Overclocking the RAM

RAM overclocking, with some computers will produce the most beneficial results after reaching a fast enough CPU speed. Athlon 64's performance difference after ~230-240mhz memory speed, you will find diminishing returns will kick in. However, if your memory isn't capable of running "1:1" then you can use a divider to slow the memory down while sustaining a sufficient CPU/memory controller speed.

Ram works like an open book, and is volatile, so all of its data is erased once it loses power. When reading and writing, there are latency delays, the most common, and over-rated is CAS.

Most people use an abbreviation for the common ram timings of CAS-trc-trp-Tras. HERE is a great explanation of how ram works if you’re interested in further exploring the operation of RAM.

Hipro as he is known, is a very valuable person to the enthusiast community.
His ram cap mod is just an example of his not only brave inventions risking killing great hardware, but his contribution of mods.

Popular DDR IC's

When overclocking, enthusiasts have found that the same IC's tend to perform, and overclock similar. The biggest manufacturers of IC's are Samsung, Hynix, Winbond, and Micron.

When it comes to latencies and overclocking, there are still 2 sides, like AMD Vs. Intel. Some people see low latencies, as the best route, regardless of the speed. Others prefer the looser latencies of some IC's, which provide a much higher overall operating speed.
Low latency IC's

• BH-5
• BH-6
• url=http://www.winbond.com/s-winbondhtm/partner/PDFresult.asp?Pname=918]CH-5[/url]

BH-5 definitely has the greatest record of overclocking well. It is notorious for holding super tight timings of 2-2-2-5/6 at ~250+Mhz. However, this speed does not come easily. It requires burning in, and extreme voltages to obtain the speeds. The increased production die size of .175?m, rather than 130?m allows for much greater voltage tolerances. CH uses 130?m.

Increased latency IC's

• TCCX
• Ballistix
• Hynix B

TCCD has a reputation for allowing ~300mhz at 2.5-3-3-7 or looser timings, and does not need a large amount of voltage to obtain such speeds like BH type IC’s. Crucial’s Ballistix is an interesting competitor, offering a higher CAS latency, but lower trc and trp speeds, while obtaining high frequencies.

DDRII

DDRII Behaves verymuch like DDR, except uses a lower voltage, and looser timings. Sepecific modules may behave unlike regular DDR when modifying timings, however.