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BIOS and Memory supported
Does the BIOS define the type of memory supported? Current BIOS shows only 400/533 MHz as supported. What factors dictate changing the BIOS to run faster memory? Currently have two 800 MHz 1-GB sticks as per Dell. Does this indicate then that they are only operating at the 533 level? And what effect would changing the processor have? Present unit is Pentium 4, 521 @ 2.8 GHz.. Is there a benefit to be seen going to a 600 series, besides the increase in L2 cache?
samurle
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November 20th, 2010 16:00
No, I don't think so. BIOS has nothing to do with RAM memory speed or size, or your CPU's capabilities.
That's dictated by your motherboard, CPU-socket type, etc...
Davet50
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November 21st, 2010 14:00
Yes the bios certainly does have a say in memory and cpu capabilities. Without knowing your system type and model we cannot provide more on the cpu upgrade.
To find out what speed your memory is running at you should get CPUID and run it then look at the memory tab.
The bios is programed to accept only certain memory timings as well as CPU support
samurle
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November 22nd, 2010 15:00
BIOS doesn't prevent you from buying a faster CPU or faster RAM memory.
BIOS may control the CPU timings, but some of this information is queried from the hardware, it isn't hard-coded in BIOS.
If it was hard-coded, then you wouldn't be able to upgrade your hardware!
BIOS is essentially a controller. It talks to your CPU. It can auto-detect its speed, and controls timing.
Your motherboard has physical limitations, such as CPU socket type. It only accepts a certain number of pins.
Most CPUs that fit in it should be compatible.