Undervolting Ballistix

[njdevilsfan87]

I've got the 2x1GB PC2-6400 Ballistix (also listed as PC2-8000 5-5-5-15 in the SPD) and the default voltage is 2.2V

Right now I am running 2x1GB Patriot PC2-5300 4-4-4-12 at 1.8V

I would really like to use the Ballistix, but it's just too damn hot to have them running at 2.2V - so does anyone have any results with undervolting these sticks, to say - 2.0V?

I could even maybe reach a happy medium between the Patriots and Ballistix at 2.0V and run 4x1GB at 800-900Mhz.

 

[firewolfsm]

RAM is perfectly fine up to 2.2V, even if it gets a little warm to the touch, nothing really happens to them. If you still feel anal about it, try lowering the voltage and then run a few memtest86 passes, every stick is different. If 2.0 doesn't pass then try 2.1

 

[MotF Bane]

The 2.2V should be fine, unless your case is already at absurd temperatures.
I got my Ballistix 1066 5-5-5-15 2x1 kit to run 830 3-3-3-7 2.2V, so you should able to make looser timings on lower voltage. Just make sure you give it plenty of memtests.

 

[nefariouscaine]

I'm anal about the temp thing too (live in SoCal) and I have 2 small fans set up on my ram - I also run it at 2.4v on occasion and use a couple of temp monitor sensors on the sticks just to make sure i don't fry them.

you also said "Right now I am running 2x1GB Patriot PC2-5300 4-4-4-12 at 1.8V" are you running them at default speeds and lower latency? as testing properly at different speeds/latency and voltages will give you the best idea of whats stable. Take the time to do it properly and check *all* the voltage settings you're comfortable with (just found out my kit is 2.2v stable for DDR2-1000 when more isn't needed) and cross reference what each kit by it self is able to do in your set up followed by testing both kits together. I've had boards that didn't like one memory slot and such. --good luck

 

[njdevilsfan87]

Patriot's latency/speed/voltage is all default.

I guess I'll just have to end up testing each separately, and then together to make sure 4x1GB is stills stable... but after I install my HR-05 on the NB.

 

[Nocturnal]

I've had my Ballistix running at around 2.5 for my PC4000 memory. I think they're rated @ 2.8.

 

[Roguestar]

Ballistix is rated for 2.2V. They won't overheat at this temperature.

 

[Cheex]

Originally posted by: Roguestar
Ballistix is rated for 2.2V. They won't overheat at this temperature.

They won't. If you stay at or below 2.4V, you're fine!!