Corsair RAM Timings

[mart_haj86]

Hi, I have a gig of Corsair XMS Twin-X memory with a CAS Latency of 2 but when you buy corsair you get loads of different timings written on the memory module for example mine has 2-3-3-6 now i understand that the 2 will indicate Cas Latency 2 but what about the 2 3's and the six? is this something i have to adjust in the bios? any help would be appreciated and i hope i dont sound dumb lol

[kalniel]

You don't sound dumb, don't worry! Just do a quick search on google for memory timings and you'll find a number of good guides.

But the short answer is don't worry about changing anything - the BIOS should automatically set the RAM up for the best stable timings, and any tweaks you do in the BIOS just bring small theoretical advantages but nothing you'd notice in gameplay.

[NightshadowUK]

That RAM'll run at 2-3-2-5 if you're not overclocking past 200MHz.

1st Number - CAS (2)
2nd Number - RAS to CAS (3)
3rd Number - RAS Pre (2)
4th Number - tRAS (5)

Just set it up in the BIOS and check by using something like CPU-Z.

[kalniel]

It may run at those timings, but if the RAMs rated at 2-3-3-6 you'll probably lose that lifetime warrenty you paid a premium for if you try and push them further

[nvening]

But the short answer is don't worry about changing anything - the BIOS should automatically set the RAM up for the best stable timings

Unless you have a DFI lol - well quite often

[NightshadowUK]

It may run at those timings, but if the RAMs rated at 2-3-3-6 you'll probably lose that lifetime warrenty you paid a premium for if you try and push them further

It could break them?!

[kalniel]

I'm not really qualified to give a definitive answer, but usually the worst that will happen is the machine will fail to boot properly, meaning you have to reset the BIOS settings. I don't *think* any damage will actually be done to the RAM, however, if there is a fault in the RAM that rears up later you won't be able to claim on the warrenty if you've run them outside of their specifications.

[Lee H]

The warranty on the modules would not be invalidated by you trying to run at other timings other than what the modules are specified for.

If you try to run memory out of the specified timings the worst that would happen is the system would not boot after resetting and you would need to clear the cmos, or press a key on the keyboard to reset back to factory defaults.

[kalniel]

The warranty on the modules would not be invalidated by you trying to run at other timings other than what the modules are specified for.

That's excellent to hear - you've got the word of someone at SCAN now to blame/quote

[NightshadowUK]

Excellent.

I tested the heck outta these at 2-3-2-5 and everything seems a-okay, I came across the idea through reading this review.

[bright_]

I have 3-3-3-6 latencies running on my oppy overclock which is @ 2.7GHz, ram is runnign at 245MHz. got a good set of corsair methinks, 3200 C2PT Twin-X XMS

[NightshadowUK]

Not bad at all, I have to run a divider (250MHz going through) so they're now at 197MHz, perfect for getting the most out of.