Sprokethead

I built my system some time ago. As I do with too many things in my life, I crammed a bunch of knowledge really fast in order to do it right, and then never really revisited it, and I got stupid again really fast.

I remember realizing one day, while doing all my Excel overclocking ratios, that my processor was only utilizing 800MHz of my 1066MHz memory. Now for the life of me I can't figure out why.

I'm about to go for a couple upgrades on my CPU and am trying to figure out how to determining how many MHz are utilized by the processor.

Is there anyone out there who could please refresh my memory?

Any help is appreciated!

mrfajita

Not certain about with AMD processors, but maybe bump the Front Side Bus (or HT Link) up to 1066MHz.
Again don't quote me on this, but if your memory ratio is 1:1 that should do it (mine is, and 920MHz FSB gets me 920MHz memory)

__________________
Use proper English.

Tuxi

Umm... Utilize frequency? I really dont think thats possible. And related to CPU, no way... Cant really understand your message here but you cannot really say that "my gpu only utilizes 500mhz of my 1900mhz ram and that sucks" or "my cpu utilizes only 800mhz from 1000mhz".

Edit: OH. You meant that it was downclocked. I see. Raise the FSB (which increase both CPU and mem clock) or the mem ratio in order to get it back to 1000mhz.

__________________

Sprokethead

Doh! Thanks to both. That is exactly what I was looking for.

Followup question: If I get a better processor, I won't even need to worry about anything like this, correct? The FSB speed will just be faster, and the RAM will be put to better use.

Tuxi

No. It depends but normally CPU clock is determined by FSB and CPU ratio. And normally if you buy a better cpu, they just have increased CPU ratio. And FSB is still the same. I think you could just leave that mem ratio on AUTO, when it should use right clocks and latencys on mem.

__________________

xandypx

Your question is a little confusing, but let me try to explain why you currently see 800mhz on your memory, and the possible solutions.

You motherboard is Hypertransport version 3.0 which supports the following transport speeds. Many call this the FSB for simplicity, but is actually a different architecture.

1,800 MHz = 3,600 MT/s = 7,200 MB/s
2,000 MHz = 4,000 MT/s = 8,000 MB/s
2,400 MHz = 4,800 MT/s = 9,600 MB/s
2,600 MHz = 5,200 MT/s = 10,400 MB/s


The first fix for your memory speed, would be to overclock. Everything else below is based on installing components, and just letting the system run without overclocking.

You currently have a motherboard that is capable of supporting AMD chips with Socket AM2, AM2+, and AM3.

Your current processor is an AM2. This is currently your limiting factor without overclocking. AM2 processors do not natively support 1066 memory, nor does your Mobo, when an AM2 processor is installed.

AMD's hyper transport Link (HT Link) runs natively at either 1800 or 2000mhz with an AM2 processor installed, so the maximum memory speed is 1000mhz DDR, 66mhz short of the 1066mhz, you're looking for.
This is why you see 800mhz. the HT Link cannot achieve 2132 mhz. (1066x2)

If you were to install an AM2+ processor, the HT Link speed would automatically increase to 2400mhz., which will nativly support 1066mhz. memory. The catch is, you would need to manually change this setting in BIOS, as it would still default to 800mhz. I'm not sure if this problem has been fixed, but AM2+ processors could not achieve 1066Mhz. memory if more than two DIMMs where installed, unless you overclocked the memory.

Now comes AM3, Installing an AM3 processor changes everything. Since your Mobo is Hyper Transport version 3.0, the board will now support HT to 2600mhz. And the 1066mhz limit is achieved automatically.

The above is a very basic oversimplification, but I hope it will help the OP understand how his Motherboard, processor and memory work together to determin the RAM speed.

And yes... Overclocking changes everything.

Sprokethead

Xandy - Thank you VERY much for that overview. It makes perfect sense when you write it out.

Quick question: The specs on Newegg say that my motherboard supports AM2 and AM2+, see below. (I'm sure that relying on newegg for my info is a major faux paux/party foul.) Is that just because AM3 wasn't around when I bought it or something? In other words, are you sure mine takes AM3? Is there a way for me to verify this?

Thanks again to all for all the help.

xandypx

Link to BioStar website for your board, here, and the corresponding tab for supported processors, clearly shows the AM3 processors, even though the Overview page shows only socket AM2 and AM2+.

This link is to a version 5.x board, so I don't know if there are earlier boards ie 4.x, 3.x etc.. that may be different, but it shouldn't since AM3 chips can be installed in AM2 boards also. You do loose the HT speeds with an AM2 board, because of the limitations of the HT spec. The AM3 chips were designed to install and work on an AM2+ board. And as mentioned in my other post, your Mobo does have the HT 3.0 spec, which gives you the etra HT speeds made available to AM3 CPUs. That was one of AMD's design criteria that this could happen.

I believe the only thing you loose is the ability to run DDR3 memory that AM3 Boards, and AM3 CPUs support. AM2+ can only use DDR2. AM2+ boards lack the ability to support DDR3.

Sprokethead

I was just looking through the site to see if there were different version of the board.

You, sir, are a phenomenal source of information. Thanks!