PC Build: How do I set the timings for my RAM?

Question

I purchased this RAM (OCZ Reaper HPC Edition 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory) for my ASUS P5Q Mobo, and I've been told I need to change the voltage on it to 2.1v and the timing on it to 4-4-4-15, in the BIOS. I changed the voltage on it, but I am unsure how to change the timing on it. There is a:

1st Information: 5-5-5-15-3-36-5-3
2nd Information: 8-3-5-4-6-4-6
3rd Information: 15-5-1-5-5

Do I mess with those numbers or what? Im really confused on where/how to change the timing to 4-4-4-15...any help would be great! Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

In Advanced Bios Settings, you should see the heading 'Memory Timings'. Use the Down Arrow key to 'highlight' it. Then press the Enter key. You should see a side menu with the options of 'Auto' and 'User Defined'. Use the Up/Down Arrow/s to highlight-> User Defined. In this menu you should see the 15-5-1-5-5 timings, that you mentioned. Use the Up/Down arrow/s to highlight this. Before you begin, I'd like you to know this is the SPD,(Serial Presence Detect), that is on the ram stick itself. The timings that are already stated. This is the default setting that is set into the ram stick, and has nothing to do with the mobo. Write it down! Write down all settings! If your system crashes, you'll have these numbers to refer back to. You will turn your computer on, and immediately get back into BIOS Setup Utility. You can click on the Function key for every page, to set the values back to default, or change them back manually. If you have the values written down, you will have a backup record of these values, and will know if they indeed, returned back to the default settings. (Sorry about the Run-on!)

Only change one ram timing setting, at a time! Then do a 24hr stability test. Now you can go back, and change another timing. Change anything too fast, or not in small increments, and you're asking for your system to crash.

Changing the voltage to what the ram stick manufacturer has stated it uses, is another story. For this, you can jump right to the voltage needed. BIOS on your motherboard has a default voltage setting. (Ram timings too!) The default setting may not match the ram stick. This is because the ram manufacturer, has already bumped the voltage requirement needed, up.To make the ram meet the 800MHz parameter, they need to make the voltage higher. JEDEC is an organization that sets standards for the electronics community. The standard voltage for DDR2 is 1.8 volts. OCZ has their's set to 2.1 volts to reach 800MHz. Default voltage for your motherboard's ram settings is probably 1.8 volts.

Changed the voltage, and everything run's smooth? I suggest leaving the ram timings alone, or at least for a while. See how your system performs.

If you had EPP,(Enhanced Performance Profile) ram memory, and a motherboard that supports EPP, you can go into your BIOS,and enable EPP. This will automatically set your ram voltage, and ram timings. This is not an automatic feature. You have to enable it in your BIOS setup for this. Should be in your Motherboard Manual on how to do it, if your mobo supports EPP.

Answer 2

only set your ram voltage and timings according to the manufactures specs....which should be listed right on the modules......change these setting in the bios, should be under north bridge settings.......set the volts manually, and for your timings only worry about the first 4, 4-4-4-15 and leave everything else on auto..........just check your specs first though, before doing this.........scott

Answer 3

won't be able to work out any project with utilising that ram. OCZ is a sturdy form, may properly be they in basic terms havn't high quality examined it such as your motherboard.... as continuously in case you get complications then in basic terms promote up an change the Ram... yet easily won't be able to work available being complications, all looks high-quality.