Modern RAM

godling · 30-May-08, 11:43 AM

Has no standards
Modern RAM
No Directions
Modern RAM
Needs more voltage
Modern RAM
Leads me to the BIOS screen ...

Okay, bad parody. But here's the point. Lately, I've seen a lot (and experienced, and helped others around me) of DDR2 and DDR3 not running properly when folks are building new computers. There are some basic facts you need to realize when you add new RAM to your system:

1. Not all RAM runs at the same voltage
2. Not all RAM runs at the same timings
3. Not all motherboards have the same default volt / timing settings
4. Few mobo / RAM combinations (if any) "talk to each other" regarding these factors at bootup

So what's a n00b geek to do?

First, when buying RAM, find out what its stock voltage and timings are. These will be the baseline specifications for your RAM.
Second, when matching RAM to your mobo, find out what your mobo's default settings are for voltage and timings. These might match your new RAM, or they might not.
Third, if the mobo / RAM settings do not match, find out what your motherboard's BIOS options will allow you to tweak. Most modern boards will allow you to play with the voltage in +/- 0.4v range, and manually set timings.

Examples:

Installation
Motherboard X has default timings of 5-7-7-20 and voltage of 1.8v for RAM.
RAM Y has timings of 5-5-5-17 and voltage of 2.1v
For stable operation, user must go into the BIOS and set the memory voltage to "manual" and "+0.3" (1.8v mobo default + 0.3v = 2.1v RAM voltage), and the timings to "manual" and 5-5-5-17. Failing to do this may result in OS installation failures, inability to identify or access system hardware, or may even allow complete installation, but will cause software or hardware execution errors spontaneously. Other problems may also occur.

Overclocking
Overclocking RAM often involves adding more voltage to the memory.
IF Motherboard X has a default voltage of 1.8v and BIOS voltage maximum is +0.4, and
IF RAM Y has default voltage of 2.2v
THEN overvolting the memory cannot happen! User will have to use the maximum overvolt of +0.4v just to reach RAM Y default voltage.

Before last week,I didn't know any of this. Nor was this information easily found, so ... I hope this helps folks.

I'll rely on Rob or Iateronmly to right a better parody of Bowie's song ...

-godling

Monsignor Funkibut · 30-May-08, 02:24 PM

I vote STICKY!!!

-MF

30-May-08, 11:43 AM		#1 (permalink)
godling Apex Tech Maniac Supreme	Modern RAM Has no standards Modern RAM No Directions Modern RAM Needs more voltage Modern RAM Leads me to the BIOS screen ... Okay, bad parody. But here's the point. Lately, I've seen a lot (and experienced, and helped others around me) of DDR2 and DDR3 not running properly when folks are building new computers. There are some basic facts you need to realize when you add new RAM to your system: 1. Not all RAM runs at the same voltage 2. Not all RAM runs at the same timings 3. Not all motherboards have the same default volt / timing settings 4. Few mobo / RAM combinations (if any) "talk to each other" regarding these factors at bootup So what's a n00b geek to do? First, when buying RAM, find out what its stock voltage and timings are. These will be the baseline specifications for your RAM. Second, when matching RAM to your mobo, find out what your mobo's default settings are for voltage and timings. These might match your new RAM, or they might not. Third, if the mobo / RAM settings do not match, find out what your motherboard's BIOS options will allow you to tweak. Most modern boards will allow you to play with the voltage in +/- 0.4v range, and manually set timings. Examples: Installation Motherboard X has default timings of 5-7-7-20 and voltage of 1.8v for RAM. RAM Y has timings of 5-5-5-17 and voltage of 2.1v For stable operation, user must go into the BIOS and set the memory voltage to "manual" and "+0.3" (1.8v mobo default + 0.3v = 2.1v RAM voltage), and the timings to "manual" and 5-5-5-17. Failing to do this may result in OS installation failures, inability to identify or access system hardware, or may even allow complete installation, but will cause software or hardware execution errors spontaneously. Other problems may also occur. Overclocking Overclocking RAM often involves adding more voltage to the memory. IF Motherboard X has a default voltage of 1.8v and BIOS voltage maximum is +0.4, and IF RAM Y has default voltage of 2.2v THEN overvolting the memory cannot happen! User will have to use the maximum overvolt of +0.4v just to reach RAM Y default voltage. Before last week,I didn't know any of this. Nor was this information easily found, so ... I hope this helps folks. I'll rely on Rob or Iateronmly to right a better parody of Bowie's song ... -godling

30-May-08, 02:24 PM		#2 (permalink)
Monsignor Funkibut Master VB Pr'hoe'grammer	Re: Modern RAM I vote STICKY!!! -MF

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