T61p BIOS Adjustments

What are they?

I read some where that DDR2 6400 (800 mhz) requires at least 2 volts to kick in.

I know that the T61p will run 800mhz ram but it is underclocked to 667mhz speed. Not sure why. I was thinking it's because of the RAM voltage settings which could possibly be adjusted in the BIOS.

I'm expecting to receive my first Thinkpad T61p soon.
I want to upgrade the RAM and will probably go with 2x2GB of 800mhz ram despite it being undeclocked. I'm hoping that there will be a way to tweak it in the BIOS or with some type of RAM tuning application.


I did a search for T61p BIOS and didn't find anything.

 

The Lenovo has a Intel 965PM chipset, which only supports 667 Mhz RAM, therefore the limitation.

 

Why would you want 800mhz ram anyway, coz, if you don't overclock like you do on the desktops, there is no performance increase or so ever, and it's more expensive.

 

Because ANY computer runs best with 1:1 cpu:memory speed.

 

I might be wrong, as it's such a long time ago I had to do any overclocking, but I thought the CPU's Bus speed is quad meaning if the front bus speed is 800mhz, then the bus speed is 200mhz, but the memory bus speed is double, times two sticks (dual channel), which mean 400mhz runs at 200mhz of frequency, so 800mhz cpu only need 400mhz memory of two stick (dual channel). And 1066mhz fsb cpu need 533mhz x2, 1333mhz fsb cpu needs 667mhz x2 and etc... Well that's how I understand how DDR 2 works.

As I said I might be wrong, please correct me.

 

Running 800Mhz ram where only 667 is supported not only costs more, but the specs on most 800 will have a higher CL spec than the same ram in 667. Crucial shows 667 at CL5 and 800 at CL6, and auto configuration will set it at rated. The difference won't show up in noticeable performance, but why pay more for any less at all?

Take care... Quinn

 

The thing is that PC 800Mhz RAM doesn't cost more than the 667Mhz RAM.
I've seen them on sale for about the same price.

So if I'm going to buy RAM I figure I might as well buy the RAM that will offer more for future upgrades.

 

The future will be DDR3, which should be higher speed, lower power cosumption, when you buy anything technological, never think about the future.

 

I don't completely agree with you. In the case of compatible RAM IMO it's best to get the RAM that will last. Since most RAM is backwards compatible I think in the not too near future the 800mhz RAM will be more valued than 667mhz for it's performance.

Hence IMO it's wiser to get the best RAM possible at the time for the best price. With the difference in RAM cost between 800mhz and 667mhz it seems like the smart move would be to get 800mhz.

 

You should do exactly whatever will make you the happiest... Quinn

 

So with a BIOS update for the T61p's PM965 chipset could it run DDR3?

1066 FSB has all the awesome CPU/power/memory technology going for it.

Would be awesome if a custom BIOS could open up the T61p for faster hardware.