Methodology for finding the correct ddr voltage? as opposed to just the rated voltage

[dan653]

i've noticed a lot of people talking about how they run their ram at below the rated voltage (to extend lifespan, here's looking at you ballistix) whilst retaining or keeping as close to the stated timings

can someone explain the methodology used to accomplish this or point me to a guide outling the process (i'm guessing it would be similar to the incremental approach decribed in the cpu overclocking sticky)

 

[dan653]

ok so to refine it further....

1. testing; with what and how long for? (orthos - large FFTs?)
2. voltage; start high (rated) and drop, by what increments? small as possible?
3. (the bit i'm clueless about) timings? just set them at the stated spec and leave at that for now?

fresh from the overclockers.co.uk product info...

- 1066MHz DDR2
- EPP 5-5-5-18 (CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS)
- Unbuffered
- OCZ Lifetime Warranty
- 2.1 Volts
- 240 Pin DIMM
- Reaper HPC Heatsink*
- EPP-Ready
- 2.15V EVP**

 

[dan653]

so thats a ballistix specific 'feature'

good to know for future reference, i'll just set this stuff to 2.1v 5-5-5-18 and i'm good to go then

 

[dan653]

so then, a testing strategy, say i'm using orthos large ffts

would 20mins per increment be enough (i generally find it is cpu stressing) and then an extended test (overnight)