GA-EP45-UD3 DDR2 voltage?

[chaosrik]

I am still unsure what voltage to use for my memory :_

G.skill ddr2 pc28500 1066 4GB F2-8500CL5D-4GBPK

GA-EP45-UD3

In Bios it deafaults to 1.8v but G.Skill recommend 2-2.1v. I have been running the system (at 1.8v) for about 10 days with no problems at all including running prime95 (with no errors). In the Bios if you go past 2.0v the text changes to pink maybe indicating over clocking? So should I stick to 1.8v if all seems stable? It IS running at 1066 speed - I checked in Bios and cpu-z.

[profJim]

Re: GA-EP45-UD3 DDR2 voltage?

The cpu-z SPD panel shows the memory timings and voltage programmed by the manufacturer. Some motherboards don't correctly apply the EPP settings.

1.8 volts is probably OK for a standard system. For overclocking you'll probably want to set 2.0 - 2.1 volts. Some memory requires higher voltage, others (like my Mushkin) usually run best in the lower 2.0 volt range.

Gigabyte uses green for safe, pink for warning, & flashing red for "I hope you know what you're doing." Some ddr2 memory is rated for 2.2 - 2.4 volts or higher.

If you ran Prime95 for at least 8 - 10 hours and didn't get any errors, you're probably OK with your current settings. FWIW, I've run Prime95 for over 12 hours without a problem. However, when I followed with OCCT or Orthos, I sometimes got errors after 2 - 15 hours. Keep in mind that my system is close to its limit.

These programs test for stability. If you get any errors, this could mean that your system might corrupt files on your hard drive or BSOD (blue screen of death) at random times. With a non-overclocked system, I'd feel comfortable with passing all three test after each has run for at least 4 - 6 hours. Others may disagree & say that you should run your tests for 24 hours. I say compromise & do it my way.

[VorLonUK]

Re: GA-EP45-UD3 DDR2 voltage?

I am still unsure what voltage to use for my memory :_

G.skill ddr2 pc28500 1066 4GB F2-8500CL5D-4GBPK

GA-EP45-UD3

In Bios it deafaults to 1.8v but G.Skill recommend 2-2.1v. I have been running the system (at 1.8v) for about 10 days with no problems at all including running prime95 (with no errors). In the Bios if you go past 2.0v the text changes to pink maybe indicating over clocking? So should I stick to 1.8v if all seems stable? It IS running at 1066 speed - I checked in Bios and cpu-z.

That's excellent that you are running your DDR2 at the Jedec standard of 1.8volts (for DDR2).
Personally i would always double check my memory with memtest too. Memtest86+ - Advanced Memory Diagnostic Tool
If there are no errors with memtest and the PC works without error, I would happily leave the settings as they are - 1.8volts for DDR2 is essentially perfect.

Both Corsair and OCZ recommend on their forums that you only increment the DDR/2/3 voltage upto a max of the stated warrantied voltage IF needed, for either stability and or to attain the advertised speed of the modules. If however your particular Motherboard/Module combination works without error at what is the Jedec standard ie, 1.8volts for DDR2 & 1.5volts for DDR3, then there is absolutely NO need to increase the voltage.
Sometimes only a subtle voltage increase is required, ie anything inbetween stock voltage up to the maximum warrantied.

Unfortunately, people often see the sticker stating a voltage on their modules and setup the bios accordingly without even checking if the ram will run without error at the Jedec standard.

Often these days Memory Module manufacturers will state "X" memory ran at "Y" frequency at "Z" volts and they will state the motherboard that they tested the combination on. Sometimes it'll be on an upmarket board too
However that doesn't mean to say that, that memory will run at the advertised specs in your motherboard combination, or on the otherside of the coin, that you need to drive the Ram at the voltage indicated on the sticker.
Often too, people increase the RAM voltage in a bid to compensate for other ram settings that haven't been optimised. Once advanced ram settings have been optimised in the bios, you can often find you can back off the ram voltage, especially if you cranked it up in the first place.

[kick]

Re: GA-EP45-UD3 DDR2 voltage?

It depends.1.8v is nice,but what timings is the memory running at .Does it have an enhanced performance profile?
On the ud3 the only setting that changes to pink/red is the memory voltage,but if the memory is performance memory with a set profile you may be underusing its potential.
What other settings are you using for the memory ?

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: GA-EP45-UD3 DDR2 voltage?

^^ VorLonUK's info is spot on above ^^^

That ram is rated for 2.0-2.1V as max allowed under warranty. If you are Memtest86+ (And or other stability tests) stable at 1.8V that is fine, if not you will need to bump it up some.

The pink/red settings are just to let users who do not know what they are changing that Ram voltages increases are happening when changing that setting.

2.0-2.1 is normal and fine for DDR2