26. How to change memory timings in BIOS
Reduce memory latency. This operation makes sense only for high-quality memory modules. But if it works, then you will get a performance boost.
Each SDRAM and DDR/DDR-2 memory module carries a special Serial Presence Detect (SPD) chip, which stores default memory delays (timings). Memory manufacturers usually specify SPD values to guarantee stable and reliable performance. Therefore, it often makes sense to slightly speed up the delays, since this step allows you to squeeze out a few more percent of the performance.
The corresponding options may be named something like "System Performance", "Memory Timings" or "Configure DRAM Timing". Typically, the default value for these options is "By SPD". It causes the computer to read the recommended values from the memory module's SPD chip and use them automatically. In addition, the value "Enabled" is also unlikely to cause problems with the PC.
If you want to try to tune systems for better performance, then set the option to "Disabled" or "User Defined" (if any, see the illustration above). Then set the parameters manually as indicated in the following paragraphs.
27. How to reduce RAS-to-CAS latency in BIOS
Memory is best represented as a two-dimensional array. To receive data, specify a column with a Row Address Strobe (RAS) signal and then a row with a Column Address Strobe (CAS) signal. A certain time interval is required between the RAS and CAS signals so that the addressing does not go astray. Typically, the RAS-to-CAS latency is two or more clocks.
The "SDRAM RAS to CAS Delay" value allows you to set exactly how many cycles will pass between the RAS and CAS signals. Settings from 2 to 5 are possible, with 2 being the fastest. Try lowering the latency and test the stability of your system. The better your memory modules, the lower the delay you can get.
28. Reduce CAS latency in BIOS
While receiving data from memory, you should wait a certain time period between setting the address and transferring data. It is also indicated in cycles: 2T for two cycles, 3T for three, and so on. A lower "SDRAM CAS Latency" value provides better performance.
The correct (and safe) "SDRAM CAS Latency" value is usually printed on the module's label or even burnt into the chips themselves. For cheap modules, 3T or 2.5T are usually found. Set the value to 2.5T or even 2T, then check the stability of the system. Some memory manufacturers claim that memory that supports 2T mode is capable of operating at higher frequencies. If you can reduce the CAS latency, you can try to increase the memory frequency using the "Memory Frequency" option.
Warning: only change one parameter per test run. Then you can immediately determine the cause of unstable operation and return to the checked value.
29. Reduce BIOS RAS Precharge Delay
For memory cells to work quickly, they must be properly charged. The "SDRAM RAS Precharge Delay" option specifies the amount of time (in clock cycles) between charging the cells and sending the RAS signal. With a smaller value, say "2", the memory is faster, but often unstable. Try to reduce the charging delay and check the stability of the system each time.
30. Decrease SDRAM Precharge in BIOS
The "SDRAM Active Precharge Delay" is also set in cycles. It indicates the latency between successive memory accesses, so lowering it can speed up memory access.
As a rule, the delay is calculated as follows: Active Precharge Delay = CAS-Latency + RAS Precharge Delay + 2 (for stability). As with other delays, try reducing it by one cycle and check the stability of the system. If there are problems, then return the value back.
RAM latency: Reducing latency allows you to speed up the performance of the memory subsystem.
The recommended values for advice delays 27-30 depend on the modules themselves. If the module says "2.5-4-4-8", then CAS Latency is 2.5 clocks, RAS to CAS Delay is 4 clocks, RAS Precharge Delay is 4 clocks, and Active Precharge Delay is 8 clocks. These are the values recommended by the manufacturer for memory modules. Of course, smaller delays can also be earned, but this raises the danger of system failures. If you want to get optimal performance, we recommend that you reduce the delays by one value in turn and test the stability of the system each time.
32. Increase the BIOS voltage for memory
If the memory works faster, then it will need more energy. That is why, along with an increase in frequency, the supply voltage should also be increased.
The "DDR Reference Voltage" option allows you to increase the memory voltage, usually in 0.1 V increments. Increasing the voltage makes sense if you have reduced latency or increased the frequency of the memory. Or if problems with stable work began to arise.
Warning: too high voltage can burn memory modules!
33. How to disable onboard audio in BIOS
Often the built-in sound controller of the motherboard is not used. For example, if you have installed a powerful PCI sound card or even use a computer without speakers. Then it makes sense to turn off the sound on the motherboard. In some cases, this improves overall system performance and stability.
In the "Integrated Peripherals" menu, set the "AC97 Audio Select" item to "Disabled" (as shown in the illustration above).
34. How to disable the game port in the BIOS
The game port is only useful to owners of old joysticks or those users who use it as a MIDI interface. Then it makes sense to allocate two I / O ports and an interrupt to the game port. (By the way, if you have a joystick, then it most likely uses a USB connection). For all other users, it is better to disable the game port.
In the "Integrated Peripherals" menu, set the "Game Port" item to "Disabled".
35. How to disable network port in BIOS
Some motherboards are equipped with two network interfaces, but in general, most users only need one. It is better to disable interfaces that do not work. In some cases, this improves the performance and stability of the system.
In the "Integrated Peripherals" menu, set the "Onboard Intel LAN" item to "Disabled".
36. How to disable unnecessary ports in the BIOS
Today, only older PDAs and modems need serial ports COM1 and COM2. Disabling ports saves two IRQs, reducing the number of interrupts the processor has to check. And hardly anyone needs a parallel LPT interface today. Moreover, modern printers and scanners are connected to the USB port.
From the "Integrated Peripherals" menu, disable the COM1 and COM2 interfaces ("IO Devices, Com-Port" option, but may also be called "Serial Port 1/2"). Disable the LPT port by setting "Parallel Port" to "Disabled".
37. How to disable FireWire in BIOS (IEEE1394)
The FireWire interface is only needed if you need to download video from a camcorder or connect FireWire peripherals. In all other situations, it is better to turn off the interface.
In the "Integrated Peripherals" menu, set the "Onboard 1394 device" item to "Disabled".
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RAM is just as important to computer performance as the CPU and graphics card. And if we have already dealt with overclocking the processor, then why don't we open the question of how to overclock the RAM on a computer? I think this question is no less relevant. However hello!
Of course, you will need a little knowledge of working with the BIOS, but there is nothing terrible about it, especially if you have already tried. But you can even without going into the BIOS, just use the free MSI Afterburner program, but today is not about that.
Well, I think it's time to get down to business. Roll up your sleeves and move the keyboard closer.
Before overclocking RAM
In theory, no matter what you do with your RAM during experimentation and overclocking, you cannot harm it in any way. If the settings are critical, then the computer simply will not turn on or automatically reset the settings to the optimal ones.
However, do not forget that any increase in the performance of RAM reduces its lifespan. Yes, and in life, bodybuilders are not centenarians.
It is also very important to understand that overclocking a computer's RAM is not just an increase in its clock speed! You'll have to experiment a lot to tweak and fine-tune things like clock speed, voltage, and latency timings. If you increase the frequency, then the timings will have to be increased too, but RAM is known to work faster the lower these latency timings. Double-edged sword.
That is why, when overclocking RAM, it will not be possible to choose the optimal settings the first time. Although, if you have a RAM of some famous brand, then most likely someone has already tried to overclock this RAM model and, quite likely, posted useful information somewhere on the Internet on specialized forums. You just need to search a little.
Keep in mind that even if you found on some forum the optimal parameters for overclocking your particular RAM, this does not mean at all that in your case these parameters will also turn out to be optimal and maximally productive. A lot depends on the connection. CPU-Mother-RAM. Therefore, if you immediately want the optimal parameters for overclocking RAM, then it will be useful for you to have some information about your computer in service. Try to answer the questions:
- What is my RAM? Manufacturer and model. And if the memory is from a budget class, then you just need to know the frequency, delay timings.
- What processor do I have? Model, frequency, cache size of the 2nd and 3rd levels.
- What motherboard do I have? And on her?
After answering these questions, feel free to go to the forums and look for bundles similar to yours. But again, I repeat, it's best to experiment and find out what settings and parameters will be optimal for your system.
Overclocking RAM (RAM DDR3, DDR4) via BIOS
In principle, there is no fundamental difference whether you want to overclock DDR3 or DDR4 RAM. Searching for settings in the BIOS and subsequent testing will look about the same. And the overclocking potential will depend more on the manufacturer and quality of the RAM, and also on the motherboard and processor.
I also want to note that on most laptops the BIOS does not provide the ability to change the parameters of RAM. But all this "acceleration" in fact, and is based on the adjustment of parameters.
Overclocking RAM in BIOS Award
Before you start overclocking RAM in the BIOS Award, you need to press the key combination ctrl +F1 to display advanced settings menus. Without this “trick”, you will not find the RAM options that we need so badly anywhere.
Now look in the menu for the item MBintelligentTweaker (M.I.T.). Here are the RAM settings we need, namely SystemMemorymultiplier. By changing the frequency of this multiplier, you can increase or decrease the clock speed of your RAM.
Also note that if you want to overclock RAM that is paired with an old processor, then you will most likely have a common multiplier for RAM and processor. Thus, by overclocking the RAM, you will also overclock the processor. Unfortunately, this feature of older platforms cannot be bypassed.
Here you can increase the voltage supply to the RAM. However, this is fraught with consequences, so tension should only be touched if you understand what you are doing and why you are doing it. Otherwise, it's best to leave it as is. And if you still decide, then do not understand the voltage by more than 0.15V.
After you have decided on the frequency (so it seems to you so far) and voltage (if you decide), go to the main menu and look for the menu item AdvancedchipsetFeatures. Here you can select delay timings. To do this, you first need to change the value of the parameter DRAMTimingselectable from Auto on the Manual, i.e. manual setting.
Overclocking RAM in UEFI BIOS
Bios UEFI is the youngest bios of all, and therefore looks almost like an operating system. For the same reason, it is much more convenient to use it. It is not devoid of graphics, like its ancestors, and supports different languages, including Russian.
Dive right into the first tab under the abbreviated name M.I.T. and go there to Advanced frequency settings". Thanks to the Russian interface, you will definitely not get confused here. Everything is similar to the first option - adjust memory multiplier.
Then go to " Advanced memory settings". Here we control the voltage and timings. I think everything is clear with this.
I don’t see the point in dwelling on bios longer. If you have some other BIOS, then either by scientific poke you will find the necessary item, or read the manuals for your BIOS.
Correct overclocking of RAM (formula)
Yes, of course, in order to choose the best parameters and improve the performance of the RAM and the system as a whole, you need to experiment, and each time test the system for performance and stability.
But I'll tell you a secret, you can find out the best performance not only empirically, but also mathematically. However, no one cancels stability tests anyway.
So, how to derive the efficiency ratio of the RAM? Very simple. It is necessary to divide the operating frequency of the memory by the first timing. For example, you have DDR4 2133 MHz with timings 15-15-15-29. We divide 2133 by 15 and get a certain number 142.2. The higher this number, the theoretically higher the efficiency of RAM.
As you know, when overclocking RAM without increasing the voltage, by raising the frequency, you will most likely have to raise the timings by 1 or 2 cycles. Based on our formula, we can understand whether the frequency increase is justified or not. Here is an example of setting up the same RAM bar:
DDR4-2133 CL12-14-14 @1.2V
2133 / 12 = 177.75DDR4-2400 CL14-16-16 @1.2V
2400 / 14 = 171.428DDR4-2666 CL15-17-17 @1.2V
2666 / 15 = 177.7(3)
So it turns out that if the frequency of 2400 MHz requires raising the timings by 2 cycles compared to the standard timings, then this is absolutely not profitable for us. But with a frequency of 2133 and 2666 MHz, you can conduct performance and stability tests of the system to choose which one is optimal for us.
Testing system performance and stability after overclocking RAM
After each adjustment of the RAM in the BIOS (that is, after overclocking), save the BIOS settings and start the system. If the system starts up, this is already good, if not, the computer will reboot with factory settings. And if the computer does not turn on at all, then the settings can be reset manually by closing the Clear CMOS (JBAT1) contact on the motherboard with any metal object or jumper.
After that you will need check the system for stability, by running one of the special tests (for example, in AIDA64 or Everest) or by running a game that can load the system well. If the computer does not turn off, does not restart, does not give an error, does not freeze, and does not appear the blue screen of death, then these RAM overclocking settings are right for you.
Weed out those combinations of settings in which the computer is unstable. And those that work stably, check for performance and compare.
You can use numerous benchmarks (including those built into AIDA64 or Everest) and check with what settings how many points your system will score. And you can use the good old archiver. Create a folder for the test, put some rubbish into it (files of medium and small size) and archive it with an archiver. At the same time, note how long it will take. The win, of course, is the setting at which the archiver will cope with the test folder as quickly as possible.
Testing my RAM in the Everest benchmark
Summary:
How can you summarize this article? The first thing I want to tell you is overclocking RAM is not so easy. And, if you have read even 20 articles on this topic, this is still doesn't mean you know how to overclock RAM.
Second, overclocking your RAM won't improve your system's performance as much as it will unless you have an AMD Ryzen processor. In the case of this line of processors from AMD, the speed of RAM has a very strong effect on the speed of the processor. This is due to a fundamentally new processor architecture, in which the processor cache turned out to be a weak link.
RAM is not the most expensive thing in a computer. So think about it, maybe it’s better for you not to overclock, but just?
In any case, good luck with your experiments and share your results, we are also interested!
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The RAM operates on control signals from the memory controller, which is located in the northbridge of the chipset (Intel) or directly in the processor (Athlon 64/FX/X2 and Phenom). To access a specific memory cell, the controller generates a sequence of signals with some delays between them. The delays are necessary so that the memory module has time to execute the current command and prepare for the next one. These delays are called timings and are usually measured in memory bus cycles.
If the timings are too high, then the memory chip will perform all the necessary actions and will be idle for some time, waiting for the next command. In this case, the memory is slower, but more stable. If the timings are too small, the memory module will not be able to perform its tasks correctly, resulting in a crash in the program or the entire operating system. Sometimes, with such timings, the computer may not boot at all, then you will have to reset it using a jumper on the system board.
Each memory module has its own timings, at which the manufacturer guarantees fast and stable memory operation. These values are recorded in a special chip called SPD (Serial Presence Detect). Using the SPD information, the BIOS can automatically configure any memory module that is supported by the motherboard chipset.
Most BIOS versions allow you to disable the use of SPD and manually configure the memory. You can try to lower the timings to speed up the memory, but after that you should carefully test the system.
For modern SDRAM and DDR memory modules, there are four main timings and one memory controller operation parameter.
To understand their essence, let's briefly consider the operation of the memory controller.1. The access cycle to a particular memory location begins with the controller pulling the RAS# (Row Address Strobe) sample signal low and setting the row address on the address lines. Upon receipt of this command, the memory module begins the process of opening the line whose address was transferred over the address lines.
2. After a certain period of time necessary to open the selected row, the memory controller sets the CAS# (Column Address Strobe) sample signal low. The address lines will already have the address of the column to be opened.
3. Some time after the CAS# signal is given, the memory module will start transmitting the requested data.
4. To close the line, the memory controller disables the RAS# and CAS# signals by setting the corresponding pins high. After that, the recharging of the closed row begins, but the transmission of the data packet may be completed.
In accordance with the above simplified description, the following are distinguished:
Timings (in order of importance):
■ tCL, or CAS# Latency- the delay between the CAS# column fetch signal and the start of data transfer, ie between steps 2 and 3;
■ tRCD, or RAS# to CAS# delay- delay between RAS# row fetch signal and CAS# column fetch signal (steps 1 and 2);
■ tRP, or RAS# Precharge- delay for recharging the row after it is closed (stages 4 and 5);
■ tRAS, or Active to Precharge Delay- the minimum time between the commands for opening a row and its closing (stages 1-4);
■ CR, or Command Rate- an additional parameter indicating the number of clock cycles for transmitting a command from the controller to the memory. It has a significant impact on the performance of modern memory modules and can take a value of 1 or 2 cycles.
When specifying the characteristics of a memory module, timings are usually indicated according to the following scheme: tCL-tRCD-tRP-tRAS-CR, for example, a Kingston memory module, 1GB DDR2 PC2-5300 has a timing in normal mode 4-4-4-12-1T. The Command Rate (CR) parameter may not be specified, in which case the timings will be recorded as a sequence of four numbers (4-4-4-12). If we count the number of clock generator pulses between the main stages of the controller operation, we can get a 2-3-3-7 timing scheme, which is typical for DDR memory.
NOTE
Analyzing DDR and DDR2 memory timings, one might think that DDR2 memory is slower than DDR. However, this is not the case, since DDR2 operates at twice the frequency, and timings are measured in clock cycles. For example, two clock cycles at 200 MHz take the same amount of time in nanoseconds as four clock cycles at 400 MHz. Therefore, DDR2 memory with 4-4-4-12 timings will work with approximately the same delays as memory with 2-2-2-6 timings. Similar conclusions can be drawn by comparing the timings of DDR2 and DDR3 memory.
The number of available options for configuring RAM can vary greatly for different models of motherboards, even those made on the same chipset. On this basis, motherboards can be divided into three categories.
■ Boards with minimal customization options. This situation is typical for low-cost boards designed for entry-level computers. As a rule, there is the possibility of setting the memory frequency and, possibly, one or two timings. Such boards have limited overclocking capabilities.
■ Boards with the ability to configure basic parameters. It is possible to adjust the operating frequency and the main timings, which were listed above. This set of parameters is typical for most boards and allows you to overclock the system. Memory settings can be collected in a separate section or located directly in the section Advanced Chipset Features . Some boards have a special section for optimization and overclocking, and the memory settings may be in it.
■ Advanced boards. The algorithm of the memory controller operation was given above in a greatly simplified form, but in fact the memory controller interacts with the memory module according to a very complex algorithm, using, in addition to the above, many additional timings. Sometimes you can find motherboards with an extended set of parameters, which allows you to perform finer memory optimization and overclock it efficiently.
The main characteristics of RAM (its volume, frequency, belonging to one of the generations) can be supplemented by another important parameter - timings. What are they? Can they be changed in the BIOS settings? How to do it in the most correct way, from the point of view of stable computer operation?
What are RAM timings?
The RAM timing is the time interval during which the command sent by the RAM controller is executed. This unit is measured in the number of cycles that are skipped by the computing bus while the signal is being processed. The essence of the timings is easier to understand if you understand the design of RAM chips.
The RAM of a computer consists of a large number of interacting cells. Each has its own conditional address, at which the RAM controller accesses it. Cell coordinates are usually specified using two parameters. Conventionally, they can be represented as numbers of rows and columns (as in a table). In turn, groups of addresses are combined to make it "more convenient" for the controller to find a specific cell in a larger data area (sometimes called a "bank").
Thus, the request for memory resources is carried out in two stages. First, the controller sends a request to the "bank". It then asks for the "row" number of the cell (by sending a signal like RAS) and waits for a response. The waiting time is the RAM timing. Its common name is RAS to CAS Delay. But that's not all.
The controller, in order to refer to a specific cell, also needs the number of the "column" assigned to it: another signal is sent, such as CAS. The time while the controller is waiting for a response is also the timing of the RAM. It's called CAS Latency. And that is not all. Some IT professionals prefer to interpret the phenomenon of CAS Latency in a slightly different way. They believe that this parameter indicates how many single cycles should pass in the process of processing signals not from the controller, but from the processor. But, according to experts, in both cases, in principle, we are talking about the same thing.
The controller, as a rule, works with the same "line" on which the cell is located, more than once. However, before calling it again, it must close the previous request session. And only after that to resume work. The time interval between completion and a new call to the line is also timing. It's called RAS Precharge. Already the third in a row. That's all? No.
Having worked with the string, the controller must, as we recall, close the previous request session. The time interval between the activation of access to the line and its closing is also the timing of the RAM. Its name is Active to Precharge Delay. Basically, that's all.
Thus, we counted 4 timings. Accordingly, they are always written in the form of four digits, for example, 2-3-3-6. In addition to them, by the way, there is another common parameter that characterizes the computer's RAM. It's about the Command Rate value. It shows what is the minimum time the controller spends to switch from one command to another. That is, if the value for CAS Latency is 2, then the time delay between a request from the processor (controller) and the response of the memory module will be 4 cycles.
Timings: order of placement
What is the order in which each of the timings is located in this numerical series? It almost always (and this is a kind of industry "standard") is as follows: the first digit is CAS Latency, the second is RAS to CAS Delay, the third is RAS Precharge and the fourth is Active to Precharge Delay. As we said above, the Command Rate parameter is sometimes used, its value is the fifth in a row. But if for the four previous indicators the spread of numbers can be quite large, then for CR, as a rule, only two values are possible - T1 or T2. The first means that the time from the moment when the memory is activated until it is ready to respond to requests should be 1 cycle. According to the second - 2.
What are the timings talking about?
As you know, the amount of RAM is one of the key performance indicators of this module. The bigger it is, the better. Another important parameter is the frequency of the RAM. Here, too, everything is clear. The higher it is, the faster the RAM will work. What about timings?
For them, the rule is different. The smaller the values of each of the four timings, the better, the more productive the memory. And the faster, respectively, the computer works. If two modules with the same frequency have different RAM timings, then their performance will also differ. As we have already defined above, the values we need are expressed in cycles. The fewer of them, the faster the processor receives a response from the RAM module. And the sooner he can "take advantage" of such resources as the frequency of RAM and its volume.
"Factory" timings or your own?
Most PC users prefer to use those timings that are already set on the conveyor (or auto-tuning is set in the motherboard options). However, many modern computers have the ability to set the desired parameters manually. That is, if lower values are needed, they can usually be put down. But how to change RAM timings? And to do it in such a way that the system works stably? And perhaps there are cases in which it is better to choose increased values? How to set RAM timings optimally? Now we will try to answer these questions.
Setting up timings
The factory timings are written in a dedicated area of the RAM chip. It's called SPD. Using the data from it, the BIOS system adapts the RAM to the configuration of the motherboard. In many modern BIOS versions, the default timing settings can be adjusted. Almost always this is done programmatically - through the system interface. Changing the values of at least one timing is available in most motherboard models. There are, in turn, manufacturers who allow fine-tuning of RAM modules using a much larger number of parameters than the four types mentioned above.
To enter the area of the desired settings in the BIOS, you need to enter this system (the DEL key immediately after turning on the computer), select the Advanced Chipset Settings menu item. Next, among the settings, we find the line DRAM Timing Selectable (it may sound a little different, but similar). We note in it that the timings (SPD) will be set manually (Manual).
How to find out the default RAM timing set in the BIOS? To do this, we find in the neighboring settings parameters that are consonant with CAS Latency, RAS to CAS, RAS Precharge and Active To Precharge Delay. Specific timings, as a rule, depend on the type of memory modules installed on the PC.
By selecting the appropriate options, you can set the timings. Experts recommend lowering the numbers very gradually. You should, after selecting the desired indicators, reboot and test the system for stability. If the computer is malfunctioning, you need to return to the BIOS and set the values a few levels higher.
Timing optimization
So, RAM timings - what are the best values for them to set? Almost always, the optimal numbers are determined in the course of practical experiments. The operation of a PC is connected not only with the quality of the functioning of the RAM modules, and not only with the speed of data exchange between them and the processor. Many other characteristics of a PC are important (up to such nuances as a computer cooling system). Therefore, the practical effectiveness of changing timings depends on the specific hardware and software environment in which the user configures the RAM modules.
We have already named the general pattern: the lower the timings, the higher the speed of the PC. But this is of course the ideal scenario. In turn, timings with reduced values can be useful when "overclocking" motherboard modules - artificially increasing its frequency.
The fact is that if you give the RAM chips acceleration in manual mode, using too large coefficients, then the computer may start to work unstably. It is quite possible that the timing settings will be set so incorrectly that the PC will not be able to boot at all. Then, most likely, you will have to "reset" the BIOS settings using the hardware method (with a high probability of contacting a service center).
In turn, higher values for timings can, by slowing down the PC somewhat (but not so much that the operating speed was brought to the mode that preceded "overclocking"), give the system stability.
Some IT experts have calculated that RAM modules with a CL of 3 provide about 40% less latency in the exchange of the corresponding signals than those where CL is 5. Of course, provided that the clock frequency on both the other is the same.
Additional timings
As we have already said, in some modern models of motherboards there are opportunities for very fine tuning of the RAM. This, of course, is not about how to increase the RAM - this parameter is, of course, the factory one, and cannot be changed. However, the RAM settings offered by some manufacturers have very interesting features, using which you can significantly speed up your PC. We will consider those that relate to timings that can be configured in addition to the four main ones. An important nuance: depending on the motherboard model and BIOS version, the names of each of the parameters may differ from those that we will now give in the examples.
1. RAS to RAS Delay
This timing is responsible for the delay between the moments when rows from different areas of consolidation of cell addresses ("banks" that is) are activated.
2. Row Cycle Time
This timing reflects the time interval during which one cycle lasts within a single line. That is, from the moment of its activation until the start of work with a new signal (with an intermediate phase in the form of closing).
3.Write Recovery Time
This timing reflects the time interval between two events - the completion of the cycle of writing data to the memory and the beginning of the electrical signal.
4. Write To Read Delay
This timing shows how much time should elapse between the completion of the write cycle and the moment when data reading begins.
In many BIOS versions, the Bank Interleave option is also available. By selecting it, you can configure the processor so that it accesses the same "banks" of RAM at the same time, and not in turn. By default, this mode operates automatically. However, you can try to set a parameter of type 2 Way or 4 Way. This will allow you to use 2 or 4, respectively, "banks" at the same time. Disabling the Bank Interleave mode is used quite rarely (this is usually associated with PC diagnostics).
Setting timings: the nuances
Let's name some features related to the operation of timings and their settings. According to some IT specialists, in a series of four digits, the first one is the most important, that is, the CAS Latency timing. Therefore, if the user has little experience in "overclocking" RAM modules, experiments should probably be limited to setting values only for the first timing. Although this point of view is not generally accepted. Many IT experts tend to think that the other three timings are no less important in terms of the speed of interaction between the RAM and the processor.
In some models of motherboards in the BIOS, you can adjust the performance of RAM chips in several basic modes. In fact, this is setting timing values according to templates that are acceptable from the point of view of stable PC operation. These options usually coexist with the Auto by SPD option, and the modes in question are Turbo and Ultra. The first implies a moderate acceleration, the second - the maximum. This feature can be an alternative to manually setting timings. Similar modes, by the way, are available in many interfaces of the advanced BIOS system - UEFI. In many cases, as experts say, when you turn on the Turbo and Ultra options, the PC performance is sufficiently high, and its operation is stable at the same time.
Clocks and nanoseconds
Is it possible to express clock cycles in seconds? Yes. And there is a very simple formula for this. Ticks in seconds are considered to be one divided by the actual RAM clock speed specified by the manufacturer (although this figure, as a rule, should be divided by 2).
That is, for example, if we want to know the clocks that form the timings of DDR3 or 2 RAM, then we look at its marking. If the number 800 is indicated there, then the actual RAM frequency will be 400 MHz. This means that the duration of the cycle will be the value obtained by dividing one by 400. That is, 2.5 nanoseconds.
Timings for DDR3 modules
Some of the most modern RAM modules are DDR3 chips. Some experts believe that such indicators as timings are much less important for them than for chips of previous generations - DDR 2 and earlier. The fact is that these modules, as a rule, interact with sufficiently powerful processors (such as, for example, Intel Core i7), whose resources allow you to access RAM less often. In many modern chips from Intel, as well as in similar solutions from AMD, there is a sufficient amount of their own analogue of RAM in the form of L2- and L3-cache. We can say that such processors have their own amount of RAM, capable of performing a significant amount of typical RAM functions.
Thus, working with timings when using DDR3 modules, as we found out, is not the most important aspect of "overclocking" (if we decide to speed up PC performance). Much more important for such microcircuits are just the same frequency parameters. At the same time, DDR2 RAM modules and even earlier technological lines are still installed on computers today (although, of course, the widespread use of DDR3, according to many experts, is more than a steady trend). And therefore, working with timings can be useful to a very large number of users.
How to set RAM timings correctly?
Master's response:
It happens that you need to increase the performance of your computer. But it is not always possible to install new components. For example, the lack of funds for the purchase affects, or the impossibility of physical access. In this case, you can try to change the parameters of the existing hardware, such as the processor or RAM. All parameters are usually configured through the BIOS.
First you need to check the RAM of your computer. To perform the check, go to the Start menu. From there, go to Control Panel and look for System and Security. Click on "Administration".
Next, you need to run a program called "Windows Memory Test". After starting, agree with the suggested reboot of your computer and wait until the computer's RAM test is over. Restart the computer again, and at the time of loading, go to the BIOS menu. Open there the item responsible for changing the parameters of the functioning of the processor and RAM.
First of all, you need to increase the applied voltage. This is necessary in order to avoid shutting down the computer in emergency mode. Next, find the RAM timings. There are four of them. Select the fourth item and lower its value by 0.5. Apply the new value you have entered via Save & Exit.
After the operating system boots, repeat the RAM test. If no errors are found, you can lower the third item by one through the BIOS. So downgrade and run the test until the test reports an error. If this occurs, then you need to return to the last operating parameters.
Do not forget to increase the voltage that is supplied to the RAM. If more performance improvement is required, then the bus needs to be tuned. Usually, the indicator of this parameter is located directly above the indicators that are responsible for the timings. To begin with, increase the frequency by 20 - 30 hertz. If after that the RAM test does not report errors, then increase the indicator before any occur.
You can not drastically reduce memory timings. This will not only lead to malfunctions, but can also disable the RAM strips.
