M15x memory upgrade HELP!

Hi,

I purchased an Alienware M15X a while ago and it came with 4GB PC2-5300 667mhz ram. Windows Experience Index gave RAM performance a 5.0.

I just installed an OCZ2M8004GK kit consisting of 2x 2GB PC2-6400 DDR2 SODIMM @ 800mhz, booted windows, ran Windows Experience Index and found there was no change in RAM performance.

How do I know if my new RAM is running any faster than the old ones?

Thanks,
Schuby

 

If you download CPU-Z, it'll tell you your frequency and timings.

 

Hi Lithus,

thanks for your reply. There are several things that concern me about the readings from cpuz:

• under CPU it shows the Bus Speed at 199.4MHz, shouldn't it be at 800Mhz?
• under Memory it shows DRAM Frequency at 332.4MHz, shouldn't this also be at 800MHz?

I do notice my computer running slightly faster, but I really would like some concrete evidence that my machine is making full use of the faster RAM that I've installed.

After I installed the RAM I went into the BIOS but there were no options to configure the RAM. Are there any utilities that will let you set the memory timings?

 

Bus speed is correct. 200x4=800. RAM frequency at 333 means you're memory is still running at 667.

Honestly, any speed up that you fell is a placebo effect. Only way you can tell the difference between 667 and 800 DDR2 is though a benchmark.

 

You changed from 4GB to 4GB - there is no difference.

Return the RAM, no point to it in your case.

Cheers!

 

I think the speed difference I felt is that this RAM has better tCAS-tRCD-tRP-tRAS numbers. I'm disappointed to see that its running at 667 though. How can I get it to run at 800?

 

Your chipset and BIOS need to support running at 800 Mhz.

Your notebook's manufacturer may simply locked out that option?

See if a newer BIOS exists. It may rectify that for you.

Good luck.

 

The laptop is running an Intel Core 2 Extreme X9000 with 800Mhz system bus so I dont think the problem is a hardware restriction.

It is very possible that the BIOS is locked. I know there is a newer BIOS available for my laptop but I was hoping it wouldnt come to that cause Alienware is gonna be a pain in the about helping me upgrade the BIOS. I just need some way to get my machine to tap into those other 133MHz and I'll be happy.

 

The CPU FSB and the SoDimm FSB speeds do not have to match, just fyi.

Good luck.

 

They don't have to match, but they CAN be the same. Thats what I'm trying to achieve.

 

What I'm saying is that in your case, it seems like you can't (seems like a hardware/BIOS restriction).

Hope I'm wrong though!

Cheers!

 

If upgrading my BIOS doesn't solve the problem, are there any apps out there that will let me "overclock" my memory?

 

Upgrading the BIOS will not change the memory speed...it is set at 667. SetFSB might do it.

 

Hi,

I have never overclocked before and am afraid of effing up my laptop. Could you please give me step by step instructions on how to use SetFSB.

I also saw another program that looked similar: NVIDIA System Tools.

The thing that confuses me about setting the FSB speed is that in CPU-Z it shows DRAM Frequency at 332.4MHz. Now I assume I'm supposed to double that number in order to know what my ?real? FSB speed is, which is 667MHz, right? Now in order to overclock my FSB so that it makes use of my 800MHz RAM, I should then set the FSB clock in NVIDIA System Tools or SetFSB to 400MHz???

Thanks a lot for your help,
Schuby

 

looking to sell the original 2x2 sticks?

 

no, I'd like to keep them as a spare.

 

I haven't overclocked the memory (the m15x is my wife's laptop), but you can try posting in the Alienware forums for advice. Nvidia System Tools will overclock the GPU, not sure if it will overclock the main RAM.

And yes, the frequency is 332.4. DDR=Double Data Rate, so double that is 667ish. I would be careful in how you set the clocks and go up a little at a time and check for stability. I'm not an expert at overclocking, so I would ask the AW forum and also read the excellent guide to optimizing the Asus G51 for more background on overclocking.

 

Hi Kimo,

Thanks for your reply. I tried Nvidia System Tools and will only oc the gpu in my case. So I tried SetFSB but I can't figure out which clock generator I should use. My laptop has an Intel GM965 chipset and I can't seem to find that on the list.

 

That's because you need your motherboard's exact clock generator ID number, it's different for each specific motherboard design. You need to find someone else who's taken their notebook apart, or do it yourself and find the PLL number.

Unless you want to software overclock the CPU as well, setFSB isn't going to do anything to help performance. The GM/PM965 chipset only supports 667 memory operation, but you have to remember that it's dual channel. So effective 667*2 = more than enough to saturate the 800 bus.

The other thing I should add is that the WEI is meaningless in every way possible.