Geil memory not running at default timings, plz help

[Rex_the_Runt]

Hi,

I recently bought a new system:

• Core 2 Duo E6550
• Gigabyte GA-P35-DQ6
• 2Gb Geil PC2-6400 400MHz 4-4-4-12
• Corsair HX520W power supply
• 8800 GTS video card

Windows XP - S.P.2, fully patched, everything running at default speeds, default voltages.

The BIOS and CPUZ read the SPD timings incorrectly:



When I manually set the timings to their correct values (i.e. 4-4-4-12) Prime 95 reports errors after a few seconds and Windows frequently crashes to BSOD forcing a reboot.

If I leave the timings at their incorrect values (i.e. 5-5-5-18) the system seems stable: ran Prime 95 for 3 hours, not had any BSODs

Strange thing is, Memtest86+ 1.70 runs 3 full cycles (got bored and stopped it) stable for both sets of timings.

CPU temperatures are about 30C idle and 45C under load. I've disabled Speed Step and Enhanced Halt (C1E), have left Thermal Monitor (TM2) enabled.

Any suggestions on what I can do to run the memory at it's advertised speed and what is causing Windows instability?

 

[Rex_the_Runt]

paul_64l: no, nothing over clocked.

Fanatic: The label on the RAM heatsinks say the operating voltage is 2.1V. How can I tell what voltage they're currently running at? This motherboard doesn't show any voltages in BIOS Does the Gigabyte Easy Tune give reliable voltage readings?

Should I be worried that the motherboard and CPUZ are reading the SPD incorrectly?

 

[Rex_the_Runt]

The BIOS is a bit silly: it only shows how much extra voltage you have applied, not the actual value.

Anyway, I've found the setting you mentioned and increased the voltage by 0.10V. Easy Tune reports the memory voltage as 1.90V now. Will try Prime 95 tomorrow.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Rex_the_Runt]

Only done a quick test today. Upped the memory voltage to 2.10V, manually set timings 4-4-4-12: Prime95 stops after 10 minutes.

Did a quick Super Pi test, 4-4-4-12 timings are only 2% quicker. Am I being robbed by only running it at 5-5-5-18?