What does x-x-x-xx mean on RAM settings?

[Nechen]

People always say

I'm running at 5-5-5-15...

What does the (5)-(5)-(5)-(15) in this example stand for? Theres about 8-9 different settings I can adjust in my BIOS for the DRAM configuration...

<----nub

 

[hmammen]

that is your timings....closer together timings are best for overclocking....

 

[Nitestick]

the timings listed on the memory specs are generally CAS-TRCD-TRPD-TRAS.

 

[mvpo.geo]

How can you change these? How do you knw they are running stable?

 

[will h4x 4 food]

You can change them through the BIOS. Usually your computer won't start if it is unstable.

 

[hmammen]

run memtest to see if it is stable.....its a free download here- Memtest86+ - Advanced Memory Diagnostic Tool

 

[Nagasama]

lol...
it'll go beeeeeep...beeeeeeep...beeeeeeep
over and over again.
learn what they are dude. very confusing, i know.
if you are using ddr2, look at it this way:
the first number, you wont be able to go under 4 unless you ram is some HIGH dollar stuff.
the second number should probably be the same as the first.
the third number can sometimes be one lower than the first. stock, usually it is the same.
the fourth number, take your pick till you find one that works. usually stock it will be 3x the first, but very possible to make it much lower.
A Guide to Memory Timing
this will help.
good luck

 

[hmammen]

lol...
it'll go beeeeeep...beeeeeeep...beeeeeeep
over and over again.
learn what they are dude. very confusing, i know.
if you are using ddr2, look at it this way:
the first number, you wont be able to go under 4 unless you ram is some HIGH dollar stuff.
the second number should probably be the same as the first.
the third number can sometimes be one lower than the first. stock, usually it is the same.
the fourth number, take your pick till you find one that works. usually stock it will be 3x the first, but very possible to make it much lower.
A Guide to Memory Timing
this will help.
good luck

The first number is your cas latency....it CAN go under 4....most are 2.5 or 3.....i dont know why you said the first number couldnt go under 4.

 

[Nagasama]

ddr is 2.5 or 3.
thats where the "if you are using ddr2" comes in
dude when you find ddr2 that goes under CAS4, lemme know how much it costs you

 

[b1gapl]

Here are CAS 3 DDR2 memory:
Newegg.com - Buy Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras and more!