Asus Striker Extreme & ??? Corsair RAM

[akash1221]

Which Corsair RAM offer the most stability for the Asus Striker Extreme???

 

I've been reading through the posts on the board (here and elsewhere) and am now totally going nuts trying to figure out whats the best fit for me.

 

:confused:

 

Here is what my PC will look like:

 

Case: Coolermaster Cosmos 1000

PS: Thermaltake 1200 (1200w)

MB: Asus Striker Extreme (1305 BIOS)

Proc: Intel QX6850 Quadcore Extreme

Mem: ??? (need to figure out what to get!!!)

HD: Seagate 320GB SATA (x2), 1 Hitachi 320GB SATA, 1 Seagate 300GB SATA

Optical: Lite-on DVD+-R/RW, Lite-on Blu-Ray

Sound: onboard

Video: XFX Force 8800 Ultra Extreme (only one ATM, NO SLI)

 

Here is what I would like to do:

 

1. Dual boot XP / Vista

2. Stability instead of overclock (although I may change my mind later :P)

3. For gaming/video editing

 

Corsair memory I've looked:

TWIN2X2048-6400C4

TWIN2X2048-6400C3DF

TWIN2X2048-6400C4D

TWIN2X2048-8500C5D

 

Which would offer the best fit for my needs?

 

Thank you for your assistance.

Akash

[b1z]

Well if you don't want to use a tmpfs/ramfs (filesystem within the memory) and are not going to edit huge raw video projects I think 4GB are the way to go today if you're really doing some heavy multitasking and use eg. VMware.

If not - 2GB are more than enough for the common user. Since your graphics card has 768MB this will even be enough to play games with uncompressed textures... whatever.

Thats your decision anyways...

 

As for the memory model I'd suggest you wait for RAM_GUY's answer.

 

Based on my experience, don't aim for a 4 module setup if you want the full speed your RAM is capable of :sunglasse

[DerekT]

As b1z says, it can ultimately depend on the use of your system. The needs of a personal workstation/gaming machine vs a Graphics video/audio multiplexing system, a web-server based upon a Unix file system, etc are quite different.

 

I will base my answer on the possibility that you are in fact a personal workstation/gaming machine. I base this on the Ultra Extreme and Power Supply :)

 

I would personally go with a 4GB system populating two DRAM banks with:

 

TWIN2X4096-6400C5 G = Click Here to View DRAM SPecs will serve your system quite well. You will not find any bandwidth saturation with gaming and workstation use and will achieve a high DRAM Read/Copy/Write Rate. You will not have any of the many possible issues that four DRAM banks populated can bring about. As you will be dual booting on an XP/VISTA setup, then both the gaming (DX10) and system (Aero) DRAM requirements would do better with 4GB rather than a 2GB system. In heavy gaming there is a fragmentation of DRAM space and after three or four hours of the new intensive games, you can find stutters due to the memory fragmentation and the extra 2GB will deal with this issue, that is unless you are an 8 hour or (greater) gamer. In that case I advise you to get out of the house :D:

[akash1221]

Further clarification on pc utilization:

 

1. Gaming (DX10, DX9)

2. Video editing (but for pleasure, kids videos, etc, nothing serious)

3. I am using 32 bit OS for XP and Vista.

 

What would you recommend with that in mind? I know 32 bit is limited to 2GB that was why I listed those 2GB units in my previous message.

 

Thanks,

Akash

[RAM GUY]

Twin2x2048-6400C4DHX would offer the best performance to value and what I would suggest.

[Spineman]

, that is unless you are an 8 hour or (greater) gamer. In that case I advise you to get out of the house :D:

Hi All,

Still laughing some hours after reading above, to the extent I have signed up to my first forum, after being on-line for over 12 years, and have lost my 'Posting Virginity' into the bargain.

I am slowly learning about best way to go about selecting RAM, (mostly from your various posts DerekT Thank you)

Would it be fair to assume best RAM for my SE would be 2 x 2GB sticks of

TWIN2X4096-6400C5, I edit a lot of video & audio cleaning & recovery. I was assuming that more ie 8GB is better and faster, but what I have gleaned is that filling all four modules wouldn't enhance performance, may even detract from it.

If so then the Asus advertising/ packaging/ manuals/etc etc highlighting the ability to run with 8Gb or even 32Gb in 64 bit Op/Sys, is leading fools like me into splashing out on 8Gb of RAM pointlessly.

One thing I have gleaned from another forum is stability problems with the 1305 version of BIOS, 1301/1303 are widely touted as better, general suggestion was that Asus seem to rush out new BIOS, and that is advisable to run with a version one or two versions earlier.(Source; xtremesystems.org)

Thanks for any and all advice gleaned frome here

Spineman

[Yellowbeard]

I'll add that I like 2 modules best on 680i boards. I have gotten 4 x 1gb stable at 1066+ but, 2 modules in general are much easier to tune. So, I would suggest for OCing, a set of the PC8500 Dominator 2 x 1gb. If you want a bit better price point, the DHX RAM GUY listed is awesome and is available in 2 x 1gb and 2 x 2gb kits.

[DerekT]

Would it be fair to assume best RAM for my SE would be 2 x 2GB sticks of TWIN2X4096-6400C5, I edit a lot of video & audio cleaning & recovery. I was assuming that more ie 8GB is better and faster, but what I have gleaned is that filling all four modules wouldn't enhance performance, may even detract from it.

 

Welcome to the Forums Spineman. We'll be gentle ;)

 

With the work you are doing, the question becomes more of capacity in use than capacity held in abeyance. If you have 8GB and your programs do not make use of the extra 4GB, then yes, the indexing and tagging of the extra dram will slow down the system. Only when that DRAM is in use will the system be faster than without the extra DRAM since you would be performing swap file transactions at that level. Video/Audio cleaning should not take up that 4 --> 8GB slot and I wonder if 4GB would be even be used. It depends on the length of tracking time. Keep in mind that you will not be performing steps so there will not be long back saves in memory for such work. Even a full cd uncompressed would not track out in a single GB so I think you may find that 2GB is more than enough for your work. ~50MB per song at 15 songs is only 750MB. I guess the best question is, "How Long Are Your Sessions in Time" or "How Large Are Your Data Files Per Session"?.

 

One thing I have gleaned from another forum is stability problems with the 1305 version of BIOS, 1301/1303 are widely touted as better, general suggestion was that Asus seem to rush out new BIOS, and that is advisable to run with a version one or two versions earlier.(Source; xtremesystems.org)

 

This has seen to be the case with some boards. It depends if the BIOS addresses issues that are necessary in your system. If it contains a fix that must be used, then backwards flashing may be problematic. However, with your system, the 1301/1303 are indeed seen as more stable. It's kind of a test and see how your system reacts and what the BIOS updates address.

[RAM GUY]

If you want to or plan to over clock then as SpecMike and DerekT have suggested Twin2x2048-8500C5D would be the best choice. However, in your first post you did not ask about over clocking and the reason I gave the most popular choice. Twin2x2048-6400C5DHX and yes if you want 4 Gig I would suggest Twin2x4096-6400C5DHX as the best choice. But running 4 modules will be more loading on the system and in many cases the users have had to slow the memory down to make the system stable and for sure any MB out there will over clock better with 2 modules than with 4.

[Spineman]

Wow, thanks for speedy & informative advice guys, much appreciated,

Spineman

[RAM GUY]

NP Please let us know if you have any more questions!

[Spineman]

After much reading of relevant posts mainly on this site, and bits of others, I have purchased a pair of PC8500 Dominator 2 x 1gb. I have danced around the edge of OC'ing before, even dared to try the AI options available in the Extreme's BIOS, although I doubt that sets me on the road to being an OC Sensei, I'm hoping this RAM choice gives me a chance to start learning.

Will carry out memtest etc before advancing, after that I will be sucking your communal brains dry LOL Alternatively there will be a pile of smoking components in one corner of my office, a large hole in the window and piles of hair around my chair. Who would have thought tinkering on the PC would be more exciting than the games you can run on it?

Spineman

[Spineman]

Hi,

After setting up my new RAM as per advice on other posts (Overnight Memtest & Prime95 for stability) I am chuffed to bits all is well. In setup for my RAM I used figures extracted from elsewhere on this site namely;

 

SLi Ready................. Disabled

CPU Freq.................. 266MHz

CPU Multiplier............ 9

FSB Memory Mode...... Unlinked

FSB Memory Ratio...... Auto

FSB QDR.................. 1066MHz

MEM DDR................. 1067MHz

MEMORY TIMING SETTINGS

CL.......................... 5

tRCD....................... 5

tRP......................... 5

tRAS....................... 15

Commands per clock... 2T

tRRD........................ 4

tRC.......................... 28

tWR......................... 6

tWTR....................... 11

tREF........................ Auto

tRD......................... 8

tRFC....................... 42

Async Latency.......... Auto

VOLTAGES

Vcore...................... Auto

Vdimm..................... 2.1v

1.2v HT................... 1.3v

NB Vcore.................. 1.45v

SB Vcore.................. 1.5v

CPU VTT.................. 1.25v

 

The above setup also included "Termination Voltage = 1.4v". Searched in vain for this option, not to be found under this alias, does it have an alternative name? (Asus Striker extreme BIOS 1305) I upped the BIOS from 1301, primarily because; " 1305 will Enhance CPU overclock capability of FSB1333". My CPU is Q6600 with the G0 flavouring. Hence the update from 1301

All is well, I am still learning what the hell 75% of that lot means:o: However running the Vista WEI everything comes up 5.9, except poor old RAM scraping in at 5.0. Any and all assistance in getting that nearer it's stablemates would be much appreciated. I have downloaded every piece of analysis/test software which has had a mention across the Forum, If someone can help, just let me know info is required.

Thanks for your time

Spineman

[DerekT]

Under the DRAM Voltage setting is there not a:

 

FSB Termination Voltage: ?

 

Please post your CPU/Memory and SPD tabs from CPU-z. Use http://www.photobucket.com to upload the images if you do not have an image upload site yet.

 

What CPU cooler are you using? When you run Prime95 for an hour, what are your coretemps?

[Spineman]

Hi,

Cooling wise, nothing exotic, this weekend added Zalman heatpipe CPU cooler with quiet 92mm PWM fan, already have 1 80mm Akasa lo-noise across H/Drives, two Antec 80mm smart-cool on chassis. The Zalman drastically reduced the CPU temp compared to Intel 'stock' cooler.

Hopefully I have managed to get images & info requested. The Prime95 test was the largeFTT option, seemed to offer max CPU loading. Actually ran for 2 hours.

The FSB Termination Voltage, remains undiscovered, checked everywhere in setup. However in the 'Extreme Overclocking' section of setup, I have selected AI tuning as 'Manual', two options remain greyed out under this selection; 'Overclock Options & N.O.S options' everything else is ripe for tampering, have I selected wrong option within Overclocking section of setup?

Picture time;

attempt 5

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff257/Spineman61/CPU-ZMem.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff257/Spineman61/CPU-ZSPD4.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff257/Spineman61/CPU-ZSPD2.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff257/Spineman61/CPU-Z.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff257/Spineman61/CoreTempPrime95.jpg

 

 

Hoping that some Jpegs have appeared, Ready for whatever comes next, I hope

[RAM GUY]

From the looks of the images you posted the CPU is not being detected properly, but I would check on Intel's site to be sure. But as I remember they should be 1.2 to 1.35 Volts.

[Spineman]

Trying to read Intels website re Vc is a bl**dy nightmre. Found following;

Vcore in range of 1.1v - 1.372v (source Bit-Tech.Net) also that Vcore could be pushed to 1.4625v for O/C, after which Temp starts became a major issue.

[RAM GUY]

If you system is stable I would not mess with the CPU VCore, but if you have any problems I would try and up the CPU VCore to about 1.3 Volts.

[Spineman]

Literally just remembered, processor was purchased as;

Intel Core 2 Quad Pro Q6600 "Energy Efficient SLACR 95W Edition" 2.40GHz http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CP-161-IN, educated guess is that is achieved by lower core voltage? (Almost sounds like I know what I am talking about:bigeyes:) further reading discover it is aimed at the overclocker, not the Carbon conscious LOL:laughing:

I know you guys get loads of problems & cries 4 help, I am keen to get my RAM up from Vista WEI 5.0 somewhere near the rest @ 5.9, I have a little knowledge, but no idea of way ahead... really appreciate guidance, I am a fairly quick learner... Cheers Spiney

[DerekT]

You've got a good processor there. A decently low VID (see core temp). With the right overclock and cooling, you should be able to make 3.4 - 3.6 on air.

 

That's the G0 revision and all G0 revisions are 95w. However, your temps are quite high for stock settings. Your cooling must be stock.

 

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee308/Dmtadman/coret.jpg

[Spineman]

Termination/FSB voltage,Lots of searching Is CPUVtt here;http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff257/Spineman61/ExTwOverVolts.jpg my 'missing' voltage?

Temp, my cooling is;last weekend added Zalman heatpipe CPU cooler with quiet 92mm PWM fan, 80mm Akasa lo-noise across H/Drives, three Antec 80mm smart-cool on chassis.

Part way thru'http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/221745-11-core-quad-temperature-guide using speedfan as in said article, I get a huge 15 degrees less both @ idle & running Prime95 with Max load. Than I do with CoreTemphttp://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff257/Spineman61/SpeedfanCoretemp.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff257/Spineman61/Idle.jpg System is rock steady, ran prime95 for 2hours on max setting, temp constant at around 44/45 with speedfan 60/59 CoreTemp.. who do I believe? My case is immaculately tidy and optimized airflow I've built dozens so I know that my CPU cooler is correctly installed, but I am a complete novice with regard to overclocking etc, any suggestions of way ahead?

[DerekT]

If you can be a bit more legible on your posting it would be far easier on my reading. Please use some spaces between what you show.

 

Do you have a link to your CPU cooler? As well, can you run the ASUS PC Probe II utility and see which of the three are closer together in thermals. I find Core Temp to be far more correct. So if PC Probe and Core Temp are closer in temperatures then you have your answer.

 

59/60 load temps with Core temp on a stock CPU is certainly high if you have a good cooler. I do not want to advise you on an overclock until you are clear about your actual temperatures.

 

CPU Vcore is the Voltage to your CPU and you have it set to "AUTO".

[Spineman]

Sorry about cramming of info!

 

I restored defaults earlier today, Asus Probe now runs. Ran Prime95 at Max load, along with core temp and speedfan.

 

After 1 hour Temp from Asus Probe was 40, Speedfan 36/39, coretemp 53/55 (cores 0&2 the higher in both cases)

 

CPU Cooling; http://www.dabs.com/productview.aspx?Quicklinx=4C8B&CategorySelectedId=11258&PageMode=1&NavigationKey=11258.[highlight]EDITED THIS LINK NOW WORKS SORRY[/highlight]

 

After installation of new fan last week, AsusProbe reported 25% drop in CPU Temp, seemed a hell of a drop to me, but then again this is something I have never done!

 

I assume that CPU Vtt is indeed my missing 'Termination Voltage'

 

The settings I had on previously were plundered from another thread, I printed off the settings, but cant find the bl**dy thread again!

 

For my known stable setup of Here. what CPU Vcore do you suggest?

 

Given a Vcore I will then run Prime95, taking temps from Speedfan, for whatever reason seems to give much more accurate reading than CoreTemp, I base that purely on my results, and finding that AsuProbe is a usefull and indicitive, if not deadly accurate, tool.

 

Thnaks again for your time, I really am shooting blind here, although I am slowly finding my way through the mist of ignorance.

[DerekT]

After 1 hour Temp from Asus Probe was 40, Speedfan 36/39, coretemp 53/55 (cores 0&2 the higher in both cases)

 

Yes, go with Core Temp.

 

I assume that CPU Vtt is indeed my missing 'Termination Voltage'

 

Correct.

 

For my known stable setup of Here. what CPU Vcore do you suggest?

 

Given a Vcore I will then run Prime95, taking temps from Speedfan, for whatever reason seems to give much more accurate reading than CoreTemp, I base that purely on my results, and finding that AsuProbe is a usefull and indicitive, if not deadly accurate, tool.

 

I disagree. I think that if you follow ASUS Probe you will be in error. It is your choice though.

 

Work your Vcore as every CPU has a different final base. I would set to 1.4v and then test to find if your system is Prime95 stable. If it is stable, then lower the Vcore one increment and retest until instability is found. Then increase 2 increments.

[Spineman]

Firstly Thanks.... and then.. sorry in advance for all ?'s but I want to learn, asking ?'s & self study is only way I know!

 

System is stable with Vcore at 1.4 I intend to start testing with lower settings as per your advice. later today/ this week.

 

[highlight]?1[/highlight]Will lower Vcore= Lower W = Lower Core Temperature

 

Having tried various 'Temp' progs, across all 4 OS's installed, CoreTemp disturbingly (although on average a little higher) seems the horse to follow.

 

[highlight]?2[/highlight] is that the range of temp on any one core at any time can be > 15%. Is that a norm. As an engineer I find that unacceptable, but this aint my Engineering spec

 

Left side of my brain is numb from trying to digest info relating to Temp's. For now I am more concerned with Temp issue, than getting my RAM WEI up with the rest of the 5.9 gang.

 

[highlight]?3[/highlight] researched cooler wasnt bought for decoration considered 'lapping' but hours of effort for a couple of degrees seems poor return, , I know I installed correctly.... appreciate your long range diagnosis,, I spent ages tie-wrapping & sleeving & now reaching for snips....