Crucial 4GB (2GBx2) DDR3 PC3-10600 Memory (CT2KIT25664BA1339)
Nov 21st, 2010 | By SimonMemory modules are very easy to install. If you’ve never done it before have no fear because Crucial has included a simple pictorial guide on the inside cover of the insert.
The modules will only install in one orientation due to the pin configuration, you’ll see in the picture below that one set of pins is longer than the other. If you match the lengths up with the motherboard you’ll have no issues installing the kit.
With the module installed on my MSI motherboard, it’s time to start overclocking!
Budget kits generally don’t overclock very well. Many manufacturers target budget kits to builders who are making a computer for a friend or family that will want a no-fuss system. It’s not out of the question for someone tight on money to buy a budget kit and still expect better performance than what’s printed on the specifications. That’s exactly where I’m at. I’m building a budget HTPC machine but I’ll be damned if I don’t get a little more than stock out of this kit. The first step of my overclocking was to increase the frequency, without changing the timing, until the system became unstable. I defined stability as successfully passing a loop of 3DMark Vantage, PCMark Vantage and error checking the memory in MemTest Pro for over 3000%. The system also had to pass a week of regular PC usage at that frequency to make sure there were no abnormal restarts or program errors. The Crucial CT2KIT25664BA1339 reached 749 MHz, up from 666 MHz.
The second overclocking test I did was to see how tight of a timing I could reach using the CT2KIT25664BA1339 before the system became unstable. The same rules apply, no voltage changes and stability has the same definition as above. I pushed the timing down to 8-8-8-24 from 9-9-9-24. I was hoping to get CAS 7 but some gain is better than no gain.
If we increased the voltage a tiny bit then I’m sure this kit would have a little more headroom in the max frequency.