Hi, ive got a question. In my BIOS should my memory frequency be set on [by SPD] or [auto]. The default was [by spd]. Also, what is the difference between the 2 settings, and would these setting differ if you are overclocking??? Thanks!! a7n8x deluxe (rev. 2.0) 1024mb pc3200 9800 pro Barton 2500+

Ram and CPU must have the same frequency to get best performance, so if your CPU is running at 166 (333) then it best to have your RAM running at 333MHz. [SPD] setting in my BIOS will force my RAM to run at full speed (333) which is more than my CPU (266) so is not a good idea for me. [AUTO] setting will automatically set it at the same speed as your CPU. I use neither of these settings as I have an expert setting which allows full tweaking of RAM. Using 3DMark 2001SE, I tested with my RAM running at 333, then with my RAM running at 266. The 266 test came out 100 points faster than the 333 test. This proves that CPU and RAM set at the same frequency will perform better.

Oh, and once you start overclocking you should get more options such as 100% and 200%, it is always best to have the RAM set to 100% when OC'ing.

So what your saying is that I should set it on [auto]??? My bus speed is (333), my cpu is 2500+ (333), but my ram is pc3200 (400).???And if i overclock my cpu to a 3200+ should i change it back to [by spd] Thanks for the help. :)

Lol, every BIOS varies, I can't tell you EXACTLY what to do. All you need to know, is that if your CPU is running at 166 (333) then your RAM should also be running at 333. Fiddle with your BIOS options until your memory is at 333, that's where it will perform best. If your CPU runs at 100 (200) then you should have the RAM at 200. If your CPU runs at 133 (266) then you should have the RAM at 266. If your CPU runs at 166 (333) then you should have the RAM at 333. If you have your RAM set at 400 while your CPU is sat at 333 you will lose performance.

No No No Auto makes the ram run at its full rated speed(Default). SPD choses a speed for the ram to run at could be a little higher,lower,or default. The best setting for u would be 1-1 were both ur cpu and ram would run at 333. If u chose to overclock to lets say 170fsb both ur ram and cpu would go 170. That is the best setting for you. The only thing is ur ram will have to be able to run at a lower speed of 333 it should if not u will have to clear cmos and go back to auto or spd. Good luck and if u have any more questions feel free to ask.

select {sync} for 1-1 as posted above auto means it reads what's on the spd chip on the stick, so auto and by spd are the same. The manual I have for the a7n8x-deluze does not have both auto and by spd, just by spd