Solved RAM Configuration: KHX1600C9D3K2/8GX

[FallibleCanine]

I think this should be an easy one, but I thought I'd check.

I got this memory:
http://www.kingston.com/datasheets/KHX1600C9D3K2_8GX.pdf
(spec sheet)

And I want to make sure I have it set up properly in the BIOS.

The BIOS gives me a huge list of options, like:

CPU Core
CPC Core
IGPU Voltage
DRAM Voltage
RCH Voltage
CPU PLC Voltage
VTT Voltage
VCCSA Voltage

...

How do I figure out what to set everything to?

The spec sheet says it runs at "DDR-1600", but then it mentions 1333 mhZ...

 

[essenbe]

On the side of the ram sticks there is a sticker that will tell you the voltage and the first 3 timings. Your board may have a Ram (or Dram) configuration section. If you set it to XMP and set the correct voltage, it should run at specs. You may have to set the timings manually, but not usually. Download CPUz and post a screenshot of the memory and SPD tabs. When you set bios at optimizwd defaults, everything else should be set correctly. You will just have to set your sata controller to what you want, set the ram and set the boot order. In your list above is dram voltage. That is your ram voltage, it is on the sticker on your ram sticks and probably the package they came in. it will usually say 1.5V or 1.6V something like that. But, your board will usually read it right, but make sure.

 

[bobkn]

I think this should be an easy one, but I thought I'd check.

I got this memory:
http://www.kingston.com/datasheets/KHX1600C9D3K2_8GX.pdf
(spec sheet)

And I want to make sure I have it set up properly in the BIOS.

The BIOS gives me a huge list of options, like:

CPU Core
CPC Core
IGPU Voltage
DRAM Voltage
RCH Voltage
CPU PLC Voltage
VTT Voltage
VCCSA Voltage

...

How do I figure out what to set everything to?

The spec sheet says it runs at "DDR-1600", but then it mentions 1333 mhZ...

The RAM will default to 1333 unless you change the BIOS settings. The easiest way to do that is to enable the XMP profile. (I feel too lazy to check your MB manual to see where that's done.) ALternately, you can probably set the memory frequency, voltage, and timings manually. (That's what I usually do.)

 

[FallibleCanine]

Thanks!

On the side of the ram sticks there is a sticker that will tell you the voltage and the first 3 timings. Your board may have a Ram (or Dram) configuration section. If you set it to XMP and set the correct voltage, it should run at specs. You may have to set the timings manually, but not usually. Download CPUz and post a screenshot of the memory and SPD tabs. When you set bios at optimizwd defaults, everything else should be set correctly. You will just have to set your sata controller to what you want, set the ram and set the boot order. In your list above is dram voltage. That is your ram voltage, it is on the sticker on your ram sticks and probably the package they came in. it will usually say 1.5V or 1.6V something like that. But, your board will usually read it right, but make sure.

The voltage is 1.65V, although I've read that it's best to set it to 1.5V.

The timings are 9-9-27.

The only two things I changed in the BIOS were that I changed the 24 to 27 and I changed the voltage to 1.65V.

The RAM will default to 1333 unless you change the BIOS settings. The easiest way to do that is to enable the XMP profile. (I feel too lazy to check your MB manual to see where that's done.) ALternately, you can probably set the memory frequency, voltage, and timings manually. (That's what I usually do.)

I have an Asrock motherboard, and I don't think it supports XMP yet. But cpu-z does show an XMP column; is that giving me the XMP numbers?

If "auto" isn't totally reliable, I'd rather set everything manually, but I'm not sure how to do so. There are an awful lot of numbers on that sheet. I also can't tell when the specs are indicating the most extreme possible setting (for overclocking) and when they're giving the recommended number.

 

[essenbe]

I have an Asrock motherboard too, only mine is a P67 version. Mine does support XML. It is in the overclocking section. If you have it, open it, go to the dram configuration, and enable XMP, set the profile to auto and it should set the ram to specs. But, I always check. On the SPD tab you showed, the XMP is what you will want it set to.

 

[FallibleCanine]

Thanks! I'll look for it. If it's not there, maybe I'll update.

So I'm guessing I should manually change the TRC to 36.

What about Command Rate?

Also, it gives 800 mHz as the frequency ... um ... I think I have the frequency set to 1333, because that was the highest it would go. Is it something like "set command rate to 2 and then set frequency to 800"? It's 1600 mhz memory.

 

[FallibleCanine]

I hunted through the BIOS line-by-line and I didn't see XMP.

manual for motherboard: ran search for XMP and didn't come up with anything
http://download.asrock.com/manual/H61MU3S3.pdf

 

[essenbe]

If it shows 800 on the memory tab of cpuz, that is correct. Ram id double data rate (DDR) so it should be at 600 (which is 1600). If you enable XMP it will ruually set everything correctly. It reads it off of the ram.

 

[essenbe]

I didn't see it either, but in the OC tweeker section, try setting the frequency and the timings on the ram just like the XMP profile in cpuz SPD tab and see if that works.

EDIT: Page 37 of the manual.

 

[Dave76]

Thanks! I'll look for it. If it's not there, maybe I'll update.

So I'm guessing I should manually change the TRC to 36.

What about Command Rate?

Also, it gives 800 mHz as the frequency ... um ... I think I have the frequency set to 1333, because that was the highest it would go. Is it something like "set command rate to 2 and then set frequency to 800"? It's 1600 mhz memory.

Your RAM is listed on your motherboard RAM compatibility site:
ASRock > Products > H61M/U3S3 > Memory Support List

As suggested the best way to set your RAM to 1600 MHz (in UEFI it is 800MHZ: DDR = Double Data Rate, 800 x 2 =1600) is to select XMP in your UEFI.

OC Tweaker screen > DRAM Timing Control > DRAM Frequency
Default is 'Auto', check there for the XMP options.
The H61 is limited as far as OC'ing and may be limited on RAM settings, as the documentation is vague at best.

If there is no XMP setting then check the DRAM Frequency 'Manual' setting, see if it has a 800MHz selection (that is what you use to get 1600MHz).
Set the first four RAM timings as per the CPUZ SPD XMP tab, 9-9-9-27 and leave the rest on auto.
DRAM voltage to 1.65v
VTT voltage to 1.15v
If it's not stable change the CR (Command Rate) to 2N.

If that is not stable you will need to bump the VTT voltage, CPU integrated memory controller.
You have to be careful with this voltage, let us know before you do any adjustments.

Let us know how it's going.

 

[FallibleCanine]

Your RAM is listed on your motherboard RAM compatibility site:
ASRock > Products > H61M/U3S3 > Memory Support List

As suggested the best way to set your RAM to 1600 MHz (in UEFI it is 800MHZ: DDR = Double Data Rate, 800 x 2 =1600) is to select XMP in your UEFI.

OC Tweaker screen > DRAM Timing Control > DRAM Frequency
Default is 'Auto', check there for the XMP options.
The H61 is limited as far as OC'ing and may be limited on RAM settings, as the documentation is vague at best.

If there is no XMP setting then check the DRAM Frequency 'Manual' setting, see if it has a 800MHz selection (that is what you use to get 1600MHz).
Set the first four RAM timings as per the CPUZ SPD XMP tab, 9-9-9-27 and leave the rest on auto.
DRAM voltage to 1.65v
VTT voltage to 1.15v
If it's not stable change the CR (Command Rate) to 2N.

If that is not stable you will need to bump the VTT voltage, CPU integrated memory controller.
You have to be careful with this voltage, let us know before you do any adjustments.

Let us know how it's going.

Thanks!

I changed the VTT voltage, and the CR.

I tried all the different settings for DRAM frequency:
Auto
DDR3-800
DDR3-1066
DDR3-1333

and CPU-Z reports half of whatever number I select under the "Memory" tab. e.g., 800 --> 400mhz or so. Maybe it just doesn't support 1600.

I searched for but did not find an XMP option. Here are the setting choices (current selections in CAPS):

CPU Control

Load CPU EZ OC Setting
--> DISABLED
--> 1300mhz
--> 1400mhz
--> 1500mhz

CPU Ratio Setting
--> AUTO
--> manual

Intel Speedstep Technology
--> ENABLED
--> disabled

Turbo Boost Power Limit
--> AUTO
--> manual

Core Current Limit
--> (field) 150

 

[FallibleCanine]

The next section is DRAM Timing Control.

DRAM frequency
--> AUTO
--> DDR3-800
--> DDR3-1066
--> DDR3-1333

(I tried 800 and 1333; the highest I could get the mhz in the "Memory" tab of CPU-Z was 665.2 with AUTO or 1333. 800 gives 400 or so.)

Then the 9-9-27 stuff.

tWR
tRFC
tRRD
tWTR
tRTP
tFAW
ODT WR (CHA)
ODT NOM (CHA)
ODT WR (CHB)
ODT NOM (CHB)


Voltage Control

Power Saving Mode
--> OFF

CPU Voltage offset
...

and a bunch of voltages, all at auto.

 

[Dave76]

The next section is DRAM Timing Control.

DRAM frequency
--> AUTO
--> DDR3-800
--> DDR3-1066
--> DDR3-1333

BIOS usually is the actual speed 400MHz for 800MHz, 533MHz for 1066MHz, 667MHz for 1333MHz, and 800MHz for 1600MHz.
The UEFI is showing you the DDR speed, they are the same thing.
DDR is Double Data Rate, this is why you see half the amount in CPUZ. It is actually running at the higher speed.

(I tried 800 and 1333; the highest I could get the mhz in the "Memory" tab of CPU-Z was 665.2 with AUTO or 1333. 800 gives 400 or so.)

Then the 9-9-27 stuff.

tWR
tRFC
tRRD
tWTR
tRTP
tFAW
ODT WR (CHA)
ODT NOM (CHA)
ODT WR (CHB)
ODT NOM (CHB)

Only change the first four, leave the rest on 'Auto'.

Voltage Control

Power Saving Mode
--> OFF

CPU Voltage offset
...

and a bunch of voltages, all at auto.

Looks like your UEFI only allows RAM frequency at a max of 1333MHz.
The difference between 1333MHz and 1600MHz can only be noticed in a benchmark.

Just set it to 1333MHz.
Use the Auto setting for DDR3-1333.
Check that the DRAM voltage is 1.50v.
Set the VTT to auto, it should be around 1.00v to 1.10v, either are good if it's running stable.
The RAM timings should be 9-9-9-25.
Command rate 1N.

The 'Auto' setting should do all of this for you.

Let us know how it's going.

 

[FallibleCanine]

The next section is DRAM Timing Control.

DRAM frequency
--> AUTO
--> DDR3-800
--> DDR3-1066
--> DDR3-1333

BIOS usually is the actual speed 400MHz for 800MHz, 533MHz for 1066MHz, 667MHz for 1333MHz, and 800MHz for 1600MHz.
The UEFI is showing you the DDR speed, they are the same thing.
DDR is Double Data Rate, this is why you see half the amount in CPUZ. It is actually running at the higher speed.

(I tried 800 and 1333; the highest I could get the mhz in the "Memory" tab of CPU-Z was 665.2 with AUTO or 1333. 800 gives 400 or so.)

Then the 9-9-27 stuff.

tWR
tRFC
tRRD
tWTR
tRTP
tFAW
ODT WR (CHA)
ODT NOM (CHA)
ODT WR (CHB)
ODT NOM (CHB)

Only change the first four, leave the rest on 'Auto'.

Voltage Control

Power Saving Mode
--> OFF

CPU Voltage offset
...

and a bunch of voltages, all at auto.

Looks like your UEFI only allows RAM frequency at a max of 1333MHz.
The difference between 1333MHz and 1600MHz can only be noticed in a benchmark.

Just set it to 1333MHz.
Use the Auto setting for DDR3-1333.
Check that the DRAM voltage is 1.50v.
Set the VTT to auto, it should be around 1.00v to 1.10v, either are good if it's running stable.
The RAM timings should be 9-9-9-25.
Command rate 1N.

The 'Auto' setting should do all of this for you.

Let us know how it's going.

Thanks! Merry Christmas. ^^ It's running wonderfully.

So earlier you said 1.65V DRAM voltage and 1.15 VTT voltage...and I think 9-9-9-27 for timings.

Just want to confirm that I should change VTT to auto voltage and DRAM to 1.50V, and the timings to 9-9-9-25.

 

[essenbe]

FallibleCanine, I do not presume to speak for Dave76, he is our ram Guru. But I believe the adjustments he mentioned first were for if you could run the ram at 1600. But, because you can't, I think he said set everything to auto and see if it runs stable. Just be sure and check the voltage and make sure it is set to what your ram package says is correct. If it does not run stable that way, come back and we will help you adjust it and make it stable. Perhaps after you set everything to auto and check the voltage you could post a screenshot of the Memory tab and SPD tab of cpuz, and tell us the voltage in bios.

 

[Dave76]

Thanks essenbe, you're correct.

The first timing and voltage settings were for if your UEFI has a setting for 1600MHz.
The second timing and voltage settings are for running it at 1333MHz.

Due to your motherboard/UEFI limitations you need to run your RAM at 1333MHz.

Just set it to 1333MHz.
Use the Auto setting for DDR3-1333.
Check that the DRAM voltage is 1.50v.
Set the VTT to auto, it should be around 1.00v to 1.10v, either are good if it's running stable.
The RAM timings should be 9-9-9-25.
Command rate 1N.

To confirm all the settings are correct can you post the information requested.

Perhaps after you set everything to auto and check the voltage you could post a screenshot of the Memory tab and SPD tab of cpuz, and tell us the voltage in bios.

Let us know how it's running.

 

[FallibleCanine]

Thanks essenbe, you're correct.

The first timing and voltage settings were for if your UEFI has a setting for 1600MHz.
The second timing and voltage settings are for running it at 1333MHz.

Due to your motherboard/UEFI limitations you need to run your RAM at 1333MHz.

Just set it to 1333MHz.
Use the Auto setting for DDR3-1333.
Check that the DRAM voltage is 1.50v.
Set the VTT to auto, it should be around 1.00v to 1.10v, either are good if it's running stable.
The RAM timings should be 9-9-9-25.
Command rate 1N.

To confirm all the settings are correct can you post the information requested.

Perhaps after you set everything to auto and check the voltage you could post a screenshot of the Memory tab and SPD tab of cpuz, and tell us the voltage in bios.

Let us know how it's running.

I set the frequency to DDR3-1333,
DRAM voltage to 1.495 (closest to 1.5),
timings to 9-9-9-25,
and VTT to auto.

In BIOS, now, it shows these voltages:
DRAM: 1.495V
PCH: 1.059V
CPU PLL: 1.794V
VTT: 1.057
VCCSA: .925V

I've attached CPU-Z screenshots, too.

It seems to be running okay!


As an aside, I'm actually sort of curious. Why would it have been working with 9-9-9-27? If it's about timing...shouldn't any variance make the whole thing explode, like a plane shooting off its own propeller?

 

[Dave76]

Glad to hear it's running well.

Electronics are fickle, when you put several electronic components together, they will run differently even with the exact same components.

Each type of electronic component is similar but not exactly the same, two kits of 2x4GB RAM from the same manufacturer may not run the same with identical timings and voltages.

You can adjust the RAM timings and voltages to find the limits of the RAM, this is called overclocking. When you push it too far your system will BSoD, then you have to back it off a little to get it to run stable.

Usually they won't explode


If you're happy with the system and RAM, you can mark the thread 'Solved'.