|
Home / Computers
RAM and Latency... what you need to know
By:Nicholas Spriggs
No one likes a slow computer. Well, at least not anyone I know. People spend thousands of dollars on upgrades and cutting edge systems to use a faster computer. However, upgrading your computer is not the only way to have a quicker computing experience. For those looking to squeeze the last bit of performance out of their machines, there are many ways to optimize your system for speed.
Overclocking your CPU, tweaking your registry, and fine tuning the bios are some the most common ways to optimize your system. Another often overlooked method is reducing your RAM’s latency.
RAM latency occurs when the CPU needs to retrieve information from memory. In order to receive information from RAM, the CPU sends out a request through the front side bus (FSB.) However, the CPU operates faster than the memory, so it must wait while the proper segment of memory is located and read, before the data can be sent back. RAM latency is measured in wasted FSB clock cycles, since the data is transferred through the FSB. The bigger the latency number, the more FSB clock cycles it missed. The goal in reducing latency is to get the data back to the CPU in the least amount of FSB clock cycles possible.
The easiest way to reduce RAM latency is to increase the speed of the front side bus. This means that the FSB can send and receive data between the CPU and memory faster. However, this also overclocks the CPU, RAM, and possibly the AGP bus as well. Overclocking your system will void your computer’s warranties and could possibly damage and/or destroy your system, so only attempt it if you’re willing to risk frying your computer. Adjusting your PC’s FSB is usually performed through the BIOS or through jumpers on your motherboard, although not all motherboards support overclocking.
A safer method is to adjust your RAM’s timings, although this can still potentially damage your system and usually only wields nominally performance gains. There’s no simple way to say it, so I’ll apologize in advance for spitting some tech jargon your way. RAM timing are measured in CAS, RCD, RP, and RAS. CAS refers to the amount of clock cycles to reach the correct column of memory, RCD refers to the amount of cycles between RAS to CAS, RP refers to the amount of cycles needed to close a row and open the next row for reading, and RAS refers to the smallest number of clock cycles a row must be actively accessed. To simplify that explanation, remember that RAM timings are measured in FSB clock cycles, so the lower the number, the faster your system is.
For example, my RAM timings are 3-3-3-8 (CAS-RCD-RP-RAS.) To optimize my timings, I first tried lowering my CAS in my bios to 2.5 and rebooting. Windows booted just fine and everything worked correctly, so I then rebooted and went back into my bios and dropped my CAS down to 2, so now my timings were 2-3-3-8. Again, this setup seemed stable so I went in and tried reducing my RAS, since it was pretty high. This was the last stable tweak that I could do. When I tried to go below 2-3-3-7 in any timing my system either wouldn’t boot or Windows would generate a mass amount of memory related areas. I used 3dMark 2005 to get an idea of how much improvement my memory adjustments made, if any. Before tweaking my timings I posted a 2105 3dMark score, after the tweaking I scored 2114. Not much of difference, but when it comes to optimizing your system for speed, every last bit helps.
While reducing RAM latency may not have a huge impact on system performance, it can give it a little extra kick, which combined with other methods of optimization, can result in a much quicker PC. So until you’re ready to buy a new computer, consider tuning up your current one to it’s fullest potential.
Digg
del.icio.us
Blink
Stumble
Spurl
Reddit
Netscape
Furl
Article keywords: memory, RAM, Latency, computer memory, computer performance, overclocking
Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com
Nicholas Spriggs at desktop-computer-guide.com provides up to date information in the computer and tech field. For more info subscribe to DCG Ezine, or check us out at desktop-computer-guide.com/computer-memory.html
|
|
| Top Computers Articles |
- 1). The danger behind peer-to-peer file sharing By : Migz Mon
File sharing is very common nowadays. You can get a P2P (peer-to-peer) program for free, and soon start sharing stuff like music, videos and programs. We use these applications freely and most of us don’t know the risks involved when using them.
Questionable reliability of files – Once we get our hands on a P2P program, we download everything we want like crazy.
|
|
|
|
|
- 4). Is The Internet Censored? By : J Schipper
When most people think about Internet censorship, the usual suspects immediately come to mind : Communist China and repressive Islamic countries. Unfortunately, Westerners have an embarrassment all their own : Australia's net censorship law, established in 2000.
Freedom House, a non-profit U.S. organization dedicated to spreading human rights and freedom, undertakes regular surveys on press freedom and censorship.
|
- 5). Toshiba Libertto U100, smaller yet better than you might imagine! By : john
Have you ever wondered how small a laptop can be? Well, utilizing today’s technology Toshiba does a perfect job at demonstrating it; the Libertto U100 is one of the very few laptops that have such a rich feature set fitted altogether within such a small space. Of course, if you believe that a fingerprint authentication system is too much for such a.
|
- 6). Does CCTV Really Reduce Crime? By : Robert Michael
In the UK, home of twenty percent of the world's CCTV cameras, there is mounting concern about its invasion and lack of regulation. "UK Public CCTV Surveillance Regulation Campaign."
The thought-provoking questions they ask are good ones.
They want to know, for instance, why, if television programming and licensing is so heavily regulated in the UK.
|
|
|
- 8). Preparation Tips For Comptia A+ Certification By :
The Industry Standard CompTIA A Plus Certification exam has two parts; approximately 80 questions for each part.
* Core Hardware: $153 - min. passing score 515
* Operating Systems Technology: $153 - min. passing score 505
(CompTIA corporate members can take the exams for $98, employers that require this test are usually corporate members and will inform you of this.
|
- 9). Can Cell Phones Harm Your Health? By : D Ruplinger
It seems like everywhere a person goes there is at least one person in view with a cell phone to their ear whether it is on the road, in a store, in a parking lot, walking down the street, etc. Even in places where cell phone usage is banned such as concert halls or movie theaters there is the occasional offender, or more likely, at least a few people using the text messaging feature on their phone.
|
|
|
| New Computers Articles |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- 5). If You Want Flexibility And Portability Consider A Laptop By : Gregg Hall
If you are one of those who works with a computer on a daily basis like me you should consider a laptop. I have actually owned three now and I think I would be lost without mine. I still use my desktop PC quite a bit at home but the laptop comes in extremely handy when I am away.
|
|
|
- 7). Becoming A DVD Repair Expert Online By : Maxine Schel
Many conventional colleges and universities are now offering online DVD repair courses, which are the exact same as those taught on a traditional college campus, to distance learners. Online education is generally taught through the use of several different methods, including online satellite feeds, correspondence or online lessons. This technique permits the student to obtain a DVD repair degree without ever having to step inside of a classroom.
|
- 8). Compatible Inkjet Cartridge By : Isabel Rodrigues
Once the printer ink runs dry it has to be replaced with another inkjet cartridge. There are many reputed companies like Canon, Epson, Dell, and Lexmark that provide the necessary cartridges to replace the empty cartridges. Replacing inkjet cartridge can add to a very big cost. It could be worse if you have to replace the empty cartridges frequently every month.
|
- 9). Best Passwords By : Richard Romando
No sane person would ever like someone else reading her email. Or for that matter some other person using her password and breaking into a financial institution. You should, therefore, choose a strong, secure password in such a manner that would be a hard nut to crack for others and easy for you to remember. The more random and mixed-up you make it, the harder it is for others to crack.
|
- 10). Home Printing Machines By : Peter Vermeeren
Home printing machines are available on the market today in many sizes, prices and capabilities. Many different forms of printing can be accomplished in the home. Whether you want to create unique tee-shirts using a home screen printing machine or you want to produce elegant laser printed letters, the equipment is readily available to you for home use.
|
|
|
