Hey guys,
I was just wondering if I should upgrade my ram. I'm currently using 4x2gb Corsair XMS3 @ 1066 9-9-9-28 but I'm not loving my performance. The FSB is set to 1600, so I'm wondering if it would be worth it to go up to 1600 DDR3 sticks. I was looking at Kingston HyperX. If I had something like that, I could run linked/synched, correct?
 
Would I see a difference in speed and/or stability? I'm a graphic designer and I use programs like Photoshop and Illustrator every day.
 
Thanks

I am running the 790i FTW & qx9770 with 8G:
Þ      Patriot memory PGS34G1600ELK (you will need 2 kits for 8GB)
Þ      OCZ3BST2000LV4GK
Þ      OCZ3RPR16004GK      
 
Vanilla 1600 @ 4.2Ghz, strong.

It is possible that if you apply 1.7v to the 1.65v RAM that it may not work correctly. Alot of the new boards only require 1.5v RAM so, you need to check the board's requirements and buy appropriate RAM tested on it.

I just installed the memory in my sig, and I'm running it at 1.65v with the timings set to recommended settings for now (9-11-9-27). Got it on Newegg for $114.99, http://www.newegg.com/Pro...x?Item=N82E16820220535
 
Just passed Memtest86+ v4.2 for 75 min. So far working much better than the old OCZ Reapers (OCZ3RPR18004GK). I had the OCZ for a long time and just recently started testing the OC limit on my system only to find out the OCZ would run at 1600 without errors on memtest and I tried a lot of settings, and no way would they run stable at 1800. They gave the impression you could OC them by pushing the volts to 1.95 and I played around with the timings and its either the RAM or the board just doesn't like them.
 
So far the patriot is 82 min with no errors. I'm going to kick it up to 1700 FSB and test it for awhile.

Try leaving your fsb alone for now and bringing your ram up to rated specs (9-9-9-24 @ 1333 @ 1.65v)

One more question. The RAM that JeffreyHam posted ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220544) Could I use 4 of those to get a total of 16gb of ram?
 
I saw that another user (using an XFX 790i) got his system to boot with 16gb. That would be really good for me when I'm working with these enormous files...

The voltages are at 1.65v (everest reads 1.646v)

I'm really considering buying the RAM you recommended, Jeffrey. I'm losing time and money left and right over here because photoshop and illustrator are lagging REALLY badly. But I'm not even sure I can blame my RAM on this problem, it could very well be that I'm using the CS3 versions instead of CS5. But a $75 RAM upgrade is much better than the $950 adobe upgrade.
 
I was going to ask for BIOS help in another thread. I guess I could just post it here later. I have to try to finish this work first though.

Ok, heres my current BIOS settings. 
  
BIOS Version: P07  
**System **  
CPU Freq, MHz: 3.2 GHZ  
FSB Reference Clock, MHz: 1600 
CPU Multiplier: [8X]  
PCle x16-1 & 16-2, MHz:  [100] auto 
PCle x16-3, MHz:  [100] auto 
SPPc->MCP Ref Clock, MHz:  [200] auto 
nForce SPP --> nForce MCP:   [5X]  
nForce SPP c-- nForce MCP:   [5X]  
**Spread Spectrum**  
CPU Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]  
HT Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]  
PCle Spread Spectrurn(SPP): [Disabled]  
PCle Spread Spectrurn(MCP): [Disabled]  
SATA Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]  
**FSB & Memorv Config**  
FSB - Memory Clock Mode: [unlinked]  
FSB - Memory Ratio: auto 
FSB (QDR), MHz: [1600]  
Actual FSB (QDR), MHz: 1600  
x MEM (DDR),  MHz: 1066  
Actual MEM (DDR), MHz: 1066.7  
P1: [AUTO]  
P2: [AUTO]  
**Memory Timing Setting**  
Memory Timing Setting: [manual]  
tCL (CAS Latency): 9 
tRCD: 9 
tRP: 9 
tRAS: 28  
Command Per Clock: [2T]  
** Advanced Memory Settings **  
tRRD: [Auto] 4 
tRC: [Auto] 27 
tWR: [Auto] 10 
tWTR: [Auto] 14 
tFAW: [Auto] 17 
tREF: [manual] 7.8uS 
tRFC: 59 
**System Voltages**  
CPU Core: [1.41250]  
CPU FSB: [1.30]  
Memory: [1.650]  
nForce SPP: [1.5]  
nForce MCP: [1.650]  
GTLVREF Lane 0: [Auto]  -30mv 
GTLVREF Lane 1: [Auto] -30mv 
GTLVREF Lane 2: [Auto]  -30mv 
GTLVREF Lane 3: [Auto]  -30mv 
**CPU Configuration**  
Limit CPUlD Maxval: Disabled  
Intel Speedstep: Disabled  
xPPM Mode: [Native]  
CPU Thermal Control: [Disabled]  
C1E Enhanced Halt State: [Disabled]  
Execute Disable Bit: [Enabled]  
Virtualization Technology: [Disabled]  
CPU Core 0: [Enabled]  
CPU Core 1: [Enabled]  
CPU Core 2: [Enabled]  
CPU Core 3: [Enabled] 
  
Currently my 3d Mark Vantage score is 16,074. I'd like to see if I can up that a bit and keep the system stable. To be honest, I've had troubles with this machine since day one, but I haven't had the time to really try to fix it for optimal performance. Stability is key, as this is the computer I use for my work. When it freezes on me, it costs me (and my clients) money. But I can't take a risk on doing too much. If I burn out my CPU or MoBo, I'm screwed. 
  
Any help is appreciated! 

 

It's because of the red colored fonts and such....easy fix.....copy your template and paste it into a new text document on your desktop....save it......make your changes and copy/paste it into your post, replacing the one that is there.

unangel

Ok, heres my current BIOS settings. 
 
BIOS Version: P07  
**System **  
CPU Freq, MHz: 3.2 GHZ  
FSB Reference Clock, MHz: 1600 
CPU Multiplier: [8X]  
PCle x16-1 & 16-2, MHz:  [100] auto 
PCle x16-3, MHz:  [100] auto 
SPPc->MCP Ref Clock, MHz:  [200] auto 
nForce SPP --> nForce MCP:   [5X]  
nForce SPP c-- nForce MCP:   [5X]  
**Spread Spectrum**  
CPU Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]  
HT Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]  
PCle Spread Spectrurn(SPP): [Disabled]  
PCle Spread Spectrurn(MCP): [Disabled]  
SATA Spread Spectrum: [Disabled]  
**FSB & Memorv Config**  
FSB - Memory Clock Mode: [unlinked]  
FSB - Memory Ratio: auto 
FSB (QDR), MHz: [1600]  
Actual FSB (QDR), MHz: 1600  
x MEM (DDR),  MHz: 1066 (1333) 
Actual MEM (DDR), MHz: 1066.7  (1333)
P1: [AUTO]  
P2: [AUTO]  
**Memory Timing Setting**  
Memory Timing Setting: [manual]  
tCL (CAS Latency): 9 
tRCD: 9 
tRP: 9 
tRAS: 28 (24)  
Command Per Clock: [2T]  
** Advanced Memory Settings **  
tRRD: [Auto] 4 
tRC: [Auto] 27 
tWR: [Auto] 10 
tWTR: [Auto] 14 
tFAW: [Auto] 17 
tREF: [manual] 7.8uS 
tRFC: 59 
**System Voltages**  
CPU Core: [1.41250]  
CPU FSB: [1.30]  
Memory: [1.650]  
nForce SPP: [1.5] (1.45v) 
nForce MCP: [1.650]  (1.55v)
GTLVREF Lane 0: [Auto]  -30mv 
GTLVREF Lane 1: [Auto] -30mv 
GTLVREF Lane 2: [Auto]  -30mv 
GTLVREF Lane 3: [Auto]  -30mv 
**CPU Configuration**  
Limit CPUlD Maxval: Disabled  
Intel Speedstep: Disabled  
xPPM Mode: [Native]  
CPU Thermal Control: [Disabled]  
C1E Enhanced Halt State: [Disabled]  
Execute Disable Bit: [Enabled]  
Virtualization Technology: [Disabled]  
CPU Core 0: [Enabled]  
CPU Core 1: [Enabled]  
CPU Core 2: [Enabled]  
CPU Core 3: [Enabled] 
 
Currently my 3d Mark Vantage score is 16,074. I'd like to see if I can up that a bit and keep the system stable. To be honest, I've had troubles with this machine since day one, but I haven't had the time to really try to fix it for optimal performance. Stability is key, as this is the computer I use for my work. When it freezes on me, it costs me (and my clients) money. But I can't take a risk on doing too much. If I burn out my CPU or MoBo, I'm screwed. 
 
Any help is appreciated! 

Is the P07 BIOS the version that came on the board when you got it? Why have you not updated it? Please try the above changes in (BOLD).

The P10 BIOS says it provides Improved CPU Compatability. I do not know if the updated BIOS would make an improvement for you or not. I personally believe in keeping Firmware up to date with the latest available. Mobo BIOS Flashing is very quick and painless when done correctly....however; if one is not comfortable with doing it then, it may be best to leave it alone.
 
My main concern right now is your RAM. What are the exact spex as listed on the sticker on the modules? (Timings, speed and voltage)

mikegallop

From that other thread - I am running this:

2 of the 8GB Dominator GT DDR 3 2000 kits ( CMT8GX3M2A2000C9 )

On a 790i @ 1600 Mhz with a 9770 CPU just fine. I can dig up the post with the specs that I'm running at, but I've had them in there quite a while without a problem. 16 GB is nice!

You may just be able to help this member out then.....go for it!!

Mike....you really should have these both Disabled:
 
HT Spread Spectrum and PCle Spread Spectrum

Mike,
Do you have any freezes or crashes with your current setup? Even occasionally?
And do you use the fan that comes with the ram? Do you have a 3dMark Vantage score to show?
 
The idea of 16gb is very exciting. However, $300 for RAM is not. If I purchased this ram, would it go onto a p67 board without issue?