Re: Dell XPS 720: 4 x 1 GB DDR 2 @ 800 MHz

S.Lewis wrote:
"Tony Harding" <ToHard@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:47803f9b$0$13817$607ed4bc@xxxxxxxxx
S.Lewis wrote:
"Tony Harding" <ToHard@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:477ed7fc$0$9140$607ed4bc@xxxxxxxxx
Keith wrote:
I was unable to get that configuration to work on a 680i motherboard using 4 x 1 GB DDR 2 RAM from Corsair - the vendors suggested I slow the RAM down to get it to work (timings and frequency) -I just decised to only run on matched pair becasue I did not really need 4 GB RAM.

I was asking to try to find out how Dell overcame the memory controller limit on the XPS 720
'Don't know what you mean about a "memory controller limit on the XPS 720" - I've been running 4GB in my 720 since about 1 Dec 2007. The memory is a Corsair Dominator kit #QUAD2X4096-8500C5DF. Never a peep from it (knocks on wood).
Ah. Might just be bad or incompatible RAM.
Very likely, IMHO, I've always heard that Dells are sensitive regarding their memory.

Before the 4GB kit, I ran 2GB of Corsair Dominator PC6400 memory (which Dell said could be overclocked) by itself (and presumably being run at 1066MHz) and also the 2GB of the Corsair RAM with the original 667MHz memory it came with from Dell - no problems with either configuration.


Tony -

Is the BIOS on the XPS720 "unlocked"? (Unlike most all Dells which ARE locked)

I mean, can you set your memory timings or any CPU Vcore settings, etc. independently?

I'd read that one of those newer XPS 6XX/7XX models had been "hard overclocked" (meaning OC'd, but locked by Dell - and not able to be adjusted).

Yes, it is (at least partially). With the XPS720 Dell made good on their promises made with the XPS700, i.e., it would be tunable by the user. You can definitely OC the memory as well as tinker with various internal timings (sorry I don't have more details but this isn't my forte). There's a setting which permits BIOS values to be changed, but doesn't provide any way to change them. You need a utility like nTune, which allows anything, including changing BIOS settings on the fly. It has an option to set parameters for maximum performance - the "fine tune" option says it'll need a couple of hours to run, plus it's not unusual for the system to hang a few times while optimizing the BIOS.

From the 720 User's Manual:

Optimizing for Greater Performance

Understanding Dual-Graphics Technology

With dual-graphics technology, an optional second PCI Express graphics card will significantly increase graphics performance on your computer. Benefits of this technology can be seen in the improved portrayal of the 3D graphics used in gaming and design applications. Each graphics card includes at least one graphics processing unit (GPU). In dual graphics card configurations, multiple GPUs dynamically share their workload to provide the best possible performance. For a given application, the software selects the optimum rendering (processing) mode.
For more information about your graphics card, go to support.dell.com.

Understanding CPU Overclocking

NOTICE: Dell does not recommend operating the processor or other system components beyond the factory default settings. This may cause system instability and reduce the operating life of your system components.
NOTICE: Dell Technical Support will verify the full functionality of the CPU at the factory default setting and support the CPU performance settings available within the system BIOS. Dell does not provide technical support for any hardware or software issues arising from any third party applications used to enable overclocking, such as NVIDIA nTune 5.0. Overclocking is the process of causing a computer component to run faster than designed or designated by the component manufacturer. Depending upon your application (such as gaming or video editing), your performance may benefit from overclocking different subsystems within your computer.

You can make limited adjustments to the CPU operating frequency in system setup. For more information on accessing system setup, see "System Setup" on page 166. For information on performance options, see "Performance" on page 169.

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xps720/en/OM_EN/NP756A00.pdf
.

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