1E in BIOS...OP these should be your setting for the RAM..

JEDEC #3
Frequency 400.0 MHz
CAS# Latency 5.0
RAS# To CAS# 5
RAS# Precharge 5
tRAS 18
tRC 23
Voltage 1.800 V

==================

Message from earlier:
----------------------------

jaquith wrote :

**RAM
2.0GB Dual-Channel DDR2 @ 267MHz (3-4-4-12)

**Motherboard
ASRock N68-S

E.G. N68-S UCC http://www.asrock.com/mb/overview. [...] ifications
- 2 x DDR2 DIMM slots
- Supports DDR2 1066*(OC)/800/667/533 non-ECC, un-buffered memory
- Max. capacity of system memory: 8GB**

Type DDR2
Size 2048 MBytes
Channels # Dual
DRAM Frequency 267.9 MHz

There are 3 possible MOBOs, currently the RAM is running at ~536MHz and the RAM is rated for 800 MHz:
Frequency 400.0 MHz
CAS# Latency 4.0
RAS# To CAS# 4
RAS# Precharge 4
tRAS 12
tRC 24
Voltage 2.000 V

BIOS:
Memory Clock -> [400MHz (DDRII800)]
CAS Latency (CL) -> 4
TRCD -> 4
TRP -> 4
TRAS -> 12
-
DRAM Voltage -> 2.00 V

Save & Exit = Yes




===============

In the BIOS, my options for DRAM Voltage are:
1.80v, 1.85v, 1.90v, 1.95v, 2.05v, 2.10v, 2.15v, 2.20v, AUTO

"2.00v" is not an option. What should I do?
------------------------------ Sincerely,
Mowogo1820


======================

I follow what the tomshardware forum member "jaquith" told me to do. Now, you're telling me to change things. How are your settings different from his? Will your settings make things faster or slower?

 

[jaquith]

These are you (2) choices for best performance, 800 MHz or the 1066 MHz which probably requires you to OC i.e. increase the FSB above stock settings.

If 400X2 800 MHz 4-4-4-12 is running then 800 MHz CAS 5 timings will just decrease speed.

EPP #0
Frequency 400.0 MHz
CAS# Latency 4.0
RAS# To CAS# 4
RAS# Precharge 4
tRAS 12
tRC 24
Voltage 2.000 V

EPP #1
Frequency 534.0 MHz
CAS# Latency 5.0
RAS# To CAS# 5
RAS# Precharge 5
tRAS 15
tRC 29
Voltage 2.000 V

You can 'try' running the RAM without FSB OC; the difference is about 1%.

BIOS:
Memory Clock -> [533MHz (DDRII1066)]
CAS Latency (CL) -> 5
TRCD -> 5
TRP -> 5
TRAS -> 15
-
DRAM Voltage -> 2.00 V

Save & Exit = Yes

 

[lowjack989]

+1^--->Follow what jaquith said