[TomMe]

Hello guys. Just some quick questions out of curiosity.

Question 1: My DDR2 memory runs stable at 800MHz with 4/4/4/12 @ 2.1V. According to Crucial it needs 2.2V for these settings. Does the lower voltage of 2.1V stress the memory more than the recommended 2.2V (or perhaps less)?

Question 2: If I set the timings to AUTO in the BIOS, my memory runs at 5/6/5/18 @ 2.1V. Which is a little strange since it doesn't have those specific timings in the SPD. Is this perhaps because it actually runs @ 371.4MHz (because of AMD multiplier issue)?

Question 3: Does this (setting timings to AUTO) reduce stress on the memory (because timings are then looser) or increase stress on the memory (because the voltage is still as high as with the tighter timings). I hope you guys understand what I mean.

Thanks!

[3oh6]

Q1...A = the 2.2v Crucial says for the rated timings/frequency isn't what it 'needs', it is what it might need. it means simply that the memory is rated to run at least 400MHz (DDR2-800) at 4-4-4-12 w/2.2v. should it require more than 2.2v for stability at those timings/frequency then the memory is not capable of its rated speed and should be viable for RMA. it is ideal to run memory at as low a voltage as you can without introducing instability. running at a lower voltage certainly doesn't stress the memory any more, in fact, it does the opposite.

Q2...A = it could be any number of things but likely just the motherboard choosing the best timings it sees fit based on the default frequency. in my experience, the SPD profiles generally don't equate to those timings specified when left to AUTO and the motherboard does the timing selection. just look at the OC Report on a kit of DDR3 in my signature, no 9-9-9 in the SPD profiles but that is what it boots at on AUTOs.

Q3...A = like stated above...running tighter timings does not induce stress on memory. memory isn't like a human, it is more like a robot. it either runs or it doesn't. it doesn't have feelings or emotions and doesn't have good or bad days. the only thing that stresses memory is voltage. the common myth is that higher frequencies and tighter timings is harder on memory but that is simply confused with the fact that more voltage is often needed than should be applied for those higher frequencies/tighter timings.

voltage kills memory, timings don't - quote it

HTH but perhaps someone else can add some insight i may have overlooked?

[jiggamanjb]

Couldn't have said any of it better myself. Nice post!

I would add to Q2 - Think of AUTO as what your mobo picks for you mem to 'for sure' work. Not the best that your mem can do, but what it safe, as it relates to your mobo booting without errors.

[TomMe]

Originally Posted by 3oh6

the common myth is that higher frequencies and tighter timings is harder on memory but that is simply confused with the fact that more voltage is often needed than should be applied for those higher frequencies/tighter timings.

Very interesting, and strange. So if I increase the memory frequency or tighten the timings this will not shorten the memory's lifespan? I assume this is unlike CPUs then, which CAN be damaged by increasing the standard frequency?

My memory has an SPD setting of 500MHz with 5/5/5/15 @ 2.2V. If I choose to use these settings, the only thing that will stress the memory more would be the increase in voltage?

[3oh6]

well technically it could i guess and i emphasize could because no one really knows for sure. but even if it does we are talking shortening a 10 year lifespan by a few months maybe a year. keep in mind that most memory is technically overclocked at stock frequencies anyway. DDR2 memory is designed to run at 1.8v, for example, Micron D9GMH is technically specc'd to run at DDR2-667 1.8v CL5 but you won't find it on hardly anything slower than DDR2-1066 modules these days.

just like CPUs, they shouldn't actually have their lifespan shortened by overclocking either unless voltage and heat are excessive and even then it is debatable. i have Athlon XPs still clipping along nicely overclocked in friends and families machines that were abused early in their life and they are coming up on 6-7 years old.

[jiggamanjb]

Yea, basically it's just voltage that will decrease life span. Remember now that we are talking about a span of time which you will probably sell the gear before it blows anyway, or it will be too old to run current stuff at that time.

[TomMe]

Thanks for your replies guys, very insightful!