Am I OCing my Memory? If so, is it hurting/helping anything?

[jeepguy_1980]

I was playing around with CPU-Z and noticed that my memory was not running at its rated timings, so I made the adjustments in my bios. I've been running this way without problems for a week. But then I started looking at CPU-Z again and noticed that the rated timings are for a different FSB speed than I'm running.

Is this hurting or helping anything?


http://www.loopfamily.net/images/Hosting/CPUZ_SPD.jpg
http://www.loopfamily.net/images/Hosting/CPUZ_Timing.jpg
http://www.loopfamily.net/images/Hosting/CPUZ_CPU.jpg


Ram rated specs
Model
Brand pqi
Series TURBO
Model PQI25400-2GDB
Type 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM
Tech Spec
Capacity 2GB (2 x 1GB)
Speed DDR2 667 (PC2 5400)
Cas Latency 4
Timing 4-4-4-12
Voltage 2.0V
ECC No
Registered/Unbuffered Unbuffered
Heat Spreader Yes
Warranty
Manufacturer Warranty Lifetime

[Hipcrostino]

yeah looks like the timings are tighter than they should be. If your not having any strange errors or stability problem, leave it and be happy :D

[Revivalist]

I'd download and run memtest to make sure that the memory isn't producing any errors. Sometimes I've had my memory stable enough to boot Windows and run applications, but it was producing errors that eventually corrupted Windows and required a new installation. Fortunately it didn't corrupt any of my personal files but I'm sure it could have if I opened them.

[jeepguy_1980]

I ran memtest for several hours. It went through a number of cycles and did not return any errors. But if you guys think I might be hurting something, maybe I should back it down to the SPD settings.

[raven]

If no errors are reported from testing your memory, and you do not notice any corruption or slowdowns or hang-ups, then running your memory with lower timings is the thing to do. Lower timings will increase performance and generally make you happier =) Consider it a free performance boost.

I also noticed that you are running your voltages above stock (Stock for DDR2 is 1.8volts). My recommendation to you is to make sure you have adequate air flow in your case so that heat can be dispelled from the RAM. Heat could possibly damage your sticks and that wouldn't be good. Also, I would check your memory manufacturer about their policy of increasing voltages. Manufacturers such as OCZ specify their maximum recommended voltage w/o voiding warranty; PQI (http://www.pqi.com.tw/product.asp?oid=77&CATE1=78) should have their own specifications. If voiding warranty does not concern you, then just use their recommendations as a type of guideline and increase the voltages at your own discration.


Raven

[jeepguy_1980]

the PQI specification call for 2.00V, which is what I set mine at. But I think I might also get one of these (http://www.cyberguys.com/templates/searchdetail.asp?T1=148+0094&sk=MC51419)to be safe.

[raven]

the PQI specification call for 2.00V, which is what I set mine at. But I think I might also get one of these (http://www.cyberguys.com/templates/searchdetail.asp?T1=148+0094&sk=MC51419)to be safe.

Getting that is of personal preference. When you have decent airflow in a case, that is not needed. If the default voltage of PQI RAM is 2.0v, then it is not necessary to purchase that ram cooler. But, on the other hand, it could help things out by dissipating more heat. That, my friend, is something that you need to decide on your own. I mean, its a neat device, one which doesn't cost that much either. Plus, it puts your mind at ease, and gives you the confidence to overclock even more. Enjoy!

I thought that since you are considering this device, you might enjoy some reviews on it as well + a few other helpful links.

Evercool Neon Crab Memory Cooler Review (http://www.bigbruin.com/reviews05/neoncrab/index.php?file=1)
Evercool Neon Crab (http://www.thinkcomputers.org/beta/home.php?x=reviews&id=232)
Evercool Neon Crab & Spider Fan Filter (http://www.techniz.co.uk/modules.php?name=Reviews&rop=showcontent&id=292)
Evercool Product Roundup (http://www.3dxtreme.net/index.php?id=evercoolnewroundup4)
Evercool: Neon Crab RAM Cooler (http://forums.extremeoverclocking.com/showthread.php?t=179510)
Mem Cooling (http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=444973&highlight=neon+crab)
Finally a true cooler for the DIMMS (http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=443392&highlight=neon+crab)
g0dM@n's Custom Ram Cooler -- 3x60mm design (http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=417075&highlight=neon+crab)