Timings incorrect ??

TheEnosFam

TheEnosFam

TheEnosFam

Associate
Joined
12 Mar 2011
Posts
700
Location
Rainham, Kent
I recently purchased the OCZ 4 GB platinum ram. it says it runs at 7-7-7-20 but when i check bios and CPU-z i get 7-7-7-16 ? Is this ok? I have been having problems with BSOD since installing the ram. here is an image of CPU-z
memory.jpg
And this is the exact ram i bought http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-177-OC Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thinking about running Memtest86+ but wanted to check if this was the cause first. Thanks in advance. :)
 
It's also only running at 1066MHz (when it is rated to 1333MHz).

This is because you need to go into the BIOS and manually insert the correct settings for the RAM (frequency, voltage and timings) or it will just run at these default settings. You will also need to bump up the DRAM voltage to 1.65V, if it is currently defaulting at 1.5V then this may be your issue.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the speedy reply. I am sure I can figure out what to update in Bios, but how did you know the ram was running at 1066mhz and 1.5v ?
 
+1

As a rule never let the BIOS decide on your memory's settings - always enter the the values manually.

If left on auto the BIOS will 'nearly' always set the wrongs values for memory.
 
Thanks just changed the settings in Bios and figured that out. But im guessing he knew the 1.5v was just a guess as that is probably the norm for 1066mhz ? Sorry for the Noob questions just like to know things like this for future reference.
 
Yea, I was just mentioning 1.5V as it may have been running at this level instead of the OCZ specified level of 1.65V - since 1.5V is the DDR3 spec default voltage. So if you hadn't changed any settings in the BIOS then this was the voltage it was most likely running at.

Is everything running OK now at DRAM=1.65V, timings=7-7-7-20, frequency= 1333MHz?
 
EDIT: D'oh, beat me to it - see above.

TheEnosFam said:
But im guessing he knew the 1.5v was just a guess as that is probably the norm for 1066mhz ? Sorry for the Noob questions just like to know things like this for future reference.
Click to expand...

Andi made an 'educated' (and correct) guess that the memeroy was running at 1.5V as your memory appears to be overclocked 1066MHz - and 1.5V is it's lowest recommended setting.

For the higher frequency - it's advised to run at 1.65V (the max recommended voltage) as this hopefully will stabilze your system. You could think about lowering this if/when your sure it's stable.
 
Well since i have changed my settings I have just restarted and got the BSOD twice in a row. I have now taken one of the sticks out and it appears to be fine but we shall see.
 
OK, run memtest from a bootable ISO on each stick - link

But, first double check that you have set the correct memory timings, frequency and voltage correctly in the BIOS (did you select SAVE when you exited the BIOS?).
 
It could be the case that one of the sticks is faulty.

I would suggest installing each stick one at a time, run them at rated settings then run memtest. If one of them fails then I think it's RMA time.
 
Yes I have got the settings correct in Bios 7-7-7-20 1333mhz at 1.65v I will now burn memtest onto disk and give that a go. Thanks for all the help guys. Will report back in well however long it takes :)
 
4 - 6 hours my butt :P I have run the test and this can't be good. 20 errors on 2nd stick INSTANTLY and about 15 on 1st within 10min . Ran my backup i keep for a few min with no errors. Guess i will have to RMA but just want some input first as i have never ran memtest before.
Stick 1http://www.theenosfam.com/stick1.JPG

Stick 2http://www.theenosfam.com/stick2.JPG

Again, thanks for all the help :)
 
TheEnosFam said:
4 - 6 hours my butt :P
Click to expand...

You were lucky - or unlucky depends on your take... (testing a healthy stick would have taken a minimum of 3 hrs (a few passes). Testing was far faster as both yours appear to be faulty)

TheEnosFam said:
420 errors on 2nd stick INSTANTLY and about 15 on 1st within 10min . Ran my backup i keep for a few min with no errors. Guess i will have to RMA but just want some input first as i have never ran memtest before.
Click to expand...

Those are definitely errors - and if you have other memory that works fine in the DIMM slots you tested in then it would appear that you have 2 faulty sticks.

It's unusual to have 2 faulty sticks but it does happen. If your happy that you've set the correct voltages/timings/frequency - then it ould seem like it's rma time.
 
Last edited:
Ok Thanks. I am sure I have the settings correct as my backup stick is working fine. Didn't fully it test it but even so by now just normal use of my computer it would have crashed. Time to contact OCZ and get this resolved. I do consider myself lucky as it did not take me long to figure out what the fault was. Many thanks for your you saved me a lot of googling :)
 
If you bought the kit from a retailer like OCUK it may be quicker to contact them and do the RMA though them. Often it is quicker than sending it back to the manufacturer yourself.
 
RMA sent to OCUK lets hope the kit i have turning up tomorrow isn't faulty as well :/. These damn deals they have been having has made me upgrade and pass on my old ram to a friend. :) good thing i always keep my trusty 2GB Corsair 1333mhz stick on hand :)
 
What motherboard/cpu do you have?

It may be possible for you to get the XMS3 12800 @ £39. It's £10 more faster, and very slutty/good compatibilty.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom