In order to test memory modules we used the following setup:
- CPU: Intel Q9300 Retail
- CPU Cooler: Intel Stock
- Motherboard: Asus Maximus Formula (X38) with BIOS v1004 (beta)
- PSU: OCZ GameXStream GXS600 SLI-Ready
- VGA: MSI 7600GT Silent (stock memory/core timings)
- HDD: WD 800JB
- OS: Windows VISTA x64bit SP1 with all the latest updates installed
While for benchmarking we used:
- Sisoft Sandra
- Everest Ultimate Edition
- Memset v3.5beta
We used the various built-in X38 FSB:DRAM dividers so we kept the cpu at stock speed. This allowed us to eliminate any possible problem that could be caused by overclocking. Below are the best timings we managed to get, as well as, the maximum modules speeds:
CPU:RAM ratio |
Real Frequency |
FSB |
Voltage |
|
400,00 |
333 |
2.20 |
|
417,50 |
333 |
2.20 |
|
443,50 |
333 |
2.20 |
|
501,00 |
333 |
2.20 |
DDR2 1066 5-5-5-15 |
533,00 |
333 |
2.20 |
|
543,00 |
362 |
2.20 |
At 400MHz, we have the promised 4-4-3-10-2T , which can also be used for up to 417.50MHz. After that point we have to enter CL5 and up to 500MHz, we have to set timings at 5-5-5-15-2T at 2.20V. The 533MHz comes easily and the top frequency was around 1089MHz. According to other tests, these modules can go up to 1122MHz, which seems reasonable. However, overclocking memory with an Intel based motherboard is not the easiest task, especially if you consider that we are talking of a 2x2GB module kit.
