Memory Timings

[Lukin]

I have a new motherboard (Abit AN8-SLI) and processor (AMD Athlon X2 4800+) and am getting problems when running memtest86. Having read the FAQ on the memtest site it suggests using "more conservative memory timing" when using Athlon CPUs.

I have 1GB (2 x 512) Kingston memory with timings of 3-3-3-8 which, according to Kingston's website should be fine with my motherboard.

I have adjusted the timings in BIOS to 3-5-4-8 and that seems to have cured the errors.

I have two questions:

1) How will adjusting the RAM timings from 3-3-3-8 to 3-5-4-8 affect the speed of my PC? Will it be markedly slower?

2) If the advice on the Memtest site is correct, what memory should I be looking for which will work with my CPU without having to alter the timings?

Hope someone can help...

 

[KevinADC]

Does the computer work fine in real use?

 

[Lukin]

No, I can't even install Windows on the system, which was what started me down this path in the first place. When I try to install XP I get a STOP error: PFN_LIST_CORRUPT.

 

[paparazi]

I guess you have heard more than once the term "ballanced components"
It just seems to me that you have brought some very expensive, high end parts and teamed them up with very basic "value" ram.
This aside, the Kingston would appear to be faulty if it doesn't even run properly at it's "default" memory timings.

This is what I run on a Gigabyte NF4 SLI with A64 3500:
OCZ EL DDR PC-3200 / 400MHz / Gold Edition
SEE THE TIMINGS!
CL 2-2-2-5 @2.8 Volts
(CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS)

OCZ Platinum Rev2 would be a good choice.

Martin


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Participate and help others.

 

[Lukin]

That's great Martin, thanks for the advice. I realised when buying the other parts that the memory was going to be the weak point but after emptying my wallet buying the other bits I was hoping to at least get it up and running with the Kingston RAM before investing in some decent stuff further down the line.

As you say, the memory should still work at its default timings though so maybe there is a problem with the modules themselves. It seems strange that it affects both however.

I'll see if I can get a friend to test the RAM in his machine and see if that makes any difference.

Thanks again, I'll post back when I have more info.

 

[paparazi]

Lukin
I should have said
I ran a gig of Twinmoss in mine quite happily for a couple of months before buying the OCZ
Make sure you set CL2.5 or auto and the less demanding 2T timing setting.
Try only one module at a time.
Martin

We like members to GIVE and not just TAKE.
Participate and help others.