A question about RAM

[Cerebrum]

Link to RAM Description: http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduc...145-026&depa=0

I just finished building my first computer today, without problems. I do have one question, however. The motherboard model that I have is the Asus A8V deluxe and the model of ram that I have is the Corsair Value Select 184 Pin 512MB DDR PC-3200 VS512MB400. I have four sticks of these guys sitting on my motherboard, but unfortunately newegg and corsair's website didn't provide me with any clocking info beyond the CAS latency. In the BIOS I see all kinds of other settings, such as Memory clock, TRCD, TRAS, TRP, etc. Using the auto settings gets me to a cas of 2.5, a trcd of 3 a tras of 8 and a trp of 3. I have a sneaking suspicion that the RAM can go faster than this, and I looked up what many of those T... parameters mean. However, I am no closer to finding the actual numbers that they should be set at. I hear Corsair is good for overclocking, so anyone happen to know an overclocked listing in addition to/instead of the manufacturer's specifications? Also, the memory clock speed is set at 200 mhz when I tell the computer I'm using DDR400. Shouldn't it then be 400 mhz?

One final question. The motherboard supports dual-channel configurations, but is that process automatic? I didn't see any setting for it in my BIOS. If it's not, can anyone provide a link that explains how it can be configured?

Thanks in advance everyone.

[icallmedan]

Just a note, that link sends you to your personal wishlist. Not yours. When I clicked on it, it sent me to my current wishlist. To get the link for others to see your wish list, click "mail this to friends" and simply put your email address in the send to address. New Egg will send you an e-mail with a link. That is the link you want to post.

Corsair XMS memory is very good for overclocking. The value select RAM is just that good value RAM that works, not so great at overclocking. For your AMD overclocking questions you'll want to ask Tin Canary.

The process is automatic as far as dual channel is concerned. If it is not for some reason, there will be an option to turn it on in the BIOS. In your post screen (the first screen that usually shows up when you turn you computer on) it will probably say Dual-Channel Mode Enabled, or somethign to that effect.

[Cerebrum]

Ah, thanks about that, I fixed the link. Any thoughts on the Memory Clock Speed, etc?

[icallmedan]

Well I just have to say, with value RAM I don't know how tight you are going to get those timings to go. You might try 2.5-3-3-7, and if that works, maybe 2-3-3-7. Make sure you run Memtest each time to make sure it is still stable.

[Cerebrum]

Originally Posted by icallmedan Well I just have to say, with value RAM I don't know how tight you are going to get those timings to go. You might try 2.5-3-3-7, and if that works, maybe 2-3-3-7. Make sure you run Memtest each time to make sure it is still stable.

What about the memory clock being at 200mhz? Shouldn't it be at 400mhz?

[imbest123]

Originally Posted by Cerebrum What about the memory clock being at 200mhz? Shouldn't it be at 400mhz?

Its DDR ram, it bus speed is 200Mhz but it is effective at 400Mhz. DDR ram has a doubled bus speed so 200x2=400.

[icallmedan]

Yeah, whenever you see a number like DDR400, DDR550, DDR500, etc. Divide that numbe by 2 and you will find the actual FSB. Like DDR400 is acutally 200MHz, DDR550 is acutally 275MHz, etc.

[Panama Red]

Just a quick answer to the Dual Channel question. It is automatic if you have the memory in the right slots. A good program to use when overclocking that will also id whether Dual Channel is enabled or not is CPU-Z. Here's a link.

http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php