Detecting RAM speed - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

05-07-2003, 12:44 PM

I just built a new PC, It is an intel P4 3.06mhz on an MSI 865PE MotherBoard, I purchased 2 GB (4x512) of 400 MHZ RAM. Problem is, no matter where I look, BIOS, SiSoft Sandra 2003, or on Windows, can I see that I truly have 400 mhz ram. Anywhere where the ram speed would normally be posted, it says n/a or unknown. I question it, because although it says it is DDR 400 on the sticker on the ram, the ram was not in it's original packaging when I bought it. I just don't want to be ripped of, as I paid for 400, not 333. Any advice would be great!
Thanxage

chodarama · 05-07-2003, 02:07 PM

You might call around for a local PC repair shop to see if they have a memory tester you could use. Memory testers are expensive, especially the ones for newer memory like DDR. (example: http://www.simmtester.com/page/shop/shop.asp)
also, see if there are any numbers or anthing that might allow you to identify the manufacturer

or

you could download Sisoft Sandra and benchmark the memory, compare the results with the listed memory types to see what kind you probably have
edit:
http://www.sisoftware.net/

cj22009 · 05-07-2003, 02:50 PM

Get the brand a part number off the ram and do a search on google it will come back with what it is thats how I always tell

BigJonnyJ · 05-07-2003, 02:56 PM

Ummm...dude, your motherboard settings should tell you directly that you have a 200Mhz FSB (DDR 400), however your processor is an older (barely) 133/533 part. I imagine that your processor is dictating a 133 FSB (DDR 266 or 333 depending).
You could overclock it to 200 Mhz...but I'd look into some cooling. So while your RAM can go 400 Mhz, its only putzing around at either 333 or 266.

05-07-2003, 03:41 PM

my MB settings are set at 133mhz fsb (by default).... I can go up with it to like 158 mhz, which sets my ram at 398 mhz. But for obvious reasons, I do not want to start overclocking here (I have 5 fans though). Research tells me the 3.06 chip is good for the 400mhz Ram. The Motherboard is also supposed to support that as well. The search continues.

chodarama · 05-07-2003, 11:52 PM

Also, if there is still any question, return the memory and buy from a reputable seller like Crucial or Mushkin.

charliex · 05-09-2003, 04:22 PM

sis sandra benchmark ought to detect your memorys speed

05-07-2003, 12:44 PM	#1 (permalink)
Juxtaposed Guest	Detecting RAM speed I just built a new PC, It is an intel P4 3.06mhz on an MSI 865PE MotherBoard, I purchased 2 GB (4x512) of 400 MHZ RAM. Problem is, no matter where I look, BIOS, SiSoft Sandra 2003, or on Windows, can I see that I truly have 400 mhz ram. Anywhere where the ram speed would normally be posted, it says n/a or unknown. I question it, because although it says it is DDR 400 on the sticker on the ram, the ram was not in it's original packaging when I bought it. I just don't want to be ripped of, as I paid for 400, not 333. Any advice would be great! Thanxage

05-07-2003, 02:07 PM	#2 (permalink)
chodarama Insane Location: a van, down by the river	You might call around for a local PC repair shop to see if they have a memory tester you could use. Memory testers are expensive, especially the ones for newer memory like DDR. (example: http://www.simmtester.com/page/shop/shop.asp) also, see if there are any numbers or anthing that might allow you to identify the manufacturer or you could download Sisoft Sandra and benchmark the memory, compare the results with the listed memory types to see what kind you probably have edit: http://www.sisoftware.net/ Last edited by chodarama; 05-07-2003 at 02:10 PM..

05-07-2003, 02:50 PM	#3 (permalink)
cj22009 On the edge of control Location: Ga	Get the brand a part number off the ram and do a search on google it will come back with what it is thats how I always tell

05-07-2003, 02:56 PM	#4 (permalink)
BigJonnyJ Upright Location: Washington State	Ummm...dude, your motherboard settings should tell you directly that you have a 200Mhz FSB (DDR 400), however your processor is an older (barely) 133/533 part. I imagine that your processor is dictating a 133 FSB (DDR 266 or 333 depending). You could overclock it to 200 Mhz...but I'd look into some cooling. So while your RAM can go 400 Mhz, its only putzing around at either 333 or 266.

05-07-2003, 03:41 PM	#5 (permalink)
Juxtaposed Guest	my MB settings are set at 133mhz fsb (by default).... I can go up with it to like 158 mhz, which sets my ram at 398 mhz. But for obvious reasons, I do not want to start overclocking here (I have 5 fans though). Research tells me the 3.06 chip is good for the 400mhz Ram. The Motherboard is also supposed to support that as well. The search continues.

05-07-2003, 11:52 PM	#6 (permalink)
chodarama Insane Location: a van, down by the river	Also, if there is still any question, return the memory and buy from a reputable seller like Crucial or Mushkin.

05-09-2003, 04:22 PM	#7 (permalink)
charliex Junkie Location: North Hollywood	sis sandra benchmark ought to detect your memorys speed