What should I set memory timing to (normal/fast/ultra)?

[psycocommy]

I just bought 2 sticks of 512MB PC2100 DDR RAM, manufactured by Centon. I read in a BIOS guide that depending on the quality of your RAM, you can either leave the DRAM Timing setting on normal, or set it to fast, or even ultra. Any idea what I need to set mine to?

I had a problem before, on another computer, where setting it to even fast no longer allowed my computer to boot. So, I had to clear the BIOS. If i clear the BIOS on this board, it will no longer recognize my CPU, so I'm going to be kinda screwed. Otherwise I'd experiment, but here I'm a little scared...

[krohnjw]

You dont clear the BIOS, just clear the CMOS via the jumper on the board.

It wont stop recognizing your CPU, you will just have to put all of the settings that arent autodetect back in.

Go ahead and experiment a bit. If you have good ram, go for 2-5-2, that is usually how I run things and it works out well. Hdparm showed a nice increase after changing from default.

[psycocommy]

heh, shows you ho wmuch I know about PCs. Ok, I'm gonna try to increase the settings, and I'll post what I get.

[psycocommy]

Nice, I set it to ultra, no problems so far, and Sisoft Sandra is showing some decent improvement.

[krohnjw]

Good to hear, and Welcome to TechIMO

[Peter M]

Now go run memtest86, from the web site of the same name, to see whether this setup REALLY works.