Need help with setting RAM frequency in BIOS

[m00nshine]

Hi guys,

I'm trying to set the frequency of my RAM in BIOS and need some help.

This is my RAM: Corsair XMS3 8GB DDR3-1600 (PC3-12800) CL9 Desktop Memory Kit (Two 4GB Memory Modules)

This is my Mobo: Gigabyte
GA-Z68XP-UD3 LGA 1155 Z68 ATX Intel Motherboard

If I go into the M.I.T menu and select Advanced Memory Settings I can see the RAM is operating at 1333 Mhz.

If I select System memory multiplier I can change it to 8.00, 16.00, etc...

If I choose 16.00 I believe it sets it to 1600 Mhz. I can then see 1333 (The "normal" operating frequency) and 1600 right next to it.

When I change it, BIOS asks me if I want to enhance CPU performance...
Do I choose yes or no? I assume I choose no... But, I'm not sure.

The channel B timing settings also change, with "600" next to "press enter."

I did not save any of the changes, as I do not want to do something wrong here.

Also, would I need to change the Profile DDR Voltage? It was set to 1.5 v I believe, yet my RAM specs state that my voltage should be 1.65...

Please help

[glc]

You bought the incorrect ram for a Z68 build. We only recommend 1.5 volt Corsair Vengeance, not XMS.

If you want to keep your ram, run it with everything in auto and leave it alone.

[rwest]

Originally Posted by m00nshine Hi guys, I'm trying to set the frequency of my RAM in BIOS and need some help. If I go into the M.I.T menu and select Advanced Memory Settings I can see the RAM is operating at 1333 Mhz. If I select System memory multiplier I can change it to 8.00, 16.00, etc... If I choose 16.00 I believe it sets it to 1600 Mhz. I can then see 1333 (The "normal" operating frequency) and 1600 right next to it.

Not sure on this, my gigabyte board is more specific. But I'm on an AMD system.

Originally Posted by m00nshine When I change it, BIOS asks me if I want to enhance CPU performance... Do I choose yes or no? I assume I choose no... But, I'm not sure.

You will want a good cooler on your cpu to OC it. I wouldn't do it with the stock cooler.

Originally Posted by m00nshine The channel B timing settings also change, with "600" next to "press enter."

That's going to happen. Timings will change at faster speeds.

Originally Posted by m00nshine Also, would I need to change the Profile DDR Voltage? It was set to 1.5 v I believe, yet my RAM specs state that my voltage should be 1.65...

You may not need to change it. Once the ram speed is set for 1600mhz it may automatically set the ram at 1.65v
Your ram's spd is 1.65 at 1600mhz, default is 1.5v at 1333mhz. The system will use default and the ram will run at that speed and voltage when initially installed.

[m00nshine]

Originally Posted by glc You bought the incorrect ram for a Z68 build. We only recommend 1.5 volt Corsair Vengeance, not XMS. If you want to keep your ram, run it with everything in auto and leave it alone.

What? I can't run my ram at 1600 MHz? Can you please explain why not? I trust your opinion; I'm just trying to learn more. I thought as long as my ram was ddr3 and the right speed that I would be good to go.

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by m00nshine What? I can't run my ram at 1600 MHz? Can you please explain why not? I trust your opinion; I'm just trying to learn more. I thought as long as my ram was ddr3 and the right speed that I would be good to go.

I hate that memory for a Z68 chipset and I cringe every-time I get a PC that is blue screening. That memory is made for enthusiasts who like to take their PC's to the brink. Let me guess, Micro Center didn't have the Vengeance, so they sold you that....You probably can get it to run at 1600mhz but it will not be easy. With the ram I suggested in the original thread, it supports XMP profile. All you would have had to do is turn on the XMP in the BIOS and you would be running at 1600 mhz. I have no recommendation using that memory.

I would leave it alone as well. You are not going to notice a speed improvement anyway. You have had a few issues with this build and know I am starting to get a clear picture from the few different threads.

[m00nshine]

Originally Posted by jdeb I hate that memory for a Z68 chipset and I cringe every-time I get a PC that is blue screening. That memory is made for enthusiasts who like to take their PC's to the brink. Let me guess, Micro Center didn't have the Vengeance, so they sold you that....You probably can get it to run at 1600mhz but it will not be easy. With the ram I suggested in the original thread, it supports XMP profile. All you would have had to do is turn on the XMP in the BIOS and you would be running at 1600 mhz. I have no recommendation using that memory. I would leave it alone as well. You are not going to notice a speed improvement anyway. You have had a few issues with this build and know I am starting to get a clear picture from the few different threads.

OK, I'll take your advice and leave the RAM as it is.

I haven't experienced any blue screening and my system seems to be pretty stable right now.

Do you think I will experience blue screening down the line?

I have one last question- besides asking for advice here, how can I determine what would be the ideal RAM for a particular board?

Would I visit the manufacturer's site and take a look at the supported ram?

[glc]

Asus has a "QVL" - a list of tested ram for each board. I can't speak for other manufacturers.

The memory controller is in the Intel processor, not on the motherboard. Sandy Bridge runs it at 1333 native, even when turbo is enabled on the processor it still runs it at 1333. The only way I recommend to run it faster is by using XMP. The chipset is designed for 1.5 volt ram.

[m00nshine]

Do you think I should switch out the RAM?

Edit: I've decided to switch out the RAM.

I'm going to go with glc's recommendation and but this ram.

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by m00nshine OK, I'll take your advice and leave the RAM as it is. I haven't experienced any blue screening and my system seems to be pretty stable right now. Do you think I will experience blue screening down the line? I have one last question- besides asking for advice here, how can I determine what would be the ideal RAM for a particular board? Would I visit the manufacturer's site and take a look at the supported ram?

If it is stable and passes memtest86+ with a minimum of 2 passes (roughly an hour) you can feel relatively confident but 5 passes (overnight) would answer your question. I do not foresee an issue but I have had a few systems with that memory and if not set correctly, can cause stability issues. The recommended memory is perfectly stable at stock (1333) and in the XMP profile (1600). Additionally, there is not even a noticeable performance gain with every day computing. It can be slightly noticeable with gaming and rendering in my experience.

All motherboard manufactures have recommended or tested ram for their boards, ASUS calls theirs QVL (Qualified Vendor List). If you want to play around with the settings, google your board and ram to see if you can uncover some of the secrets. Just be cautious when adjusting voltages as you can fry the board.

[m00nshine]

Thanks for the info.

Do you usually run a memtest after you put together a new rig?
Do you run prime95 at all?

Which programs will you run after a new build to test stability?

Before I purchase my next board I will be sure to check the recommended RAM from the manufacturer. I should probably check to make sure that the CPU will be good to go, also.

I went ahead and purchased the memory that GLC had recommended in another thread:

CORSAIR Vengeance 16GB (4 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CML16GX3M4A1600C9B

I've read my Mobo manual and know where to enable XMP, but I have one last question:

The manual doesn't seem to go into the specifics of choosing between Profile 1 and Profile 2.

Since I've never done this before, I don't know what to expect.

Do I simply choose Profile 1 and then it will display the new timings and frequency?
Do I just choose the profile that will use the chips' correct settings? (CAS Latency 9, 1.5V, Timing 9-9-9-24)

Thanks again!

[David M]

For maybe a 3% difference at best in overall computer speed between 1333 and 1600, I would just keep what you have. Unless you are a hard core overclocker who is trying to get the last possible percent out of his computer.

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by m00nshine Thanks for the info. Do you usually run a memtest after you put together a new rig? Do you run prime95 at all? Which programs will you run after a new build to test stability? Before I purchase my next board I will be sure to check the recommended RAM from the manufacturer. I should probably check to make sure that the CPU will be good to go, also. I went ahead and purchased the memory that GLC had recommended in another thread: CORSAIR Vengeance 16GB (4 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CML16GX3M4A1600C9B I've read my Mobo manual and know where to enable XMP, but I have one last question: The manual doesn't seem to go into the specifics of choosing between Profile 1 and Profile 2. Since I've never done this before, I don't know what to expect. Do I simply choose Profile 1 and then it will display the new timings and frequency? Do I just choose the profile that will use the chips' correct settings? (CAS Latency 9, 1.5V, Timing 9-9-9-24) Thanks again!

No I do not. If it gets through a Windows install, I call it a day. I stick with ram that works. I use three... Crucial, Kingston, and Corsair.

Choose profile for chip's correct setting. Did you get the Vengeance memory?

[m00nshine]

Yes, I ordered the Vengeance memory yesterday. It should arrive today.

So I'll choose the profile with the correct settings for the DIMMs.

Thanks!

[m00nshine]

I just installed the RAM and enabled XMP in the BIOS.

Only one profile came up, profile 1, and the manual did note that profile 2 would only be available if the RAM supported it.

BIOS then asked me if I wanted to enhance CPU performance, I chose no.

So far, so good.

I have already noticed a difference in speed. Boot up was a bit quicker than usual.

Thanks guys.

[glc]

I believe that CPU performance enhancement is "Turbo", and it should be safe. Keep an eye on temperatures if you enable it.

[m00nshine]

I went ahead and enabled the Turbo Boost Technology in the BIOS.

I then ran Prime95 for about 15 minutes utilizing the stress test that tests both the RAM and the CPU.

My max temp was 58 C.

I'm pretty sure I'm good to go; I didn't run the test for longer because I have some studying to do.

I might test it some more if I have the time tomorrow. I'm sure I'm fine however. I have the Cooler Master 212 hyper plus CPU cooler and 6 120 mm fans installed in my rig.

[glc]

Definitely good to go.