Memory Tuning for Optimal System Performance

You must have come across numbers such as 5-5-5-15 or 4-4-4-12 or CL4 on memory modules.These the memory timings or speed at which memory processes certain data required by the processor.

The higher they are the longer the processor takes to respond and fetch data from it.Hence the lower the memory's timing the better it is.

For optimal system performance it is recommended to set the memory speed and timings in the BIOS to the rated specifications listed by the manufacturer

Here is how you can do it-

Step 1 Finding out the specifications of your RAM

The speed and timings of your RAM is mentioned on the module.If you cannot find out the manufacturer 's website you can ask your hardware dealer.
Most entry level DDR2 memory modules have timings of 5-5-5-15 or 5-5-5-18.This is also true if only CAS latency (CL) is mentioned and specified as 5.The speed of the memory should be supported by the motherboard.

Step2: Tweaking the BIOs settings

Restart your computer and enter the BIOS settings .Navigate to Memory settings tab.
If the speed and the timings of teh memory are set to auto ,set them to rated specification manually.Save the BIOs serttings and restart the PC when done .

Step3 :
If your PC boosts up means everything went fine.You can even use the utility CPU-Z to check if the memory is running at the specified settings .
If your PC does'nt boosts up you can reset the BIOs to check whether you configured the memory correctly.

Caution: Incorrect memory settings can also lead to system instability.