No announcement yet.

Memory Timings Explained W/ Suggested Timings & Memset VS. BIOS

Collapse
This is a sticky topic.
X
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • Pschalk
    replied
    Re: Memory Timings Explained W/ Suggested Timings & Memset VS. BIOS

    Originally posted by Lsdmeasap View Post
    First of all the basics


    Rated Memory Timings


    • CAS (tCL) Timing: CAS stands for Column Address Strobe or Column Address Select. It controls the amount of time in cycles between sending a reading command and the time to act on it. From the beginning of the CAS to the end of the CAS is the latency. The lower the time of these in cycles, the higher the memory performance.
      e.g.: 4-4-4-12 The bold “4” is the CAS timing.
    • tRCD Timing: RAS to CAS Delay (Row Address Strobe/Select to Column Address Strobe/Select). Is the amount of time in cycles for issuing an active command and the read/write commands.
      e.g.: 4-4-4-12 The bold “4” is the tRCD timing.
    • tRP Timing: Row Precharge Time. This is the minimum time between active commands and the read/writes of the next bank on the memory module.
      e.g.: 4-4-4-12 The bold “4” is the tRP timing.
    • tRAS Timing: Min RAS Active Time. The amount of time between a row being activated by precharge and deactivated. A row cannot be deactivated until tRAS has completed. The lower this is, the faster the performance, but if it is set too low, it can cause data corruption by deactivating the row too soon.
      tRAS = tCL + tRCD + tRP (+/- 1) so that it gives everything enough time before closing the bank.

      e.g.: 4-4-4-12 The bold “12” is the tRAS timing.

    (The 4-4-4-12 figure is just an example for main memory timings.)

    These are the four timings that you would see when memory is being rated. It is in the order of CAS-tRCD-tRP-tRAS. The lower these timings, the higher the performance of the memory. Some motherboard manufacturers (DFI for example) list the timings in their bios CAS-tRCD-tRAS-tRP.


    Certain memories can take tighter (lower) timings at higher speeds. These are the more expensive memory modules out of the bunch. There are also other timings to consider in your BIOS. Not all boards will have options like these.

    Advanced Memory Timings

    • tRRD Timing: (Act to Act Delay) Row to Row Delay or RAS to RAS Delay. The amount of cycles that it takes to activate the next bank of memory. It is the opposite of tRAS. The lower the timing, the better the performance, but it can cause instability.
    • tWTR Timing: (Rank Write To Read Delay) Write to Read Delay. The amount of cycles required between a valid write command and the next read command. Lower is better performance, but can cause instability.
    • tWR Timing: (Write To Precharge Delay)Write Recovery Time. The amount of cycles that are required after a valid write operation and precharge. This is to insure that data is written properly.
    • tRFC Timing: (Refresh To Act Delay) Row Refresh Cycle Timing. This determines the amount of cycles to refresh a row on a memory bank. If this is set too short it can cause corruption of data and if it is too high, it will cause a loss in performance, but increased stability.
    • tRTP Timing: (Read To Precharge Delay) Number of clocks that are inserted between a read command to a row pre-charge command to the same rank.

      Below Values are not in ALL BIOS's (See Below link for a FULL List of Values)
    • tRTW/tRWT Timing: Read to Write Delay. When a write command is received, this is the amount of cycles for the command to be executed.
    • tRC Timing: Row Cycle Time. The minimum time in cycles it takes a row to complete a full cycle. This can be determined by; tRC = tRAS + tRP. If this is set too short it can cause corruption of data and if it is to high, it will cause a loss in performance, but increase stability.
    • tREF Timing: The amount of time it takes before a charge is refreshed so it does not lose its charge and corrupt. Measured in micro-seconds (µsec).
    • tWCL Timing: Write CAS number. Write to whatever bank is open to be written too. Operates at a rate of 1T, but can be set to others. It does not seem to work with other settings than 1T on DDR. DDR2 is different though.
    • Command Rate: Also called CPC (Command Per Clock). The amount of time in cycles when the chip select is executed and the commands can be issued. The lower (1T) the faster the performance, but 2T is used to maintain system stability. On Intel based machines, 1T is always used where the number of banks per channel are limited to 4.
    • Static tREAD Value: (tRD) This setting is most commonly known as Performance Level or tRD this is the most effective chipset performance register available to adjustment. As FSB and memory speed are scaled/increased, tRD and Northbridge voltage will have to be increased to accommodate the additional data throughput. The idea when tweaking your system for the BEST performance is to run the tightest (Lowest) tRD possible at any given FSB or memory speed. See Below Link for more reading on this


    Full List of Most All BIOS Memory Values

    Some are covered here and some are not as they are not relevant to Most Gigabyte boards
    Tweakers.fr

    Conclusion

    CAS-tRCD-tRP-tRAS are the main timings that are of concern to most users.

    All of the other settings are only really changed when overclocking, or tweaking your timings. If you plan to stay at stock frequencies and timings, there is no real need to play with the other advanced memory settings.

    Ram Multiplier Calculator
    http://www.peakin.com/xbx2/calculato...fsb=320&mult=9


    MemSet VS. BIOS Settings (Download Linked Below)





    Suggested Settings for P35/P45 Boards

    Performance Enhance
    ________________ Standard

    CAS Latency Time________________ 4/5
    Dram RAS# to CAS# Delay_________ 4/5
    Dram RAS# Precharge Delay________4/5
    Precharge Delay (tRAS)___________ 12/15/18

    The above ranges will be dependent upon your ram spec which should be listed on the package or sticker of your ram

    The ranges below are meant to be used as stable stock timings that can be latter tested and lowered one by one with testing between each move.

    The timings x2 in ()'s below are to be tested last only for benchmark purposes.

    And just so everyone is clear on this the latter one being Static tRead Value May HARD FAIL for most all users and often cause a need to Clear CMOS if you attempt to use 5/6, but some will get it to work and it is worth the time and effort if you are into tweaking your ram to at least try it a few times. If you do decide to try it then please have the other subtimings loose when you first attempt it

    Memtest86+ is suggested for memory testing (Download Linked Below)

    ACT to ACT Delay (tRRD)________ 3-4
    Rank Write to READ Delay (tWTR)_______ (4-6) 9-11 (Note Actual Value set in BIOS Vs. What system Uses will be 7+)
    Write to Precharge Delay (tWR)________ 3-5 (Note Actual Value set in BIOS Vs. What system Uses will be 5+)
    Refresh to ACT Delay (tRFC)___________ 38-42 (2X1GB) 52-62+ (2x2GB)
    Read to Precharge Delay (tRTP)_________ 3-6 (Note Actual Value set in BIOS Vs. What system Uses will be 2+)
    Static tRead Value (tRD)______________ (5/6) 7-10 (800Mhz) 7-12 (1066Mhz)
    Static tRead Phase Adjust________ 1-31*

    * Pertaining to Static tRead Phase Adjust: Leave on Auto or Zero Or 1-31 (This Adjustment is uncontrolled and subtracts from the Static tRead Value at random times and is suggested to not be used unless you really know what you are doing. For more in depth read about this setting you can have a look here >>>
    AnandTech: The Gigabyte GA-X48T-DQ6 - Redefining the High End?

    Also Some in depth Static tRead Value (tRD) discussion here as well
    AnandTech: ASUS ROG Rampage Formula: Why we were wrong about the Intel X48




    is there such a thibng as tinkering too much?

    Leave a comment:


  • Anthony88
    replied
    Re: Memory Timings Explained W/ Suggested Timings & Memset VS. BIOS

    I see the P45 Advanced Timing Control is different. The timing options order is the same without some of the nomenclature but Channel A and B have more adjustments. ???


    Leave a comment:


  • pochen23
    replied
    Re: Memory Timings Explained W/ Suggested Timings & Memset VS. BIOS

    Thank you for the reply. I will read on all the articles you linked before I overclock. I have a few quick questions.

    1) isn't going from 3.33 to 4.5 a big jump? is it normal or is it kind of high risk?

    2) I have read about XMP for the RAM, but for some reason it is not one of the options in the BIO. I am using F4 for P67A-UD4-B3, and it is not there. Does different RAM stick unlock that option? or is there anything I need to do to get it to show up? I know once I see it, I can just change it to profile 1, but it is simply not on there... Perhaps I will just wait for the new sticks to come here and see if the option becomes available.

    3) Is it necessary to use AHCI instead of IDE for the harddisk? It is mentioned in the guide but I am not sure if it is just preference or it is a necessity.

    Thank you.

    Leave a comment:


  • Lsdmeasap
    replied
    Re: Memory Timings Explained W/ Suggested Timings & Memset VS. BIOS

    That guide should be fine! If you are unsure about it, maybe try one of the Guides in our sticky here by Miahallen
    http://forums.tweaktown.com/gigabyte...56-1366-a.html

    For that memory you can set XMP and it will all be set automatically for you. I would suggest you update to the latest BIOS before you get started though, and then flash the backup BIOS to match the main using ALT+F12 at bootup (See Video Here)

    Leave a comment:


  • pochen23
    replied
    Re: Memory Timings Explained W/ Suggested Timings & Memset VS. BIOS

    I saw this last night and am thinking about overclocking my CPU using that guide since I have the same exact motherboard and processor.

    How to Overclock the Gigabyte GA-P67A-UD4 | bit-tech.net
    Please let me know how legit and safe it is. In addition, will 750w PSU support that type of overclocking.

    I am a little confused on the RAM part. I am waiting for my order of 2x4GB RAM sticks:

    Newegg.com - G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL8D-8GBXM

    So I guess my question is, what RAM frequency, timing, and voltage do I set to compliment this particular overclocking. Do I leave the RAM at stock setting?

    Thank you, I appreciate the help.

    Leave a comment:


  • Chike
    replied
    Re: Memory Timings Explained W/ Suggested Timings & Memset VS. BIOS

    @eagle06
    A single 4GB memory module?
    How high did you increase VTT?
    There's a F5a beta BIOS in the bios sticky if you wish to try.

    Leave a comment:


  • eagle06
    replied
    Re: Memory Timings Explained W/ Suggested Timings & Memset VS. BIOS

    Hi I am using CMV4GX3M1A1333C9 on GA-P67A-UD3-B3 F4 bios.intel 2500k proccy.

    I am getting BSODs if i use 1333 9-9-9-24 even if i increase dram and vtt.

    So i tried 1066 xmp/auto ->8-8-8-24(automatically set) now there are no bsods but the bios is randomly setting back to 1333 9-9-9-24 in between process and getting bsod.When I go back to Bios MIT ,it is showing overclocking failed and reverted back to default settings..


    I want to know the full 1066, 8-8-8-24 settings including cmd rate,trrc,t** stuff so that i can set manually instead of using auto 1066 in bios.

    Please some one post the full timings :)

    Leave a comment:


  • Lsdmeasap
    replied
    Re: Memory Timings Explained W/ Suggested Timings & Memset VS. BIOS

    Originally posted by Kiriakos View Post
    I think that I found one small error at the front page ( descriptions ) , not an error actually , but an confusing paraphrase.

    tRW Timing: (Write To Precharge Delay)Write Recovery Time.

    Stands for tWR and not tRW ... yes I got confused too .
    Thanks, fixed!
    Last edited by Lsdmeasap; 11-29-2010, 10:21 PM.

    Leave a comment:


  • artdrivers
    replied
    Re: Memory Timings Explained W/ Suggested Timings & Memset VS. BIOS

    Hi oit5id3r
    Could you go into BIOS and list the PC Health Status for us to see? Here is a template you can use, or a picture will do.
    Code:
    PC Health Status
    Hardware Thermal Control [Enabled]
    Reset Case Open Status [Disabled]
    Case Opened No
    Vcore 1.364V
    DDR3 1.5V 1.536V [COLOR="darkred"]your memory should be at 1.8v[/COLOR]
    +3.3V 3.280V
    +12V 12.048V
    Current System Temperature 38ºC
    Current CPU Temperature 36ºC
    Current CPU FAN Speed 1962 RPM
    Current SYSTEM FAN1 Speed 0 RPM
    Current SYSTEM FAN2 Speed 0 RPM
    Current POWER FAN Speed 0 RPM
    CPU Warning Temperature [Disabled]
    CPU FAN Fail Warning [Disabled]
    SYSTEM FAN1 Fail Warning [Disabled]
    SYSTEM FAN2 Fail Warning [Disabled]
    POWER FAN Fail Warning [Disabled]
    CPU Smart FAN Control [Enabled]
    May I suggest if you have (CORSAIR XMS3 DHX 4GB DDR3 PC3-12800 1600Mhz Ram TW3X4G1600C9DHXNV) to set the memory voltage manually.
    Code:
    MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
    } IGX Configuration [Press Enter]
    CPU Clock Ratio [Auto] 2800Mhz
    CPU NorthBridge Freq. [Auto] 2000Mhz
    CPU Host Clock Control [Auto]
    x CPU Frequency(MHz) 200
    PCIE Clock(MHz) [Auto]
    HT Link Width [Auto]
    HT Link Frequency [Auto] 2000Mhz
    Set Memory Clock [Auto]
    x Memory Clock x6.66 1333Mhz
    } DRAM Configuration [Press Enter]
    ******** System Voltage Optimized ********
    System Voltage Control [Auto] [COLOR="darkred"]Manual[/COLOR]
    x CPU PLL Voltage Control Auto
    x DRAM Voltage Control Auto [COLOR="darkred"]Manual 1.5+0.30 = 1.8v[/COLOR]
    x DDR VTT Voltage Control Auto 
    x NB Voltage Control Auto
    x SidePort Mem Volt Control Auto
    x NB/PCIe/PLL Voltage Control Auto
    x CPU NB VID Control Auto
    x CPU Voltage Control Auto
    Normal CPU Vcore 1.3250V
    It would be more helpful if you could list your timings for us to see. You can use this as a template to do so. Also are you overclocking? Overclocking will change how you should loosen or tighten the memory timmings.
    Code:
    DRAM Configuration
    DCTs Mode [Unganged]
    DDR3 Timing Items [Auto] SPD Auto
    x CAS# latency Auto 9T 9T
    x RAS to CAS R/W Delay Auto 9T 9T
    x Row Precharge Time Auto 9T 9T
    x Minimum RAS Active Time Auto 24T 24T
    x 1T/2T Command Timing Auto -- --
    x TwTr Command Delay Auto 5T 5T
    x Trfc0 for DIMM1 Auto 110ns 110ns
    x Trfc2 for DIMM2 Auto -- --
    x Trfc1 for DIMM3 Auto 110ns 110ns
    x Trfc3 for DIMM4 Auto -- --
    x Write Recovery Time Auto 10T 10T
    x Precharge Time Auto 5T 5T
    x Row Cycle Time Auto 33T 33T
    x RAS to RAS Delay Auto 4T 4T
    Last edited by artdrivers; 11-28-2010, 08:34 AM.

    Leave a comment:


  • Kiriakos
    replied
    Re: Memory Timings Explained W/ Suggested Timings & Memset VS. BIOS

    I think that I found one small error at the front page ( descriptions ) , not an error actually , but an confusing paraphrase.

    tRW Timing: (Write To Precharge Delay)Write Recovery Time.

    Stands for tWR and not tRW ... yes I got confused too .

    Leave a comment:


  • out5id3r
    replied
    Re: Memory Timings Explained W/ Suggested Timings & Memset VS. BIOS

    thanks will do that now

    Leave a comment:


  • Lsdmeasap
    replied
    Re: Memory Timings Explained W/ Suggested Timings & Memset VS. BIOS

    I am not very familiar with AMD, your best bet would be to make a new thread and then hopefully artdrivers would help you out.

    He is our AMD guru and should be able to help you with your memory timings.

    Leave a comment:


  • out5id3r
    replied
    Re: Memory Timings Explained W/ Suggested Timings & Memset VS. BIOS

    do you guys have any suggested timings for this by any chance?

    http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/6041/timings.jpg

    btw memset doesnt work on my pc , it was suggested to download cpu tweaker instead .
    Last edited by out5id3r; 09-23-2010, 04:28 AM. Reason: update

    Leave a comment:


  • Lsdmeasap
    replied
    Re: Memory Timings Explained W/ Suggested Timings & Memset VS. BIOS

    Ahh well I only mentioned it because you did?

    Do your 200mm fans move any air? I hear those are normally slower and do not much very much air, never used one myself.

    Leave a comment:


  • Conners
    replied
    Re: Memory Timings Explained W/ Suggested Timings & Memset VS. BIOS

    Not really sure what I can do as far as better airflow. I already use 3 - 200mm fans -front, side as intake, and top exhaust. As well a 120mm in the bottom as intake, two fans as push/pull on the H50, the Corsair Memory fans and a 40mm fan on the north bridge.

    BTW this is on the system in my sig. I'll think I'll just re-visit the bios settings and redo all my over clock settings. FYI I am running the Q9550 @461x8.5 (3.92GHz) Memory @ 2.1 volts 5-5-5-15 4-4-6-52-2, 2.40B 1106MHz and Turbo.

    Leave a comment:

Working...
X