How to overclock the RAM? Program for overclocking RAM

Using a computer, many of us do not even realize that the performance of the device can be significantly increased without resorting to an "upgrade" - updating the hardware components. This is done with the help of the so-called "dispersal" of various types of microcircuits. In particular, this kind of procedure is very popular with respect to RAM modules (RAM), along with similar experiments with processors, video cards and other hardware components of the computer.

What is the practical importance of overclocking RAM, not counting the increase in PC performance? This procedure, in particular, can be used in comparative testing of memory modules from different manufacturers in service centers.

Overclocking PC hardware components is a popular hobby in the world and in Russia. People who are fond of them, refer to themselves as an interesting term "overclockers" (from the English overclock, meaning in one of the interpretations "dispersal").

There are a number of nuances, the knowledge of which can be useful for enthusiasts of "overclocking" and IT specialists engaged in testing "iron". How to overclock the RAM and at the same time ensure the greatest increase in PC performance? How to ensure the stable operation of the computer in the "overclocked" mode? How to choose the optimal method of "overclocking" and do not do harm to other hardware components of the computer?

Methods for overclocking RAM

IT experts, commenting on the possibility of overclocking RAM, usually emphasize the fact that as such an IC chip, as a rule, has a factory-built "immunity" to an artificial increase in productivity. Therefore, overclocking modules separately from other hardware components of the PC can be a matter of futility. For this reason, in practice, the "RAM" is accelerated almost always after the processor. Separately - in very rare cases. Before thinking about how to overclock the RAM, the user of the PC will be useful to learn the features of accelerating the processor's performance.

Under the "overclocking" of RAM is almost always understood as the activation of special modes of its operation. Which ones?

Firstly, this "overclocking" by increasing the clock frequency of RAM modules. As a rule, this procedure is performed simultaneously with changing the processor settings, which in turn are aimed at increasing its performance.

Secondly, the "overclocking" of RAM can be done by changing the so-called "timings". If their values are reduced, then the process of exchanging electronic signals in the chip will become more intense.

Some experts also identify a third method of accelerating the performance of RAM, namely, experiments with changes in values relating to the electrical voltage in the chip.

How to overclock RAM using all three of the above described tools most effectively? Let's see what IT experts recommend.

Choosing the optimal method for overclocking RAM

Due to the technological peculiarities of the architecture of the RAM modules, the two above-mentioned methods of their "overclocking" can not be used in the modes of setting the maximum values simultaneously. Have to choose - high timings or frequencies, or choose a compromise combination of settings. How to overclock the RAM, correctly optimizing the combination of these two parameters?

IT specialists do not give an unambiguous answer to this question. There are only general recommendations. One of them sounds like this: if we put higher values for the clock frequency, we'll have to slow down the timings, otherwise the PC's performance will be unstable. And the acceleration of timings will be effective only if the clock speed is not increased relative to the factory level.

Experts believe that everything depends on the specific architecture of specific microcircuits, as well as on how correctly the results of testing the overclocked modules will be interpreted.

The most important nuance: many experts note that the user who wants to overclock the processor and memory, you need to be prepared for the fact that the computer does not accelerate, but, conversely, slow down. Such cases are not uncommon. In this case, the ideal option - do not touch the factory settings of RAM and processor. The best RAM, some IT experts believe, is one that works on frequencies and timings exposed by the manufacturer.

"Duality" of RAM frequencies: what you need to know

There is a version that the frequency is the determining characteristic in the RAM speed. Therefore, in the acceleration in the first order, attention should be paid to this parameter. The higher the frequency, the more operating cycles the RAM modules produce per second. Therefore, the speed of RAM is higher. However, there is one interesting nuance here.

Experts advise to pay attention to the fact that DDR RAM modules have two "frequency" characteristics: real (actual) and effective. And the second twice more. Manufacturers of RAM rarely indicate the actual. While in the diagnostics and monitoring programs of the hardware components of a PC, as a rule, this type of frequency is displayed.

The main "timings"

The second most important parameter when overclocking RAM is timings. There are a lot of them, but in our case we will need knowledge about four - CAS, RAS-to-CAS, and also Row Precharge and Row Active. In this order, the settings for the timings are usually specified.

Optimal operating voltage

Optimization of this parameter is important in terms of stability of the overclocked RAM module. The factory value for memory modules such as DDR2 is 1.8 volts, for RAM type DDR3 a little less - 1.5. To "accelerate" you can increase the voltage, but not much. IT experts recommend setting a value of 2.2 volts for DDR2-type chips. If the user thinks about how to overclock the DDR3 memory, then he needs to keep in mind that for this type of RAM the maximum value in the voltage is 1.65. If higher, then the system may start to malfunction. Specialists note that even the best memory from the world's leading brands does not guarantee stability of operation when manipulating the voltage level.

We test performance during overclocking

As we already noted above, it is difficult to predict in advance which method of overclocking will be more effective - manipulation with a clock frequency or timings. Therefore, if you decided to speed up the work of the PC, you will have to arm yourself with specialized programs that allow you to monitor the performance of overclocked RAM modules.

What programs should I pay attention to? Experts advise to acquire such software as PC Mark and Everest. Which program is the most suitable for memory? Experts believe that each of these solutions has its pros and cons. Much depends on the subjective level of comfort of using these programs, which is determined by the user himself.

These types of software are good, in addition to quality monitoring for performance, the presence of functions to monitor the stability of the RAM modules.

Measuring the speed of RAM is extremely important from the point of view of choosing the optimal combination of tools for overclocking chips.

RAM Acceleration Toolkit

You can set the necessary frequency values or change the settings in timings in two ways: via the BIOS interface or by using special software. Many IT professionals recommend the first option, since in this case, low-level interaction with hardware components of the PC.

Thus, we are dealing with an amazing recommendation from IT experts: not to use software that is run from the operating system. The best program for overclocking RAM is a BIOS, an I / O system.

Manipulation with frequency: key nuances

Experts in the field of overclocking of hardware components of the PC consider that it is necessary to approach the change in the frequency of RAM with extreme caution. The fact is that this parameter can not be set by adjusting a single digit. The total memory frequency is the result of the product of two different parameters: FSB and BCLK (an additional factor is added to them, which can also be changed). The product of FSB and BCLK is the so-called "reference frequency". It is necessary to correct it in the process of "overclocking" RAM. Experiments with a multiplier without changing the reference frequency, as a rule, do not lead to visible results.

The processor as a factor in the efficiency of overclocking RAM

Many IT experts believe that approaches to overclocking RAM modules should be chosen based on a specific processor model. It is possible that setting the same values of frequency, voltage and timings when using modules on different processors will be accompanied by completely opposite results.

Overclocking memory with Intel processor

Tests conducted by IT specialists show that when overclocking the memory used in conjunction with modern Intel processors (especially those built on the Sandy Bridge architecture), the following patterns exist.

First, many of the Intel chips are not amenable to adjustment with respect to the BCLK parameter. If its values change, then the PC can start to work unstably. Therefore, it will most likely be possible to experiment only with a multiplier.

There are at the same time in the Intel lineup processors, which, as experts say, are perfectly adapted to work when overclocking memory. For example, they are chips of types such as Core i7-8 (they are assembled on the basis of Lynnfield architecture). The least compatible with overclocking memory, according to some experts, are Intel processors, assembled on the basis of Clarkdale technology (especially the newest series).

Specialists note that the performance of RAM acceleration during overclocking on Intel processors is affected by the parameters of the PC motherboard, namely, what chipsets are used on it. Fast work of some chips in the architecture of the computer should be accompanied by no less dynamic performance of others. A PC is a complex of electronic components. The more coherent their work - the faster and more stable the computer functions. If at the disposal of the user - a low-performance motherboard, RAM, most likely, no overclocking will not help.

The best compatibility with overclocking is supported by chips with a P67 Express chipset.

Overclocking memory and AMD processors

IT specialists note that AMD is characterized by incomparably greater conservatism in approaches to changing the architecture of the produced processors. Therefore, overclocked RAM modules in tandem with AMD chips, experts believe, behave more predictably than when used in combination with Intel processors. However, the level of performance achieved, as noted by IT professionals, with overclocked RAM modules in tandem with AMD processors is usually lower.

They are quite good at overclocking the RAM of the Phenom II, Athlon II chips. The reference frequency in them is 200 megahertz. For best results, it is recommended to set the frequency for the memory controller to three, and sometimes even more than the same for memory modules.

Specialists note that DDR3 memory, considered one of the most productive, is almost not overclocked on a PC equipped with an AMD processor. It is important to make sure that there are other modules on the motherboard. Before you start overclocking, you need to examine each memory slot, see what kind of chips are on the chips.

What is better to overclock: processor or memory?

The IT experts do not give an unambiguous answer to this question. It almost always makes sense to do both at the same time. However, some experts believe that a separate overclocking of the processor will provide a guaranteed increase in system performance. While the effect of using overclocked memory is not always accompanied by a real acceleration of the PC, and sometimes even, on the contrary, the system begins to "slow down".

How can I overclock the computer's RAM so that performance is guaranteed to increase, but the probability of malfunctions is reduced? According to IT experts, it is possible to reveal the real potential of PC hardware components by implementing a comprehensive approach, which is expressed in the simultaneous work on the dispersal of a wide variety of types of hardware.

In particular, the practical significance of increasing PC performance arises, as a rule, when launching computer games and powerful graphics applications. Therefore, simultaneously with RAM and the processor, it makes sense to overclock the video card as well. When setting the parameters of the memory, assuming an artificial acceleration of its operation, you should compare them with the values that you need to install for other hardware components of the PC.

Aspect of cooling

Set the optimal values for the frequency and timings - half the case. It is very important to take care of the equipment to withstand the increased load due to the overclocking. Therefore, before you artificially increase the speed of RAM, you should make sure that it has a powerful cooling system.

The RAM slats should be in the immediate vicinity of the radiators. This rule applies, meanwhile, not only RAM, but also the processor (as well as other "overclocked" types of "iron"). It is very important for ventilation to blow out every slot of RAM in a qualitative way, ensuring a constant air circulation. In some cases, it makes sense to install simultaneously with the factory coolers an additional system for cooling the computer.