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RAM management

BIOS ROM, for example, from Award, has a built-in setup program that allows you to change the basic system configuration. This information is recorded in CMOS RAM so that it is not lost if the computer loses power. The transition to the BIOS setup program - BIOS Setup - is carried out by pressing key keys when turning on the computer or rebooting it. Usually the key is used for these purposes .

Changing the configuration is carried out by setting the values ​​of the corresponding parameters in Setup and then saving them in CMOS RAM. This procedure is often called BIOS Setup.

The overall performance of the entire computer system often depends on the settings in BIOS Setup. In many cases, there is a real opportunity to significantly improve the performance of your computer by changing the settings in BIOS Setup. This is especially true for memory settings.

Most often, default settings ensure stable operation of the entire system. However, these settings do not provide maximum performance. The idea is to try to select parameters so that the computer works both quickly and stably. To achieve maximum computer performance using BIOS Setup, you mainly need to experiment with the settings of time delays when accessing RAM (BIOS Memory Timing menu), internal or external cache memory and working with them. It is also advisable to pay attention to the parameters that determine the modes of the video adapter and hard drive.

When choosing parameters, you can almost always proceed from the principle that the lower the delay, the better. At the same time, setting these parameters to too low values ​​can lead to unstable operation of the memory, and therefore the computer. In this case, it is enough to load the default settings (BIOS Setup Defaults menu), and the system will return to its original state. By changing BIOS Setup parameters associated with delays when working with memory, it is impossible to cause any harm to the computer. If the system is not stable or refuses to function at all, you just need to return to the original settings.

A detailed description of each parameter can be found in the documentation for the motherboard or in the relevant technical literature. Here are some examples of their adjustments in order to increase the speed of the computer's RAM.

Most often, all the necessary parameters that control the operation of RAM are located in the BIOS Setup menu, which is called Advanced Chipset Setup, the items of which are listed below. You can usually change values ​​using the keys<+>And<->or AND Enabled/Disabled values ​​mean enable/disable the corresponding option.

• Auto Configuration
  Automatic setting of parameters by computer.
  To enable manual correction of parameters, it is advisable to disable this option. Otherwise, many settings will be set automatically.
• DRAM Read Timing
  The number of cycles when accessing memory.
  This parameter can take values ​​xlll, x222, x333, x444. The fewer the number of cycles, the better. It is necessary to reduce it to the minimum possible value. This will increase productivity. However, you should definitely make sure that the operation is stable with the new parameter value. Possible (recommended) values: EDO RAM - x222 and x333, FPM RAM - x333 and x444, SDRAM - xlll and x222.
• DRAM Write Timing
  It is necessary to change this parameter according to a scheme similar to the previous one. P RAS to CAS Delay
  You should try to set this parameter as low as possible. However, not every memory will be able to work with a low value.
• DRAM Leadoff Timing
  The value of this parameter depends not only on the memory used, but also on the chipset on the motherboard. When reading, the Intel Triton FX chipset does not (usually) allow operating cycles to be set to less than 7-x-x, the TX or HX chipset - 5-x-x, and when writing - 5-x-x ( FX) and 4-x-x (TX and HX).
  With a value of 5, the system will be operational if 50 non-EDO memory or 10 non-SDRAM are used. As always, it's worth trying the smallest possible value.
• Turbo Read Leadoff
• Turbo Read Pipelining
• Speculative Lead Off
  You should try enabling these settings and look at the performance and health of your computer. Sometimes there is memory whose performance increases significantly when these parameters are enabled.

Setting up RAM modules

One of the most important subsystems affecting computer performance is RAM. Its speed capabilities depend on the settings of the memory modules (tweaking) carried out in the BIOS Setup.

Typically, all necessary parameters for memory modules are set in automatic mode - by default. This is usually done using a special parameter, for example, DRAM Timing, which usually takes By SPD or Manual values ​​in the BIOS Setup of modern motherboards.

The By SPD (SPD - Serial Presence Detect) value ensures that the parameters recommended by the memory module manufacturer are set. It should be noted here that manufacturers, as an insurance policy, tend to overestimate delays, ensuring guaranteed stability of operation in all computer configurations. But it should be taken into account that at the same time they reduce system performance, which can be increased by switching to Manual mode and setting optimal parameter values ​​for specific instances of memory modules.

The dependence of performance on setting different values ​​for a number of parameter sets that determine the speed of the RAM subsystem is given below.

Test system

The following equipment was used in the test system:

• Abit KX7-333 motherboard;
• 256 MB PC2100 DDR SDRAM, manufactured by Samsung; P processor AMD Athlon XP 1600+;
• MX440 video card on NVidia GeForce4 64Mb chip (NVIDIA Detonatorv28.32);
• Creative Live 5.1 sound card;
• hard drive IBM DTLA 307030 30Gb;
• power supply PowerMan 250W;
• operating system Windows 2000 English SP1.

To demonstrate the possibilities of optimal memory settings, the SiSoft Sandra 2002 test was used, as well as the Quake3 gaming test. For greater clarity, the parameters were changed one by one. For each set of parameters set, the achieved performance values ​​are given below.

Default Settings

Initial parameters with the FSB frequency and memory operating frequency set to 133 MHz:

• Bank Interleave = Disable
• DRAM Command Rate = 2T
• CAS Latency = 2.5T
• Trp = 3T
• Tras = 6T
• Trcd = 3T

Performance evaluation with default settings

	Meaning
QuakeS (Fastest)

DRAM Command Rate

Using the DRAM Command Rate parameter, you can manually change the delays when transferring data between the chipset and memory. This is one of those parameters that significantly affects the performance of the memory subsystem. Possible values ​​are 2T and IT. The fastest is IT.

To evaluate performance, the IT value is selected, while the Bank Interleave parameter is left at 4 Bank.

Performance evaluation with Bank Interleave = 4 Bank

	Meaning
QuakeS (Fastest)

The CAS Latency parameter determines in clock cycles the amount of delay when working with RAM. The lower this value, the faster the memory modules respond to requests, i.e., the faster the memory subsystem operates. This is perhaps the most important memory parameter from a performance point of view. Possible options for parameter values ​​are 2.5T and 2T.

To evaluate performance, the value 2T is selected, with the previously set parameters unchanged, i.e. Bank Interleave = 4 Bank and DRAM Command Rate = IT.

Performance evaluation with Bank Interleave = 4 Bank and Command Rate = 1T

	Meaning
QuakeS (Fastest)

As a rule, at this stage the configuration of the memory subsystem ends. However, if high-quality memory modules are used, then by changing the parameters Trp (Precharge to Active), Tras (Active to precharge) and Trcd (Active to CMD), you can get a small increase in speed.

The default values ​​of the Trp, Tras, Trcd parameters are respectively: 3T, 6T and 3T. A decrease in these values ​​is accompanied by an increase in the speed of the memory subsystem. During the setup process, these parameters were set to the following values: Trp = 2T, Tras = 5T and Trcd = 2T.

Performance Evaluation

	Meaning
QuakeS (Fastest)

As follows from the testing results, reducing the values ​​for the Trp, Tras, Trcd parameters provided a performance increase of about 7.5% in the Sandra test and more than 12% in the Quake3 gaming test.

System performance with DDR333

The above test results were obtained on a computer configured with DDR266 memory (PC2100). It would be expected that replacing memory with DDR333 (PC2700) would provide a further increase in performance. However, the test memory module was able to operate at the standard frequency, i.e. at the set frequency values: SB 133 MHz and memory operating frequency 166 MHz, only with the following parameter values:

• Bank Interleave = 4 Bank
• DRAM Command Rate = IT
• CAS Latency = 2T
• Trp = 3T J Tras = 6T
• Trcd = 3T

Use discretion with DDR333 memory MODULES

	Meaning
QuakeS (Fastest)

Module settings and performance evaluation

	FSB/Memogu frequencies, MHz	Memory module parameter values			Gain in QuakeS
		Disable, 2T, 2.5T, 3T, 6T, 3T
		2 Bank, 2T, 2.5T, ZT, 6T, ZT
		4 Bank, 2T, 2.5T, 3T, 6T, 3T
		4 Bank, 1T, 2.5T, 3T, 6T, 3T
		4 Bank, 1T, 2T, 3T, 6T, 3T
		4 Bank, 1T, 2T, 2T, 5T, 2T
		4 Bank, 1T, 2T, 3T, 6T, 3T
		4 Bank, 1T, 2T, 3T, 6T, 3T

It should be noted that in the case of a non-optimal choice of parameter values ​​that determine the operation of RAM, the user loses a significant part of the system performance. The same thing happens when trying to save money on the quality of RAM. Losses in productivity can reach, according to some estimates, up to 5-10%. The magnitude of this estimate can be judged, for example, by the fact that an increase of 5-10 FPS in the Quake3 (Fastest) game test corresponds to the difference between the use of AMD Athlon XP1700+ and XP1600+ processors.

Analyzing the results presented, it is advisable to pay attention to the frequency mode 166 MHz/166 MHz. It ensures synchronous operation of the memory subsystem and the processor bus, which, by the way, ensures overclocking the processor from 1400 to 1750 MHz at 166 MHz. In this mode there are no delays for clock signal matching. In addition, for the motherboard used, as well as for many others, starting with a processor bus frequency of 166 MHz, a divider of 1/5 is used for the PCI bus frequency and 2/5 for AGP. This ensures that hard drive controllers and video adapters operate at their standard frequencies, i.e., for PCI - 33 MHz and AGP - 66 MHz, respectively.

It should be noted that the listed examples do not exhaust the variety of possible parameters and their values ​​used in optimally setting the operating modes of RAM modules. However, those that were used have become a standard set and are found in most modern motherboards. The choice of the optimal values ​​for these parameters for the instances of memory modules used ensures, as was demonstrated in the results of tuning and testing system performance. At the same time, to achieve stable operation at minimum parameter values ​​for RAM modules, it is useful to increase the voltage supplied to the memory modules (Vmem). However, it must be taken into account that this, together with setting higher operating frequencies, is sometimes accompanied by a significant increase in heat generation, which prevents the correct operation of memory modules. In such cases, to prevent dangerous overheating, it is advisable to use either memory radiators or organize live cooling.

Cache management

The parameters that control the operation of the cache memory are usually located in the BIOS Setup day, which is called BIOS Features Setup, the items of which are listed below. You can usually change values ​​using the keys;+> and<->or AND The Enabled/Disabled values ​​mean to enable/disable the corresponding option.

• CPU Internal Cache/CPU External Cache

Internal/external processor cache. The parameter allows or disables the internal/external processor cache. The ban significantly slows down the computer. This is sometimes necessary when using outdated expansion cards and some programs designed for less powerful computers.

• CPU L 1 Cache/CPU L 2 Cache

First/second level cache of the processor. The parameter allows or disables the operation of the first/second level cache for the corresponding processors: Pentium Pro, Pentium II, Pentium III, Celeron, AMD-K6-III, etc. Disabling it significantly slows down the computer. This is sometimes necessary when using outdated expansion cards and some programs designed for less powerful computers.

• CPU L 2Cache ECC Checking

Use ECC for L2 cache. The parameter enables or disables Level 2 ECC cache for processors in the architecture of which they are used.

Video subsystem and hard drive management

Parameters that control the operation of the video subsystem, hard drives and System BIOS are usually found in the BIOS Setup menu, which are called BIOS Features Setup and Chipset Features Setup, the items of which are listed below. You can usually change values ​​using the keys<+>And<->or AND Enabled/Disabled values ​​mean enable/disable the corresponding option.

• Video BIOS Shadow

Copy of video BIOS.

The parameter allows or denies the creation of a copy of the video BIOS in RAM. When the parameter is set to permissive, a copy of the video BIOS is created, with which the real work occurs when formally accessing the video BIOS. Acceleration is due to the fact that working with RAM is much faster than with ROM.

• Video BIOS Cacheable

Video BIOS caching.

The parameter enables or disables video BIOS caching. Caching increases video output speed.

• System BIOS Shadow

The parameter allows or denies the creation of a copy of the System BIOS in RAM. If the parameter is set to permissive, a copy is created, with which real work occurs when formally accessing the System BIOS. Acceleration is due to the fact that working with RAM is much faster than with ROM.

• System BIOS Cacheable

System BIOS caching.

The parameter enables or disables caching (System BIOS. Caching increases the speed of execution of System BIOS commands.

• AGP Aperture Size (MB)

Memory size for AGP video cards.

The parameter specifies the amount of RAM allocated for AGP video cards. The range of parameter changes is from 4 MB to 256 MB. Memory is allocated dynamically within the specified amount. The rest of the allocated memory can be used by the operating system.

• AGP/CLK

Divider for AGP frequency.

In accordance with the specified value of the divider, the AGP frequency is set, the value of which depends on the divider and the frequency of the processor bus (FSB). For some motherboards, this parameter is selected from the following values: 1 or 2/3.

• IDE HDD Block Mode

Enabling this option sets the data transfer mode for the hard drive in blocks, which increases the transfer speed and, accordingly, the performance of the disk subsystem.

based on materials from www.3DNews.ru

To speed up the operation of a computer system, you can play tricks with RAM, increasing its performance. The article will tell you how and why else you need to set the RAM settings, as well as where to change the frequency and timing settings in the BIOS.

Why do you need to configure RAM in BIOS?

After installing RAM, changing its settings can be useful. After all, without additional settings of the bar, operatives can work at the minimum of their capabilities. And by setting up the RAM in your own way, you can overclock it - increase the frequency. This can improve your computer's performance. However, it is worth knowing that not every RAM and not all motherboards support this. So if you need such an opportunity, you should take care of this before purchasing components.

Advice: If you plan to install new brackets in your PC yourself, it is better to install complete models, like , with the same timings and frequency. Otherwise, the higher frequency option will automatically operate at the speed of the slower one, or they will conflict and the entire system will stop working.

Note: a pair of 4 GB sticks works more efficiently than one eight GB stick. Dual-channel mode makes it possible to increase CPU performance by 5-10%, and GPU performance by up to 50%. If the PC has 4 slots, and the user has two modules, then to activate multi-channel, they should be installed through one.

How to configure RAM in BIOS

There are three main ways to change settings in the BIOS. Each of them corresponds to the motherboard firmware installed in the system. For this reason, the user should study the characteristics of the motherboard before changing anything.

Warning! Touching the subsystem by an unprepared user means the possibility of spoiling something and violating the terms of the warranty. If you are unsure, it is better to go to a specialist.

Award BIOS

1. While the computer is rebooting, enter the BIOS using a special key or a combination of keyboard buttons. It may vary depending on the motherboard.

2. Use the combination Ctrl + F1 to get to the settings.

3. A window will open where you need to use the arrows to navigate to “MB Intelligent Tweaker (M.I.T.)” and press Enter.

4. In the next menu, find “System Memory Multiplier”. Here you can set the RAM clock frequency up or down by changing the multiplier. Do not overestimate the specified value, otherwise there is a risk of making things worse.

Important! Any changes should be made gradually: one step at a time, and after each change, restart the PC and check if everything is in order.

Note: You can increase RAM performance by increasing the voltage, but this should be done extremely carefully. The safe maximum is 0.15 volts.

AMI BIOS

This system is not particularly different from the previous one. Only the names of the items have been changed. So, after logging in, you need to find “Advanced BIOS Features” and go to “Advanced DRAM Configuration”, and then change the settings similarly to the above diagram.

UEFI BIOS

A solution that is installed in most modern motherboards. It has a clear and attractive interface, is usually Russified and supports management. For owners of such boards, moving through BIOS sections using arrows is a thing of the past.

There are significantly more options for customizing RAM than in previous versions. The table tells you what you can do.

How to configure RAM in UEFI BIOS
Step 1	Enter BIOS.
Step 2	1. Using the F7 key, go to the “Advanced Mode” section.
	2. Go to the “Ai Tweaker” tab.
	3. Find “Memory Frequency” and select the desired RAM frequency in the drop-down window.
Step 3	Below in the list there is a “DRAM Timing Control” section for changing timings.
	By default, this section is set to "Auto", but the response time can be changed manually.
Step 4	Return to the “Ai Tweaker” menu and enter the “DRAM Driving Control” section. Here it is possible to overclock by increasing the multiplier.
	There is a section “DRAM Voltage”: the process of overclocking the RAM is carried out by raising the voltage.
	You need to be careful with this setting: increase the values ​​gradually and moderately.
Step 5	1. After making changes, you need to go to the advanced settings page and go to the “Advanced” item.
	Enter “Northbridge” - the north bridge parameters section
	3. Click on the “Memory Configuration” line. This opens up access to editing the configuration parameters of RAM modules: turning control on and off, error correction (ECC) RAM, etc.

How to change RAM timings in BIOS

Timings indicate the number of clock pulses that the RAM needs to perform a certain operation. The lower the timing, the more productive the RAM, so changing the timings is a useful procedure.

But carrying out such operations intuitively is a dangerous undertaking, because this can damage the RAM, and it will most likely not be possible to revive the modules. Therefore, it is necessary to first test with basic Windows tools. If the RAM is working normally, you can adjust the timings. Then in Windows you can check whether the setup was successful.

How to test RAM performance and change timings
Part 1: Preliminary testing of RAM in	Open the control panel.
	Select "System and Security".
	Log in to “Administration”.
	Select “Windows Memory Checker” → “Restart and test memory.”
Part 2: changing timings in BIOS	1. Restart your computer.
	2. Enter the advanced BIOS settings and go to the “Advanced” tab.
	This needs to be done in stages.
	In the “CAS Latency” item:
	First you need to reduce the value by 0.5.
	Afterwards, return to the main page of the subsystem, save changes and exit.
	Reboot and test the RAM again.
	If performance indicators have improved, then you can continue to reduce the response time, but this time by setting the value in the “RAS Precharge delay” item.

How to change the RAM frequency in BIOS

Where to set the value has already been described in the section on settings, so here we talk about what should be taken into account when changing.

Things to keep in mind:

• When the user sets the frequency himself, for example, the RAM operates at basic timings, for example, 11-14-14-33. But even with a reduced response, many models function without interruption.
• The most effective combination is: timing - low, frequency - high, but you need to take into account the compatibility of the values.
• To increase performance, it is recommended to activate dual-channel mode, and if the motherboard has 8 slots for memory sticks, it’s even better: this is already a four-channel mode.

Interesting:frequency indicators are 3600 MHz. It also has backlighting and support for Extreme Memory Profiles technology, which allows you to configure memory faster and more conveniently.

• It is worth understanding that success during overclocking is not 100% guaranteed. If the parameters are too high, the memory will not work.
• If after several attempts to start the PC the system does not respond, you need to undo everything that has changed. The Clear CMOS jumper (aka JBAT) will help with this.

It’s not difficult to “pump up” RAM so that it demonstrates its best performance and makes your PC faster. You just need to know how to change the settings correctly and act carefully.

If we talk about RAM or, as it is also called, random access memory (RAM) in the context of working within a computer system, then all its parameters are set directly by the Windows operating system itself and the BIOS. Of course, the operation of the dies of a given memory is also affected by its independent configurations, so it is impossible to set an operating mode via a computer that differs significantly from that provided by the manufacturer. But despite this, the user can independently make adjustments to the operation of this element, for example, overclocking the RAM.

This article will tell you how to configure RAM in the BIOS. Read the article to the end, because, in addition to the main instructions, we will talk about related things, without knowledge of which nothing may work.

Why it may not be possible to configure RAM in BIOS

Unfortunately, every user cannot make adjustments to the RAM settings. And this is not at all due to its model, so there is no need to guess which RAM is better suited for adjusting parameters. On the contrary, this is due to the model of the motherboard. Why? Yes, because the BIOS Setup Utility is located there. It follows that the first step is to understand whether the computer’s configuration allows you to make changes to the RAM settings. And this is not so easy to do, because each motherboard is different from each other, but we can definitely say that old motherboards and motherboards of the lowest price segment are absolutely not suitable.

Launching BIOS Setup Utility

What should you do first? Of course, before you start setting up RAM, you need to enter CMOS. What is this? This is the same BIOS. Unfortunately, it is impossible to offer a universal way to enter it, because everything depends directly on the manufacturer and the motherboard itself. But we can say that the login is carried out directly when the computer starts, when there are many different words in front of you against a black screen. At this moment, you need to press a special key responsible for entering the BIOS utility. Most often this is Del, less often F1 or F2. This applies to computers; laptops, on the contrary, use keys with the F prefix (F1, F2, F10, F11 or F12) to enter.

In general, you can see the required key when the system boots, there will be something like the following text: “Press DEL to run Setup”, where instead of “DEL” perhaps another key will be indicated.

BIOS interface

So, we not only figured out that CMOS is the BIOS, but, importantly, we decided how to enter it. However, it’s still too early to move on to the guide on changing the parameters of a random access memory device, because first you need to understand the types of BIOS, or more precisely, the types of its interfaces.

Looking ahead, let's say that the article will examine three representatives: AMI, UEFI and AWARD, although there is also an Intel BIOS, but this is only a modification of AMI, so the instructions for them are general. You should also not confuse AWARD BIOS and Phoenix, since they are the same thing.

All of the above versions have a different appearance, which is why the RAM settings in the BIOS are performed differently. There is no point in describing each one now, because further everything will be stated verbatim. One need only say one thing - despite the different appearance and different arrangement of some interface elements, the instructions are largely applicable to all BIOS Setup Utilities.

Settings

Now, having dealt with all the nuances, having found out what CMOS is and how to enter the BIOS, we can finally move directly to the guide on how to configure RAM. However, please note that interfering with the settings of this component may affect the stability of the computer. This “indicator” can change for the better or for the worse, so it is recommended to have a large theoretical knowledge base behind you so that in the process of following all the instructions you do not cause harm to the computer.

Method one: Award BIOS

We’ll start by telling you how to configure RAM in the Award BIOS. This type of CMOS features a split screen, divided into two parts. On the left are standard settings, and on the right are advanced settings. We will use both. Well, without ranting for too long, let’s move on to the setup instructions themselves.

1. Once you enter the Award BIOS, press the Ctrl+F key combination to access advanced settings.
2. Using the arrow keys on your keyboard, highlight the line "MB Intelligent Tweaker".
3. Press the Enter key to enter the settings menu for this option.
4. Here you can increase or, conversely, decrease the clock frequency of your RAM. This is done by changing the "System Memory Multiplier" parameter. However, please note that you cannot change the indicator to the maximum value; this can lead to malfunctions of the component or even to its complete breakdown. It is advisable to choose a value slightly larger than originally specified.
5. Here you can change the voltage supplied to the RAM, this is done at the bottom of the screen. But there are limitations here too; it is highly not recommended to change it by more than 0.15 V.
6. Return to the main menu by pressing Esc.
7. Select "Advanced Chipset Features" and go to it.
8. Here you will be allowed to change the RAM response time. First, change the "DRAM Timing Selectable" item to "Manual", and then proceed to change the values.

Method two: AMI BIOS

As you can understand, there is no point in deciding which RAM is better, because its indicators can be easily changed in the BIOS settings. Let's now move on to the AMI BIOS and tell you how to do this in it.

1. Once in CMOS, go to the "Advanced BIOS Features" menu.
2. In it you need to find the line “Advance DRAM Configuration” and press Enter on it.
3. Here are all the parameters that were presented in the first method, that is: the supplied voltage, timings and RAM clock frequency.

Similar to the Award BIOS, change all the settings to the ones you need, save them and restart the computer to enter the operating system.

Method three: UEFI BIOS

Now let's move directly to setting up RAM in UEFI BIOS, perhaps the most convenient BIOS of all. This is because it has a graphical interface and supports the mouse, which greatly simplifies the execution of all actions.

1. Once you enter the BIOS, you should go to advanced mode. To do this, press F7.
2. Here, go to the "Ai Tweaker" tab.
3. Find the "Memory Frequency" button and in the drop-down list that appears after clicking on it, select the desired clock frequency.
4. To adjust timings, you need to go to the "DRAM Timing Control" menu.
5. If you decide to change the voltage supplied to the component, then you need to go to the "DRAM Voltage" menu. Here, in the appropriate input field, indicate the desired parameter.

Conclusion

Now you know not only how to configure RAM in the BIOS, but also what a BIOS is in general, what types of its interfaces there are and how to execute instructions in each of them. Finally, let us remind you that before following the instructions, make sure that the motherboard allows you to change the RAM parameters.

How is RAM configured in BIOS?

Master's answer:

The BIOS system of most companies contains a special setup program. It is with its help that you can easily change the system configuration, as well as configure the operating modes of the computer's RAM. All the necessary information for this is recorded in a separate area of ​​the so-called non-volatile memory, which is located directly on the motherboard. It is also called CMOS.

To change RAM settings using the BIOS, you need to set certain values ​​in the BIOS Setup program. Most often, using the RAM operating mode, which is set by default, is the key to stable operation of the entire OS. But sometimes you simply cannot do without changing the speed of the system. In addition, setting RAM in BIOS Setup does not in any way affect the stability of the entire computer.

Before you start setting up the RAM, you need to enter the BIOS. To do this, simply press the Delete key while the OS is loading. Sometimes, depending on the model of your computer, you can enter the BIOS using the F2 or CTRL-ALT-ESC keys.

All the necessary parameters for configuring the operation of RAM are located in the Advanced Chipset Setup menu item. You need to go into it and configure the basic RAM parameters there.

In order to speed up your RAM, you first need to know what each BIOS system parameter means. And so, Auto Configuration means the automatic installation of all the necessary RAM parameters that are recommended to be used, incl. if your setup experiment fails. In order for you to be able to adjust the operation of RAM (this is another name for random access memory), you need to disable the option to automatically install the configuration. The DRAM Read Timing parameter indicates the number of cycles that the system spends while accessing RAM. Remember, the lower this indicator is, the higher the performance of the system itself will be. The CAS Delay parameter is somewhat similar to the previous parameter. Reducing this indicator also leads to increased performance of the entire system.

When setting RAM operating parameters in the BIOS, you must be extremely careful, since too much reduction in cycles and latencies can lead to the entire system working unstable. It is necessary to specify such parameters that can create a certain margin in operating speed.

Finally, after you have set the settings you need, do not forget to save all changes in BIOS Setup. Then reboot the system.

The BIOS contains many parameters that affect the initialization and further operation of almost all devices installed in the computer or connected to its ports. Therefore it is not surprising that RAM also has parameters that can be controlled from the BIOS. In particular, in the BIOS you can configure the frequency at which the memory will operate, the timings (sequence) of delays when switching from one mode to another, and sometimes the supply voltage of the module. It is these parameters that often become the object of attention of overclockers - users trying to increase computer performance, and in this case, RAM performance.

If your computer intermittently freezes, reboots, or the operating system constantly reports problems when reading data, this may indicate that the RAM is working at its limit. Failures can be caused by either too high a temperature of the memory chips, too low timings or too high a frequency.

The first thing to do in this case is to try to manage the memory timings or, if this does not have an effect, switch the memory to automatic or default mode. This can be done in the BIOS.

First you need to go into the BIOS. There is only one moment when this can be done - 2-3 seconds after turning on or restarting the computer. But there may be several ways to do this, depending on the BIOS manufacturer. In the case of AwardBIOS and PhoenixBIOS, you need to press the Delete key, for AMIBIOS, press the F2 key.

NOTE! When it comes to laptops or netbooks, there are many more ways to enter the BIOS, since there are different manufacturers of laptop BIOS and the ways to enter it can be more sophisticated.

Even if you don't know which BIOS your motherboard uses, you can read the message telling you which key you need to press to get into it right after you turn on or restart your computer. This message typically appears at the bottom of the screen, although it may appear in other places, such as after some informational messages.

There is also a fairly simple and straightforward way to get into BIGS without having to think about which key to press. It is enough immediately after turning on or restarting the computer to press two or even three keys at once - F2, Delete and F10: with a high degree of probability one of them will work.

So, we got to the BIOS. Its appearance depends not only on the manufacturer, but also on the release date of the motherboard. Recently, it has become very fashionable to create a graphical BIOS shell that can be controlled using a mouse. As a result, the same BIOS can look completely different. To further complicate the situation, many motherboard manufacturers add their own proprietary overclocking tools, which leads to the appearance of additional items or entire sections in the BIOS.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to say unambiguously which section you need to go to to find the desired parameter, since there are many options for BIOS implementation. However, you can focus on certain phrases. In the case we need, groups can have the following names:

• Advanced;
• Chipset Setting;
• Advanced Chipset Features;
• Memory Configuration;
• DRAM Configuration;
• OverClocking Features;
• MB Intelligent Tweake.

Sami options may be called like this:

• CAS# Latency Time;
• RAS# to CAS# Delay;
• RAS#Precharge;
• RAS# Activate to Precharge;
• Memory Timing;
• 1T/2T Memory Timing;
• Memory Voltage;
• DDR2 OverVoltage Control;
• DIMM Voltage;
• DRAM Voltage;
• VDIMM.

The first six parameters are responsible for setting timings. The principle of changing most of these parameters is quite simple: the lower the values, the faster the RAM works. In our case, in order to make the RAM more stable, the parameter values, on the contrary, should be increased. Unfortunately, it is impossible to say exactly which increase in value will give a 100% effect. Therefore, when changing the next parameter, it is necessary to load the operating system and monitor the temperature change: if the computer works stably, the goal has been achieved.