Helpful ReplyChoosing the right memory for SR-2 and overclocking?

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raminux
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2012/04/02 11:29:00 (permalink)
Hello,
  I am planning to buy an SR-2 and soon to overclock it. I need to decide to buy the right memory for it. This will be the first time for me to overclock a system.

So I have got a few questions:

1- I read it is possible to overclock RAM's as well. Do Ram's overclock independently of CPU's? Or they have to set in compatible speeds together?

2- I can buy either DDR3-1333 or faster ram's: DDR3-1866, DDR3-2000 or even DDR3-2133. Prices only slightly differ so that if buying faster ram helps in overclocking, why not? My question is if it helps?

3- If I buy faster RAM, do I still need to adjust them or overclock them somehow?
 
4- Is it possible to overclock ECC RAM's?

I appreciate your replies.
post edited by raminux - 2012/04/02 12:21:21
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geort45
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Re:Choosing the right memory for SR-2 and overclocking 2012/04/02 12:01:39 (permalink)
Hi! I'm at work now so I'll be brief haha. The RAM doesn't overclock independently, it all relates to the base clock and the ram ratio. Using the default bclock which I think it's 133, there are 3 ratios for ram to run at (in the BIOS), 800, 1066 and 1333 I think, which would mean 1:6, 1:8 and 1:10. That means that when you OC your CPU with the baseclock, the ram would OC accordingly to the ratio you've chosen, please note that you won't see this as ratios but as DDR800, DDR1066 etc, but you should know the equivalence. So basically your RAM specs must be around the same of that real DDR speed you'll run at :)
 
I'm maybe wrong on  the exact numbers but that is the principle, please someone correct me if necessary ;)
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geort45
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Re:Choosing the right memory for SR-2 and overclocking 2012/04/02 12:03:22 (permalink)
BTW I haven't had much luck in the past overclocking RAM, I think it's wiser to get a high spec RAM that you KNOW will run at very high speeds, equal or higher than the result of the ratio and bclock, so that you won't hit a wall when overclocking
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raminux
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Re:Choosing the right memory for SR-2 and overclocking 2012/04/02 12:18:02 (permalink)
Do I understand it correctly that when I use for example, DDR3-2000 rams, the motherboard sets it back to 1333 since it does not support faster ram by default and that means I still need to overclock the rams together with the CPUs? Or, it means the RAM can be recognized as true DDR3-2000 and I need to set the CPU clock speed to be compatible with this RAM speed? (Looks confusing to me).

Asus Z10PE-D16 WS, 2x Xeon E5-2666v3, 2x Scythe Ninja 4, 64GB Samsung 2133MHz ECC LRDIMM, Nvidia Quadro k4200, Samsung 256GB 950 Pro nvme system drive, 2x 1TB Samsung 850 Pro in Raid 0, Seasonic X-1250, Mountain Mods U2-UFO, Dell U3011, Windows 10 Professional 64bit, Linux Mint 64bit; Heatware: http://www.heatware.com/eval.php?id=80690
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Madrias
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Re:Choosing the right memory for SR-2 and overclocking 2012/04/02 15:21:21 (permalink)
From someone who has DDR3 2000, it will not run at that speed when installed.
 
The board will downclock the memory.  When you OC by adjusting base clock, you push up the speed of everything.
 
Buying memory with a high-speed ability is good: it means you'll not slam into a memory clock wall.


 
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lehpron
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Re:Choosing the right memory for SR-2 and overclocking 2012/04/02 15:46:48 (permalink)
Because the RAM divider ratios are locked on Xeons, the only way to change them is via raising the base clock, as mentioned. 
 
For example, if you get a Xeon X5550 with default support for DDR3-1333 (which has a 2:10 divider ratio, or 10 x 133 = 1333), and let's say your maximum base clock overclock was 200Mhz (making the CPU 20x 200MHz = 4GHz), then your ram would be 2000MHz-- no point in getting faster modules because the CPU won't let you.
 
Thus, it is a gamble since CPU overclocking is "luck of the draw" for which RAM speed to get.  Many folks have been able to reach 200MHz for base clock, so be realistic. 
 
Similar to like Madrias says, at least faster RAM gives you peace of mind in the sense that you're not limited by RAM frequency.

TEC/Peltier definitions, formulas and temperature estimations

 For Intel processors, 0.122 x TDP = Continuous Amps at 12v [source].  
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tpb7463
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Re:Choosing the right memory for SR-2 and overclocking? 2012/04/02 16:38:16 (permalink) ☄ Helpful
raminux
1- I read it is possible to overclock RAM's as well. Do Ram's overclock independently of CPU's? Or they have to set in compatible speeds together?

 
As lephron has already described, ram speed is a function of the memory multiplier and your base clock. On an SR-2, overclocking is accomplished by increasing the base clock which increases the CPU frequency as well as the memory frequency; the two, in essence are linked.
 
Xeons have locked multipliers--meaning that the final clock will always be a fixed multiple of the base clock. E.g. for my X5650's, which have a multiplier of x20, means that at a base clock of 133, the final speed will be 2666. Memory on the other hand has a variable multiplier which is determined by the specifications of the particular CPU you are using (since the memory controller is integrated). On my X5650's, they support a memory speed of DDR3-800, DDR3-1066, and DDR3-1333. Each of those speeds are a function of the default base clock of 133MHz. 
 
DDR-800 -> 133 x 6
DDR-1066 -> 133 x 8
DDR-1333 -> 133 x 10
 
The final memory frequency, again, is a function of the multiplier and the base clock. If I set my base clock to say, "195" and DDR-1333, then the final speed is actually 1950MHz. See http://ark.intel.com/ for information about what kind of memory speed your choice in processor supports.
 
raminux 
2- I can buy either DDR3-1333 or faster ram's: DDR3-1866, DDR3-2000 or even DDR3-2133. Prices only slightly differ so that if buying faster ram helps in overclocking, why not? My question is if it helps? 
 
 
The point in buying faster memory is to make sure that your memory doesn't become the limiting factor in increasing your base clock. If you're memory is running too fast at a higher multipler and an increased base clock, then decreasing the multiplier will put less stress on your memory.
 
Ex: Say I bought memory rated for 1866, but my base clock is 195.
A multiplier of 10 (DDR-1333) and a base clock of 195 would be too much.
Therefore, if I change my multiplier to 8 (DDR-1066) then my memory will run at 1560MHz.
 
Generally, the SR-2 hits a wall at around 200MHz base clock. And from the above example, you can see that 1600MHz memory would have been sufficient. This is why many recommend that at a minimum 1600MHz memory for overclocking Nehalem/Westmere CPUs.
 
tl;dr
Purchasing faster memory will only improve performance if you opt to run them at their rated speed. Memory overclocking has a nearly negligible impact on everyday performance. In memory, quantity matters more than quality (speed).
 
raminux 
3- If I buy faster RAM, do I still need to adjust them or overclock them somehow? 
 
 
I already explained it above, but in short, to run memory at anything above 1333MHz on a 5500/5600 series Xeon, you must overclock by increasing the base clock.
 
raminux 
4- Is it possible to overclock ECC RAM's? 
 
 
Yes! But, you won't find any modules that are rated at typical overclocking frequencies. The only way to do so is to buy modules, possibly overvolt them (max of 1.65 per Intel) and manually tweak them.
 

SR-2 Buildlog: http://www.evga.com/forums/tm.aspx?m=1018539
EVGA SR-2 | 2 x 5650's @ 4 GHz | 2 x EVGA GTX590's | GTS 450
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pcfxr4u
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Re:Choosing the right memory for SR-2 and overclocking? 2012/04/02 16:57:36 (permalink)
Kingston HyperX OC's very well and is certified by EVGA. Cheap as dirt too now at Microcenter and elsewhere. I am running 12 x 4 no sweat. Be sure to remove standoffs from under RAM sockets...causes intermittent memory loss in apps, OS etc, even though CPU-Z will see all memory!
 
No sparks, no mess, but it will aggravate you to no end. Double check your build.
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raminux
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Re:Choosing the right memory for SR-2 and overclocking? 2012/04/02 18:07:16 (permalink)
That explains everything. Thanks for clearing things in my head. I think I am going for 2000 RAMs as the price difference with 1600 (if any) is negligible comparing to the total cost of the system. That will cover me upto 200 x 10 = 2000 or at most I reduce the multiplier to 8 and I still have 1600. Moreover, there may be a possible chance (though slight) that, faster ram makes a difference in the Adobe After Effects performance.
 
Now I would only need to know if SR-2 can ideally boot from a PCI-E drive, since the current prices for pci-e ssd drives are quite competitive with the sata ones.
post edited by raminux - 2012/04/02 19:32:42

Asus Z10PE-D16 WS, 2x Xeon E5-2666v3, 2x Scythe Ninja 4, 64GB Samsung 2133MHz ECC LRDIMM, Nvidia Quadro k4200, Samsung 256GB 950 Pro nvme system drive, 2x 1TB Samsung 850 Pro in Raid 0, Seasonic X-1250, Mountain Mods U2-UFO, Dell U3011, Windows 10 Professional 64bit, Linux Mint 64bit; Heatware: http://www.heatware.com/eval.php?id=80690
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tpb7463
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Re:Choosing the right memory for SR-2 and overclocking? 2012/04/02 19:07:59 (permalink) ☄ Helpful
raminux
Now I would only need to know if SR-2 can ideally boot from a PCI-E drive, since the current prices for pci-e ssd drives are quite competitive with the sata ones.

 
Oh brother, that's a whole matter in and of itself.
http://forums.evga.com/tm.aspx?m=1223198
 
Yes, you can use the most recent "Revodrive 3"-series with the SR-2 and it is bootable with the most recent BIOS/firmware even though it is not on the "Tested Motherboard Guide":
http://www.ocztechnology.com/displaypage.php?name=revodrive_moboguide
 
However, you cannot (and I am speaking from personal experience) get the advertised performance of a Revodrive 3 X2 in conjunction with an SR-2 but you can with the non-X2 variant. (Revodrive 3) 

SR-2 Buildlog: http://www.evga.com/forums/tm.aspx?m=1018539
EVGA SR-2 | 2 x 5650's @ 4 GHz | 2 x EVGA GTX590's | GTS 450
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pcfxr4u
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Re:Choosing the right memory for SR-2 and overclocking? 2012/04/03 07:01:54 (permalink)
Oye!
I haven't been able to find an interface yet to get audio in and out with this mainboard.
AE works great with 48GB and OC'ing.
 
Mine runs 3.402 all day no sweat, but Firewire pukes the timeline in PPro CS5.5 and USB can't keep up. I am waiting for a Soundblaster X-Fi Titanium with ASIO to see how that fares. If it does not work, I will RMA this mainboard and go to a regular mainboard with at least 1 PCI slot for an M-Audio Delta series interface. End of story.
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raminux
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Re:Choosing the right memory for SR-2 and overclocking? 2012/04/03 11:21:13 (permalink)
I read one report from someone who just used an inexpensive optical audio bracket plugged into the SPDIF header to connect his sound device to the board .
post edited by raminux - 2012/04/03 13:42:12

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jabloomf1230
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Re:Choosing the right memory for SR-2 and overclocking? 2012/04/03 12:35:33 (permalink)
Check this thread about digital audio I/O (SPDIF) and the SR-2:
 
http://forums.evga.com/tm.aspx?m=1086498
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lollygag
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Re:Choosing the right memory for SR-2 and overclocking? 2012/04/03 12:55:16 (permalink)
Yea.. the spdif works.
 
 
EDIT: I use 48G of crucial ECC ram oc to 1800MHz 24-7 and up to 1900 at no more than 1.58v part #CT3KIT102472BB1339. Excellent stuff.
 
 And of course faster ram helps in AE.. especially as it has never been good with multithreading and ram usage.. anything helps.
post edited by lollygag - 2012/04/03 13:11:35
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cateno
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Re:Choosing the right memory for SR-2 and overclocking? 2012/04/03 13:11:27 (permalink)
I have many SR2 with ram DRR 2133 and work fine with overclock
the SR2 work with gskill , corsair geill , muskin crucial
I have gskill , muskin geill and drr ECC reg 1333 with X5690 at 4,5ghz memory  run stable at 800 note memory cooler air with fan
assembled 18 SR2 and 5 in network personal in IB fiber 40GB
 
 

E762 W3520@4.2  E679 2600k
E760 X980 
E761 I920
E770 I950
and SR2's  and SRX's
Z87 classified , MVIE built with 4770K
Z97 classified , ftw Z97 ,  MFVII  only wait for gigabyte LN2 
X99 series.... classified , FTW , RE5 , oc formula, profesional , X11 , soc force , msi gaming9ack

X79 classified, dark and RIVE, RIVBE,, xtreme11
and many classified a panel from EVGA  no just one sample

and other  DFI giga etc  

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tived
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Re:Choosing the right memory for SR-2 and overclocking? 2012/04/03 16:19:58 (permalink)
Cateno,
Your neighborehoods light will dimm every time you crank them up, not to mention your power bill will go through the roof.
 
But what joy :-) to have five of these :-) Why to go!!!
 
Henrik

Henrik
- A Dane Down Under 
Current systems: 
EVGA Classified SR-2  Lian Li PC-V2120 Black, Antec 1200 PSU,
2x X5650 (stock/4.2xxGhz), CPU Cooling: Noctua NH-D14 - Ram: (48gb) 6x 8Gb Kingston ECC 1333 KVR1333D3D4R9S/8GI - Disks & controllers:  Boot (Areca 1882ix-24): 8R0 SAMSUNG 830 128GB - 2x IBM M1015/Scratch disk: 2R0(6R0) INTEL 520 120GB's RAID-00 (12 SSD'S) - GPU: Asus GTX-580 - Monitors: NEC 2690v2 & Dell 2405 - Profiler X-rite: Eye-One Pro
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raminux
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Re:Choosing the right memory for SR-2 and overclocking? 2012/04/03 21:28:59 (permalink)
The first part of the new system has just been purchased: Seasonic X-1250.
 
Ideally, I wished having a case with horizontal motherboard platform. I know my only options are Mountain mods and XSPC H1+. But at the moment, I would rather spend the money on more important parts than on expensive cases.
 
After a couple of years of being on Mac, I am moving back to Windows/Linux environment.

Asus Z10PE-D16 WS, 2x Xeon E5-2666v3, 2x Scythe Ninja 4, 64GB Samsung 2133MHz ECC LRDIMM, Nvidia Quadro k4200, Samsung 256GB 950 Pro nvme system drive, 2x 1TB Samsung 850 Pro in Raid 0, Seasonic X-1250, Mountain Mods U2-UFO, Dell U3011, Windows 10 Professional 64bit, Linux Mint 64bit; Heatware: http://www.heatware.com/eval.php?id=80690
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tived
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Re:Choosing the right memory for SR-2 and overclocking? 2012/04/03 22:20:37 (permalink)
Raminux, Welcome back from the darkside ;-) to the world of faster computing ;-) ...and the odd headache here and there
 
Henrik

Henrik
- A Dane Down Under 
Current systems: 
EVGA Classified SR-2  Lian Li PC-V2120 Black, Antec 1200 PSU,
2x X5650 (stock/4.2xxGhz), CPU Cooling: Noctua NH-D14 - Ram: (48gb) 6x 8Gb Kingston ECC 1333 KVR1333D3D4R9S/8GI - Disks & controllers:  Boot (Areca 1882ix-24): 8R0 SAMSUNG 830 128GB - 2x IBM M1015/Scratch disk: 2R0(6R0) INTEL 520 120GB's RAID-00 (12 SSD'S) - GPU: Asus GTX-580 - Monitors: NEC 2690v2 & Dell 2405 - Profiler X-rite: Eye-One Pro
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raminux
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Re:Choosing the right memory for SR-2 and overclocking? 2012/04/04 23:02:42 (permalink)
I know what to expect from Windows since I have still used Windows here and there, sometimes fixing small stuff for friends, etc.. There is no certainty about Mac workstation's future. There is a good chance, Apple may completely abandon it now that they are busy with selling iPads and iphones and all shiny stuff. There is no certainty about the future of their Final Cut Studio either. 10 bit color support is not available in Mac as of now even in Mountain Lion as far as I know. Apple does not seem care much about supporting some more common yet important stuff such as blu-ray (perhaps they see it as a competition to their online market)! Besides, recent Mac Pro stations are quite expensive. I can certainly make it less expensive by building my own system. Sure OS X is a great operating system and honestly, I prefer it to Windows if it could just be about the operating system. I am just surprised to note that Apple is quite ignoring their workstation line, particularly NOW that they shouldn't have any problem to support it because they are sitting on a mountain of cash. Sure I understand it is not as profitable as selling portable gadgets.
 
More importantly, Adobe seems having surpassed Apple on video production software.

Asus Z10PE-D16 WS, 2x Xeon E5-2666v3, 2x Scythe Ninja 4, 64GB Samsung 2133MHz ECC LRDIMM, Nvidia Quadro k4200, Samsung 256GB 950 Pro nvme system drive, 2x 1TB Samsung 850 Pro in Raid 0, Seasonic X-1250, Mountain Mods U2-UFO, Dell U3011, Windows 10 Professional 64bit, Linux Mint 64bit; Heatware: http://www.heatware.com/eval.php?id=80690
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raminux
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Re:Choosing the right memory for SR-2 and overclocking? 2012/04/10 01:20:16 (permalink)
Do you know if drives connected to a RAID card are bootable?
 
Thanks.
 
tpb7463
Oh brother, that's a whole matter in and of itself.
http://forums.evga.com/tm.aspx?m=1223198

Yes, you can use the most recent "Revodrive 3"-series with the SR-2 and it is bootable with the most recent BIOS/firmware even though it is not on the "Tested Motherboard Guide":
http://www.ocztechnology.com/displaypage.php?name=revodrive_moboguide

However, you cannot (and I am speaking from personal experience) get the advertised performance of a Revodrive 3 X2 in conjunction with an SR-2 but you can with the non-X2 variant. (Revodrive 3) 



Asus Z10PE-D16 WS, 2x Xeon E5-2666v3, 2x Scythe Ninja 4, 64GB Samsung 2133MHz ECC LRDIMM, Nvidia Quadro k4200, Samsung 256GB 950 Pro nvme system drive, 2x 1TB Samsung 850 Pro in Raid 0, Seasonic X-1250, Mountain Mods U2-UFO, Dell U3011, Windows 10 Professional 64bit, Linux Mint 64bit; Heatware: http://www.heatware.com/eval.php?id=80690
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tived
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Re:Choosing the right memory for SR-2 and overclocking? 2012/04/10 01:33:37 (permalink)
you select them in the MB bios as the once you want to boot from
Henrik
PS: it does get tricky when you have two of the same cards!

Henrik
- A Dane Down Under 
Current systems: 
EVGA Classified SR-2  Lian Li PC-V2120 Black, Antec 1200 PSU,
2x X5650 (stock/4.2xxGhz), CPU Cooling: Noctua NH-D14 - Ram: (48gb) 6x 8Gb Kingston ECC 1333 KVR1333D3D4R9S/8GI - Disks & controllers:  Boot (Areca 1882ix-24): 8R0 SAMSUNG 830 128GB - 2x IBM M1015/Scratch disk: 2R0(6R0) INTEL 520 120GB's RAID-00 (12 SSD'S) - GPU: Asus GTX-580 - Monitors: NEC 2690v2 & Dell 2405 - Profiler X-rite: Eye-One Pro
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