Memory timings are getting more important as memory density (module size) increases.
Timings which you end users need to be aware of the most are TRD (read delay)otherwise known as "performance level" and TRFC (row refresh). TRFC is the main focus of this short article.

Now, Asus have options up and beyond 60 for TRFC on 680i and 780i boards but their Intel chipset boards all stop at 42. This is fine when using 512mb or 1Gb modules but when you are using a 2GB module this can cause issues. Asus also have not given fine control of TRFC, their bios usually gives just 5 options as you see below.



Issue is often we need higher than the max value you they allow thru bios to get 4 and 8GB setups stable at rated speeds. The dilemma for OCZ is we can set TRFC in SPD to a higher value, infact any value we want but it hurts performance at stock DDR800 for those who are unwilling to tweak timings themselves to dial any losses back in.

So...here is a workaround for those buying 8000Plat 4GB kits and 8000 ReaperX kits, I have developed an SPD that sets TRFC at the optimal value for 1000MHZ operation. You can see from the picture below when setting TRFC to "auto" in bios it uses SPD values, so we do still have some control.



If you flash this SPD then choose to run DDR800 speeds be aware that a reduction to 42 or even 35 may yield better performance, if running anything over DDR900 just use by "Auto" and let the SPD set it for you

The SPD will be available from the online support staff here along with SPD-Z for those having issues.

Please note with the stock SPD and 4GB ReaperX 8000 I was unable to get DDR1000 stable, max stable speed was around 950MHZ, with the new SPD tweak I was able to run 1050MHZ by just leaving TRFC at Auto.

Please remember this only effects Asus P35, X38 and X48 motherboards at this time, Boards from DFI, Abit, Gigabyte, Foxconn, MSI etc have options to manually set TRFC in 1 step increments to 60 or higher.