Anyone familar with Sandra's bench test?

[Micr0n]

I benched my computer with 3dmark2001 and ran only like an 8000. So I ran the bandwidth mem test and my ddr-3200 xms scored very low. Like equal too ddr 2100. This is on 133/33 bus and all other defaults. I have bumped the bus too like 185 now, and it scores ok but still a little low. I just kinda asking if anyone else ran the same test and got slow results.

My specs:
amd xp2200
asus a7v8x
256mb ddr-3200 corsair xts
gf4 ti4000-x4agp
350 watt p\s

-Mic

[deathforce]

Do you have the RAM synchronized with the FSB speed? Generally the system will perform better that way, but the 3200 memory is designed for a 400MHz fsb.

edit: when I say 400MHz I mean an effective 400MHz.

It makes sense that your score is "ok" with it at 185, which is an effective 370. With it at 200 it should perform equal to the scores for 3200 on Sandra.

[Micr0n]

Ok I set the bus back too 133mhz and set the mem to 266. scored 1700 on Mem Bandwidth. The same AMD with the same cashe and pc3200, scored 2900 about. hrmm I dunno. I'd hate to OC the piss outta it. Thx

edit: I guess that makes sense, cause the mem in thier database was tested using the max bus speed I Ass-U-Me'd. It seems to go up Linear with speed. Shoulda got a 333Mhz bus =|. IF anyone else has Sandra could ya post your bench for me, just curious about it. Thx

Mic

[soulmace]

I am not sure if I missed something in this thread - but no where did I see you talk about the ram timings that you are using? I believe that in order to get the most of your XMS, especially at 3200, you have to bump your CAS settings in BIOS to a more aggressive setting.

[deathforce]

As far as I know ram timings don't effect the performance of memory -that- drastically. I have mine on standard timings and they match up with what Sandra has for 3200.

[Micr0n]

Ya the CAS settings didnt have to much effect on it. I guess the reason is cause my bus is slow compared to the rest of the mem in Sandra testing. But in their database of mem, it doesnt say anything on what bus speeds they are. I think thats where Im confused at. It just says "pc3200 bla bla". If my bus could run as fast as the mem i think it would score ok.

-Mic

[deathforce]

What I think is your memory is set to automatically synchronize with the bus speed. I have mine set to that, but I can opt to have it run at it's regular (400mhz) speed, and you should be able to somewhere in the bios as well.

[Micr0n]

Ya, Like you said. Say if I have the bus set to 133Mhz, in the mem options it will give me the option of 266,333, and 400 Mhz. But the bench runs better with the RAM synchronized with the bus @ 266 Mhz. So I dont bother putting it on 400Mhz anymore. I'll just bump the bus up till the newer XP's come down in price. Thx

-Micr0n