GA Ep45-DS3 and OCZ 2x2GB PC28500/1066Mhz Reaper or OCZ 2x2GB PC26400/800Mhz Reaper

[aphilip]

Hi,

I am trying to get a OCZ DDR2 PC2-8500 / 1066 MHz / Reaper HPC Edition / 2x2GB / Dual Channel or OCZ DDR2 PC2-6400 / 800 MHz / Reaper HPC Edition / 2x2GB / Dual Channel, but i will probably stick on the 1066. I need some help with the bios settings to make the memory work stable at 1066 (for the 1066 stick) and 800 (for the 800 stick) mhz stable .

I have the folowing configuration on my pc :

CPU - Intel Core 2 Duo CPU E8400 @ 3.00 Ghz
MB : Gigabyte EP45 - DS3 (bios ver F9 )
Mem: mention above
PSU : SilverStone Strider 600W
Video : GeForce 9800 GTX
Case : Huntkey Case

NB: I still confused which one to choose between those 2 RAM, as the online place that i bought said that the PC26400 is out of stock and asked me if i wanted PC28500/1066mhz. It's 2X2GB, i just need some help on the bios setting if i got either both of them.


Thank you in advance

[Lsdmeasap]

Re: GA Ep45-DS3 and OCZ 2x2GB PC28500/1066Mhz Reaper or OCZ 2x2GB PC26400/800Mhz Reap

Well the settings will be fairly similar, for 2x2GB if that is what they both are.

You don't have them yet?

Either kit would be fine, just get which you can, but don't mix them.

If you already have a kit and need help let me know exactly which kit you have via link or model # and I can help you with settings.

If/when you need help with settings please fill out a template from my signature with your current settings, tell us what you want to run and we will advise back

[JustRob]

Re: GA Ep45-DS3 and OCZ 2x2GB PC28500/1066Mhz Reaper or OCZ 2x2GB PC26400/800Mhz Reap

Have you bought the 1066 or the 800? I would definately go for the 1066 or better, also, I have had issues trying to run OCZ ram on Gigabyte boards, research first. But make sure your board is COMPATIBLE with that RAM!!!!!!!!!!!!

[aphilip]

Re: GA Ep45-DS3 and OCZ 2x2GB PC28500/1066Mhz Reaper or OCZ 2x2GB PC26400/800Mhz Reap

Hi,

Thanks for the reply.. I am a bit confused whether to take the 1066 or 800.. I want my system to be stable, don't feel like overclocking. I research quite a bit before i bought the RAM as well as EP45-DS3. It said in the manual or Gigabyte website that it supports up to 1333Mhz RAM. However, i did some google research, some people in other forum said that 1066 Mhz makes your system unstable on these mobo. Any suggestion if i should go 800 or 1066?

[JustRob]

Re: GA Ep45-DS3 and OCZ 2x2GB PC28500/1066Mhz Reaper or OCZ 2x2GB PC26400/800Mhz Reap

Well if it was me I would go for the 2x2 1066 to give you a little headroom if you decide to bump your system up a bit in the future. For just general use you won't really notice any difference between either, but if you want to play something like Battlefield or COD4 you'll appreciate the speed.

[XSTATION]

Re: GA Ep45-DS3 and OCZ 2x2GB PC28500/1066Mhz Reaper or OCZ 2x2GB PC26400/800Mhz Reap

I have this board and have had some problems

these two urls were a help

Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS3 Memory Upgrades - Guaranteed Compatible Memory for your Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS3 from Corsair



Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS3 Memory Upgrades - Guaranteed Compatible Memory for your Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS3 from Corsair


xstation

[yuu]

Re: GA Ep45-DS3 and OCZ 2x2GB PC28500/1066Mhz Reaper or OCZ 2x2GB PC26400/800Mhz Reap

What makes you think 1066 memory isn't considered overclocking, because that's just what it is, you have to go in bios and set the memory setting just as you would normally when ovecrlocking, set the voltages to insane level, likely to damage and render the system useless in time.... faster... If you don't fell like it but you are doing it, dont do it.

besides. there is no use in runnig 1066 memory with say 1333 FSB (333 quad pumped), because FSB is a major bottleneck, you don't get much by overclocking, it is almost the same as running 666Mhz memory.

If you are doing it, just go all the way. 1:1 sync with FSB, say 500 FSB quad pumped and 500 DDR, and you'll get much better perormance.

[profJim]

Re: GA Ep45-DS3 and OCZ 2x2GB PC28500/1066Mhz Reaper or OCZ 2x2GB PC26400/800Mhz Reap

Quality 800MHz memory can often run at 1000 - 1100MHz speeds.
1066MHz memory is really 800MHz that is tested and guaranteed to run at 1066 or higher speeds and can run at 800MHz with tighter memory speeds.
With 2x2GB of memory, you will need to make a few bios changes.
For the EP45 motherboards, G.Skill is the most popular memory in the forum.
Other excellent choices are Mushkin, Crucial, and Corsair.
If you go with the OCZ Reapers, make sure that the tall memory heat-sinks won't interfere with your cpu heat-sink/fan.
Avoid buying "value" ram.

[aphilip]

Re: GA Ep45-DS3 and OCZ 2x2GB PC28500/1066Mhz Reaper or OCZ 2x2GB PC26400/800Mhz Reap

Thanks for the reply,

Well, i don't feel like overclocking my system because i just want a stable computer. Don't feel like changing it after 1 or 2 years.

And the reason i am taking 4GB RAM kit is because i am running on Win 7 64 bits and playing some hardcore games such as Napoleon Total War, Crysis and some other games that require at least 4Gb ram to run it perfectly with high settings.

Well, my online store didn't have the OCZ PC26400 800Mhz Reaper that i want and with Chief Munchkin giving me some advice on what's popular RAM on EP45 mobo. I am down with 3 choice of PC28500 / 1066 Mhz.

1. OCZ DDR2 PC2-8500 / 1066 MHz / Platinum Series / 4GB Dual Channel / 2GB Modules OCZ DDR2 PC2-8500 Platinum 4GB Edition Dual Channel OCZ Technology

2. G.SKILL-Products

3. Kingston HyperX KHX8500D2K2/4G 4GB DDR2 1066MHz Non-ECC CL5 <-- kinda not sure with this one coz it said that it requires 2.2v to 2.3v

Can someone please give me advice on what to choose of these 3? I have research and read some reviews on the OCZ and G.Skill. The OCZ one wasn't that popular or used if you compare to the Reaper version.

Thanks in advance
aphilip

[profJim]

Re: GA Ep45-DS3 and OCZ 2x2GB PC28500/1066Mhz Reaper or OCZ 2x2GB PC26400/800Mhz Reap

The G.Skill memory you linked to is very popular with EP45 systems.
At the bottom of the page you linked to, G.Skill states:
"*G.Skill guarantees 2 Dimms dual channel operation would reach announced specification."
With 8GB of any brand of quality memory, there is no guarantee that 8GB of memory will run at the full rated speed.
You might need to underclock your memory to about 950 - 1000MHz.
You can easily run 8GB at 800MHz with tighter memory timings and end up with performance that is virtually the same as 1066MHz (with looser memory timings).

The higher maximum allowable voltage with the Kingston memory indicates that it probably uses somewhat older memory chips.
I recommend that you go with the G.Skill memory. Use the forums search feature using the F2-8500CL5D-4GBPK model and you'll find many systems that successfully ran with 8GB.

**edit** Sorry, I think I confused your thread with another one that wanted to run with 8GB.
In post #7 yuu make some good points. There are ways to tweak your system for significantly better performance without overclocking your cpu speed.
We can best help you if you'll post the information in steps 1 -4 in this post.

[aphilip]

Re: GA Ep45-DS3 and OCZ 2x2GB PC28500/1066Mhz Reaper or OCZ 2x2GB PC26400/800Mhz Reap

Cool.. I will post those asap. I have just order the G.Skill PC28500/1066 Mhz, and via express shipping and it will be available tomorrow. I will take note of those steps and post it here. I would love to tweak my system for significantly better performance without overclocking my cpu speed. :D

Thanks a lot Captain :D

[aphilip]

Re: GA Ep45-DS3 and OCZ 2x2GB PC28500/1066Mhz Reaper or OCZ 2x2GB PC26400/800Mhz Reap

Hi,

My signature should have all my PC hardware spec

Link to the G.Skill PC28500/1066Mhz 2x2Gb specifications: http://www.gskill.com/images/images_...on%20Guide.pdf

[profJim]

Re: GA Ep45-DS3 and OCZ 2x2GB PC28500/1066Mhz Reaper or OCZ 2x2GB PC26400/800Mhz Reap

If you are not using a fairly recent bios, getting your system stable might be more difficult.
It's important to run several tests when new hardware is installed, such as:
Memtest86+ (ver: 4.1 or later)
Intel BurnTest (IBT) or LinX
Prime95 (Blend Test) and ideally small FFT and large FFT tests.

From your mobo user manual:

[F10] Save all the changes and exit the BIOS Setup program
[F11] Save CMOS to BIOS
[F12] Load CMOS from BIOS

The Functions of the <F11> and <F12> keys (For the Main Menu Only)
F11 : Save CMOS to BIOS
This function allows you to save the current BIOS settings to a profile. You can create up to 8
profiles (Profile 1-8) and name each profile. First enter the profile name (to erase the default profile
name, use the SPACE key) and then press <Enter> to complete.
F12 : Load CMOS from BIOS
If your system becomes unstable and you have loaded the BIOS default settings, you can use this
function to load the BIOS settings from a profile created before, without the hassles of reconfiguring
the BIOS settings. First select the profile you wish to load, then press <Enter> to complete.

++++++++

1. Use F11 to save your current bios settings and give the saved profile a meaningful name, such as Old-Defaults.
2. Exit the bios and turn off your system.
3. Turn off your psu using the psu switch on the back of the psu.
4. Press and hold the front panel on/off switch for 15 seconds to discharge your system.
5. Install only one memory module in memory slot #1 (closest to the cpu).
6. Power on your system and immediately enter the bios.
7. Load Optimized defaults from the bios main menu.
8. Press F10 to save settings and exit, which will reboot your system.
9. Enter the bios and press [Ctrl] + F1.
10. Re-apply all previous settings from all bios sections, except for the M.I.T section.
11. Enter the M.I.T. section.
12. Use the recommended (manual) settings in this post, even though you're not overclocking your system.
    
13. See the end of this post for MCH Core voltage settings and memory speed settings.
14. Return to the main bios menu and press F11 to save your new bios settings to using another profile name, don't use the same profile "slot".
15. Press F10 to apply these settings and exit.
16. Turn off your system when the post or logo screen appears, and repeat the psu switch/discharge steps.
17. Install the second memory module in slot #3.
18. Turn on your system and immediately boot to Memtest86+ using a bootable CD/DVD or floppy.
19. Run Memtest86+ for at least 4 - 8 full passes, the first pass will take about 20 minutes to complete and the remaining passes will take about 40 minutes each to complete.

If there are any reported errors, note the test number and pass number that generated the error(s).
Memory Speed Settings
DRAM Voltage ------------ 1.800V ------- : [Auto] <--- set to the max rated ram voltage (for most memory)
DRAM Timing Selectable ---------------- : [Manual]

• For 800MHz:
  System Memory Multiplier -------------- : [2.40B] <-- for 800MHz
  DRAM Timing Selectable ---------------- : [Manual]
  CAS Latency Time -------- ?? ---------- : [4]
  tRCD --------------------- ?? ---------- : [4]
  tRP ---------------------- ?? ---------- : [4]
  tRAS --------------------- ?? ---------- : [4]

• For 1066MHz:
  System Memory Multiplier -------------- : [3.20B] <-- for 1066MHz
  DRAM Timing Selectable ---------------- : [Manual]
  CAS Latency Time -------- ?? ---------- : [5]
  tRCD --------------------- ?? ---------- : [5]
  tRP ---------------------- ?? ---------- : [5]
  tRAS --------------------- ?? ---------- : [15]

note: running your memory at 1066MHz is not overclocking your memory.

MCH Core that is too high or too low can cause boot problems and/or stability problems.
MCH Core ---------------- 1.100V ------- : [Auto] <--- set to 1.20 for 2x2GB ram (1.24 - 1.26, or 1.05 might be needed)
note: some/many overclocked systems using your G.Skill 2x2GB F2-8500CL5D-4GBPK memory are not stable unless MCH Core = 1.05 is used.

Food for thought:
7.5 x 400 (FSB) = 3.0GHz, memory can be run at 800MHz or 960MHz.
Running your cpu at 3.60GHz (9.0 x 400) is a modest 20% overclock and is easy to get stable once your stock setup is okie-dokie.
These or higher o/c settings can be tried later. Overclocks up to about 4.0GHz or higher take a bit more work. ;)

Any questions?

[profJim]

Re: GA Ep45-DS3 and OCZ 2x2GB PC28500/1066Mhz Reaper or OCZ 2x2GB PC26400/800Mhz Reap

OK, it looks like you're already running with Optimized bios settings.

Fan: Install extra 2 1200w Fan on the front near HD and on the back

I'm a bit concerned with your dual 1200 watt fans. :)

Nice job on your post.

[aphilip]

Re: GA Ep45-DS3 and OCZ 2x2GB PC28500/1066Mhz Reaper or OCZ 2x2GB PC26400/800Mhz Reap

Thanks ProfJim,

Just some quick questions and clarifications

Do i need to do those steps now with my current RAM or after i receive my G.Skill 1066 MHz RAM?

For the MCH core, you did mention to set it to 1.20 for 2x2gb ram, should i set it 1.20 or 1.05 for my g.skill?

Should i increase my DRAM Voltage ------------ 1.800V ------- : [Auto] <--- set to the max rated ram voltage (for most memory)? The G.Skill spec said that it need to run on 2.0 to 2.1 v? Or i just stick on 1.8v?

So, after these settings my cpu will run at 3.60 GHZ, stable and without overclocking? And will my CPU get hot easily? I don't have any liquid cooler other than 2 Coolermaster 120mm 1200 rpm install in front and back of my huntkey H401 case. There's a default Fan and heat sink for the cpu though.

Thanks heaps for the advice
aphilip