The Motherboard, Processor, and Memory - Tweaking Memory Timings
(Page 14 of 18 )
Find an area of the BIOS that contains memory options such as CAS latency and DRAM command rate.
First, set CAS latency to 2 and load up the operating system. Run a benchmark or play a game to check the system’s stability. If it runs okay without any lockups or odd slowdowns, enter the BIOS setup again and change the DRAM command rate to 1 (Figure 2-19). Again, start up the operating system and test for stability.
If either setting causes a problem, reset it to its original value. These settings affect how memory is addressed and in changing them you’re attempting to squeeze the utmost performance out of your system’s memory.
Figure 2-19
Set the DRAM command rate to 1 and test for stability.
Using Presets Some BIOS setup utilities contain preset values for various speeds. Look for a setting labeled something like “System Performance” and check out its options. The options often include Normal, Failsafe, Fast, Fastest, and/or Turbo. Try setting the value at its fastest possible setting (Figure 2-20), and then enter the operating system to check for stability.
Figure 2-20
Try using high-speed preset options.
AGP Aperture Settings The AGP aperture size specifies the amount of memory in which an AGP device can store graphics data. When the AGP controller queries an area in the AGP aperture range, data is transferred directly to the graphics device without bothering the processor. You’ll want to set this to a minimum of 128MB (Figure 2-21). Few benchmarks show a difference between setting it there and at 256MB.
Figure 2-21
Set the AGP aperture size to 128MB or 256MB.
 This chapter is from Build Your Own High Performance Gamers' Mod PC, by Chen and Durham (McGraw-Hill/Osborne, 2004, ISBN: 0072229012). Check it out at your favorite bookstore today. Buy this book now. |
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