G.Skill DDR2 Speed In CPU-Z?

projects14a

projects14a

projects14a

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This may be an obvious question, but im not sure whether my theory is correct. I bought some G.Skill 4GB DDR2 PQ PC2-6400C5 RAM for my new build based on a recommendation from a member on here to match the Abit IP35 motherboard. As a comlpete novice to overclocking, i took the advice without much consideration and the reasons presented made sense to the little knowledge i have.

Ive just noticed in CPU-Z that it says its running at 400MHz, with timings of 5-5-5-15, but its supposed to be 800MHz. So is it showing 400MHz because its dual channel and thus i should double it? Or must i overclock to achieve it?
It also states an FSB : DRAM ratio of 2:3.

Ive not started to overclock yet due to working from home and not wanting to stuff up my income. I'm planning to start soon as this project is coming to an end and thus have abit more time to experiment.

Sorry for asking what is probably an obvious question, just trying to get my head around things, ive read through the guides and just need to know how to read/understand the tools im using.

Thanks!
 
projects14a said:
Ive just noticed in CPU-Z that it says its running at 400MHz, with timings of 5-5-5-15, but its supposed to be 800MHz. So is it showing 400MHz because its dual channel and thus i should double it? Or must i overclock to achieve it?
It also states an FSB : DRAM ratio of 2:3.
Click to expand...

DDR2 800 is not 800MHz, it's 800MT/s. Because it's double data rate, data is transferred twice per clock cycle giving it 800MT/s for a 400MHz bus clock speed (and because it's DDR2 the bus speed runs at twice the memory chip speed of 200MHz).
 
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This should be written at the top of the memory forum, in big red bold lettering. I swear a kitten dies everytime someone asks this :p
 
Ive just changed my BIOS settings (IP35 Pro) to the following:

External Clock 312MHz (originally 266MHz)
Multi x9
DRAM Speed (CPU : DRAM) Auto

This has increased the DRAM Frequency from 400MHz, to 468MHz. Do i need to increase the RAM voltage? Its currently set at 1.8v as these chips are designed to run between 1.8 and 2v, but if increasing their speed, should i also increase the voltage?
Also, ive left the DRAM Speed on Auto as im not sure which setting to select, in CPU-Z it says the FSB : DRAM ratio is 2:3, but is this the same thing?
 
I had a look around, but cant find the answer to this question:

Whats the best FSB : DRAM ratio to have? 1:1? Or does it not matter? Just planning my a target clock, so would like to know if i should stick to 1:1 or if i can be alittle more flexible with the settings.

Thanks!
 
projects14a said:
I had a look around, but cant find the answer to this question:

Whats the best FSB : DRAM ratio to have? 1:1? Or does it not matter? Just planning my a target clock, so would like to know if i should stick to 1:1 or if i can be alittle more flexible with the settings.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Depends if your CPU is being limited by it I guess. Stick to 1:1 otherwise give it a divider if your CPU is being limited. But I wouldn't do that if for example, it meant I'd gain an extra 100Mhz on the CPU but run the RAM say 200Mhz underclocked. Hypothetically. :)
 
Thanks. I set it to 1:1 today, setting the FSB to 400 and reduced the multiplier to 7 to get the CPU back down to 2800Mhz. But the system wouldnt boot, so put it back to my settings of FSB 320, multi 9 and 1:1.25 (CPU at 2880Mhz). All back to normal, but confused as to why it wouldnt boot. I guess with the FSB raised, i should increase the chipset voltage?
 
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