ram/mobo clockfrequency prob

[Guammer]

I've been trying to bring my computer up to it's optimum performance after noticing some unsatisfactory numbers after some assessments.

I have an Asus Rampage II Gene and bought a pack of Corsair dominator 3x1g ram.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145225

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131371

This particular ram was tested and should typically clock stable at 1600mhz. Not to mention this exact part number was listed in the QVL directly in my mobo manual.

Basically I benchmarked my ram in everest and got some crap results. Then after browsing around I noticed my rams timings and clock weren't what they're advertised to supposed to run at. So i went into bios and manually tuned up the frequency to the 1600 and adjusted the timings to what was supposed to be complimentary. This seemed to shave off like 20ms on my benchmark and i was happy but now I get blue screens so i had to default it back. Even after loosening the timings. Reason I'm so concerned is because I have friends with inferior and/or identical gear that are getting better performance and I'm not sure whats going on here for me. Even windows index hates me

Was wondering if anybody has experience with this particular bios because I'm no good at it right now, and if someone might be able to point me in the right direction.

My friend suggested maybe its a memory controller issue but like I said this particular mobo recommends this ram :facewall:

 

[JunK]

first off see if you need a bios update. next i'd make sure the voltage is set correctly, sometimes it is default at 1.5 or something and that needs to run at 1.65 at least.
says that ram can run at 8-8-8-24 at 1600 with x58 and i7 9xx cpus, so if you have those components it definitely should and if the bios/voltage is correct then i'd contact corsair about it.
if you don't have the i7 9xx cpu then you should be able to get away with loosening the timings to around 9-9-9-24 and be fine, but the voltage has to be correct.

 

[Guammer]

yeah the last thing I did was turn the voltage up to a hair above 1.65 and i wasn't getting the blue screens within the half hour that I was before when it was lower. But once i ran an everest stress test I instantly crashed. all my components match up and my timing/frequency/voltage were all set too. i did it manually and with a preset memory profile in the bios

 

[ShadowBlade72]

I had the same issue with my Gigabyte GA-MA790X-UD4P motherboard. It could not perform up to the advertised memory speeds. It's a motherboard issue most likely. With motherboards you really get what you pay for and sometimes it's hit or miss. I'd recommend talking with Corsair first, and if they can't resolve your issue, I'd talk with Asus.

Honestly I just let my motherboard set the defaults which aren't even close to the advertised timings and I didn't notice any difference between when I had them cranked up. I was able to get mine working by cranking the voltage past what I would recommend, but I had extra ram if I fried mine. I ended up just setting it back to stock and really saw no difference even in gaming.

 

[Guammer]

I haven't updated my bios since i've built this computer. I noticed some of the bios updates since then have added memory support. So that seems like it should address my problem. If not i'll just do as you say since thats what i've been doing anyway lol

 

[Guammer]

Ok i've actually gotten to the bottom of this. Asus simply released a bunch of bios updates for improved ram compatibility. I can get it up to a content 1600 stable now.

Only question is this. If my ram is NOT meant to be pushed beyond 1.65v but I'm at that threshold is it safe to run your computer day after day at the max allowed voltage (considering it could spike up to 1.66 from time to time). this is the max voltage I should run this at before killing my cpu, but it's also the necessary and expected setting to get the most out of my ram. I just feel uncomfortable having it at max all the time. Or should that be totally fine?

 

[Angellas]

Ok i've actually gotten to the bottom of this. Asus simply released a bunch of bios updates for improved ram compatibility. I can get it up to a content 1600 stable now.

Only question is this. If my ram is NOT meant to be pushed beyond 1.65v but I'm at that threshold is it safe to run your computer day after day at the max allowed voltage (considering it could spike up to 1.66 from time to time). this is the max voltage I should run this at before killing my cpu, but it's also the necessary and expected setting to get the most out of my ram. I just feel uncomfortable having it at max all the time. Or should that be totally fine?

Running at <1.8v on that memory set should be fine for continuous use. I have a similar memory set that I run at 1.8v without issue. (My memory is rated at 1.8v, but can handle over-voltage of 1.85 without worry). So set your mind at ease with ~1.66v. It's Corsair, you're all set! (If you can't separate the voltage between your CPU and Memory bank.....BIOS UPDATE!!!!)

My memory is also rated for 9-9-9-24 @ 1600. My most stable OC is running at 1.8v, 667Mhz (1333), and 7-7-7-20 timings (bank cycle of 34ms). The major difference between ours is that I use an AM3-class memory controller (955 Black Edition). I suggest 7-7-7-20, 1333, and 1.65v for your set to start.

If you're getting blue-screens in your stress-test, your OC is NOT stable. I would suggest being a bit more conservative with your memory core-speeds and a bit more liberal with your hard-timings. That's where your performance comes in with testing. (not to mention, with that memory, 7-7-7-20 is WELL within reach. Grab CPU-Z and take a look at your SPD timings. That will give you a much better idea of what your memory is looking for.)

I had an issue reaching these numbers with an ASUS M4A785TD-EVO mobo. A quick RMA fixed my issue. ASUS covers their boards for 3 years, no questions asked. Give them a call at 1-812-282-2787. Their tech-support staff will run you through a few quick steps, then it's off-to-ASUS with your board. Return shipping is free. Most of the OC-failure issues I have run across involved the MoBo, not the CPU or ram. Especially with Corsair memory.

I'm sorry that I'm bouncing all over the place, and please correct me if you see any flaws (I'm never perfect ). I will also be more than willing to sit in vent or on the phone with you while you try functions if you need a bit of assistance! I hope this helps you and sets your mind at ease!