Something just clicked.. I think

[scottvin]

I think something just clicked in my head.

The reason we increase the FSB instead of the multiplier when we O/C is to get the memory running at a higher Mhz, correct?

If we do 11.5 * 200 we get the following speeds:

Processor @ 2300 Mhz
Memory @ 400 Mhz

Is my thinking correct?

If so, when do the timings come into play - ie, 2/3/3/12?
I understand these are basic questions to you, but I am just starting the O/C world.

Thanks again!

[brewzer]

You are correct, the higher the fsb, the higher the memory clock. It is better to do 10x250, than 12.5x200. The both are 2500mhz, but obviously the memory is running much faster at 250fsb, obviously.

The tighter the timings, the btter the performcne of the memory. I am not sure wehat each individual setting does, but I am sure there is someone around here that does.

[scottvin]

You are correct, the higher the fsb, the higher the memory clock. It is better to do 10x250, than 12.5x200. The both are 2500mhz, but obviously the memory is running much faster at 250fsb, obviously.

However, not all memory can do the 500 Mhz as opposed to 400 Mhz - is that correct?

For example I have two sticks of generic RAM: (they will be upgraded, gotta get one thing at a time! )

(1) 512MB PC2100 Kingston
(1) 512MB PC2700 Kingston

What can I do for memory clock (safely) and what should I set the timings to?

[TLMiller]

However, not all memory can do the 500 Mhz as opposed to 400 Mhz - is that correct?

For example I have two sticks of generic RAM: (they will be upgraded, gotta get one thing at a time! )

(1) 512MB PC2100 Kingston
(1) 512MB PC2700 Kingston

What can I do for memory clock (safely) and what should I set the timings to?

No guarantees. Some people have managed to get pc2100 to run at pc3200 specs. Others can't even get it past 140. Depends on the ram. Realistically, getting a 166-180 would be great if you want to run both DIMMS. Cas will probably need to be pretty loose, almost no chance of getting better than 2.5-3-3, since that's probably what the pc2100 is rated for. You might even find that in order to get it to run fast, you have to drop it all the way to 3-4-4 in order to get it stable. You never know until you try.

[scottvin]

Ok, I have the stats on the two chips:

First
Standard 64M X 72 Non-ECC 266MHz 184-pin Unbuffered DIMM (SDRAM-DDR, 2.5V, CL2.5, Gold)

Second
Standard 64M X 64 Non-ECC 333MHz 184-pin Unbuffered DIMM (SDRAM-DDR, 2.5V, CL2.5, Gold)

Kingston's website it doesn't tell me the timings on these chips.

So, I think I will try the 3-4-4.

[scottvin]

So, I tried the 3-4-4, that was a no go. Wouldn't even boot hehe.

I guess I will stick with the 3-3-7 that the chips request.

[oralpain]

Settle on a common format, like column access strobe, ras to cas delay, precharge delay, then ras pulse width/bank cycle time (CAS:tRCD:tRP:tRAS). The largest number should always be tRAS. Motherbaords ofter show these timings in a different order in the bios.