DRAM timing error

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DRAM timing error

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Biggsness

Newbie

12. November 2005 @ 20:50

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For quite some time ive had a seemingly random DRAM timing error in which my computer will freeze while playing a game, watching a movie, using the web, or even while afk. The screen freezes the speakers blare lots of static and when i restart im given the error message "DRAM timing to tightly" and a list of options to go into boot options, bios, etc and to hit a key to continue. Ive run a PC Check prgrm by Eurosoft that came back with no errors on any part of the computer and yet it still happens. Im thinking that because the only part i still have in the PC from the time the error started is the Mobo that this must be the problem. My specs are: Intel P4 3.2 GHZ, 1024 MB Dual Channel RAM, a GeForce 4 TI4600, 80 GB maxtor HD, and a MSI NEO-2 Platinum series motherboard with original Bios (as no bios updates on MSI's webpage listed any fixes for this error). If anyone can think of anything other than buying a new mobo itd be appreciated.

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The_OGS

Senior Member

13. November 2005 @ 10:19

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Quote:
"DRAM timing to tightly" (sic)

I suspect the error is 'DRAM timing too tightly'.
Do you know what this means? It has nothing to do with your mobo...
Well the answer is in your BIOS
(technically BIOS is on mobo I s'pose, LoL :^)
I believe your P4 (and therefore your memory) run 200MHz FSB.
This requires PC3200 RAM (400DDR).
In dual-channel (2 x 512MB) it is more sensitive to RAM timings than single-channel (1 x 1024MB) would be.
You must therefore set your BIOS to run conservative memory timing settings!
This would be 'by SPD'.
Dual-channel requires two identical sticks of RAM - the reason is, so that the SPD on each stick reports identical capabilities to the BIOS.
You MUST run memory at 'SPD' only, and even then the BIOS will typically add an extra tick because 2 sticks are being used.
This, however, is more than offset by the increased bandwidth achieved by running dual-channel (128bit) vs. single (64bit).
So: press 'del' or whatever, to enter your BIOS Setup, when you start your PC.
Find your memory settings in there, and LOOSEN them.
Pushing your memory too hard is just dumb (not saying you did it; whoever) because the tiny wee increase in performance is ruined by memory and therefore system instability.
A dead-stable PC, that NEVER does anything weird, is how we spell happiness...
Let us know how you get along,
L8R

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ABit AB9 Pro
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Biggsness

Newbie

17. November 2005 @ 18:21

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Although i didnt know why it was wrong i ddi attempt loosening it to all possible settings as well as those recommened by the ram itself still no luck. I cant see why it would happen just with this ram either as i previously had one stick and the same error occurred. Im thinking maybe its possible that something is physically wrong with the mobo that is causing this problem regardless of bios settings or ram?

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