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

dan653

dan653

dan653

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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)
 
You just set the correct voltage, then drop it a little and test. If that passes then drop the voltage a little more and test again etc etc.
 
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**
 
I found my Ballistix 2GB kits, both 5300 & 6400 o/ced to 900MHz, ran stable @ 1.95-2.0v, and that was with all 4 slots filled....

I used Orthos to test it at those voltages...
 
dan653 said:
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**
Click to expand...

There's no need to run that memory below 2.1v. The reason why people run Ballistix below spec is because it dies very often at its rated 2.2v.
 
so thats a ballistix specific 'feature' :D

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
 
Cob said:
There's no need to run that memory below 2.1v. The reason why people run Ballistix below spec is because it dies very often at its rated 2.2v.
Click to expand...
Its still preferable to try and run it as low as possible though, less strain on the memory, lower electricity bills, less excess heat.
 
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)
 
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