RAM: Setting up in BIOS

In previous posts we saw how we can put memory in different modes on our mother board, and how each specification affects the chip's performance.

At long last, we got to to installing the RAM from BIOS.
This is the last step in setting up the memory chips.

By default, BIOS has the timing, frequency and voltage settings on "auto".
This allows the mother board to run with any supported memory chip installed.
However, the default setting will cause interesting crashes later on.

SO we have 2 cases here.
we put all the chips we have on the mother board but it doesn't start up.
what do we do?

well it is easy. we only leave one chip, and proceed to configuring with only one.
It doesn't really matter how many chips are installed on the mother board, you can configure the BIOS settings with at least one. Actually, it is recommended that you configure with only 1, and then add the others.

In case it works with more than 1 Chip, we go to BIOS set up.
In order to get in BIOS set up, press the BIOS setup key (usually it is DELETE key) which is displayed on your screen when BIOS is loading.

Notice that every mother board has a different BIOS.
So you will have to walk around the BIOS options to find where exactly you find the RAM settings.

Once you found em, it is pretty easy to configure
timings always match those on your chips.

voltage matches the one on your screen. remember, the voltage value on your chip is the maximum voltage at which you can safely use the chip.

Now here comes the though part.
Frequency.
this is more of a pita.

usually, on the same screen where you set the RAM configuration, you can also see the frequency of your CPU.
The frequency is dependent on the CPU frequency.

depending on BIOS, this will be done automatically, and there is nothing you can do about.

If you can do it manually, you should first notice there are several settings for your actual frequency, but each setting has a latter in front of them.
that latter must match the frequency of the CPU.
for instance.
lets say 333 is the desired frequency
now we have 333A, 333B and 333C in that list.
which should we choose?
well, on screen help should guide you through it.
A matches a CPU with 1 Ghz frequency
B matches a CPU with 2Ghz frequency
C matches a CPU wih 3 ghz frequency.

remember these are all fictional numbers, they may not match real number!
and our CPU has 2.6 Ghz frequency
we choose 333B for our RAM frequency

if the CPU were 3.ghz
we would choose 333C


If somehow you completely screw up your BIOS and it does not start up, then refer to the manual to reset your BIOS.
Usually, there are 2 jumpers on your mother board, one that resets the BIOS, and one that save changes.

If you are comfortable with the settings on auto, and windows does not cause blue screens of death, then you should leave it be.