[chip]

I bought a new desktop on the understanding the RAM was 1GB Kingston DDR2 667MHz.

I've run the CPU-Z and got the following...is this possible or is it as I suspect an inferior stick by some unknown maufacturer?

Memory TypeDDR2Memory Size1024 MBytesMemory Frequency266.0 MHz (3:4)CAS# Latency (tCL)4.0 clocks

Module 1DDR2, PC2-5300 (333 MHz), 1024 MBytes, unknown brand

[Krlll]

The ram is DDR2 double data rate so 333x2=666/7
But the first part of what you wrote shows the ram using a divider(3:4)so 266.
You must go into BIOS and set ram to run at 1:1

[BrucieBonus]

krill what do the (3:4) and (1:1) represent? And why is it better to set it to 1:1 ?

Thanks.

[Krlll]

The divider is used to make your ram run at its rated or reduced speed in relation to the FSB.
In this case though it is set to run at 3:4 ratio and its making your ram run lower than its rated speed unnecessarily.(Assuming you didnt get ripped off).
I will need more info on your motherboard or you will have to find out how to go about changing the divider in the manual.Will be under clock speeds,FSB or Ram timings or something.
All BIOS are similar but not the same and this makes it difficult to talk you through it without seeing the manual myself.

[chip]

Here's the full CP-Z report. You'll have to let me know how (if) it can be changed in the BIOS. I was also told Cas Latency CL5 but this seems to show CL4?

Processor(s)Number of processors1
Number of cores2 per processor
Number of threads2 (max 2) per processor
NameIntel Pentium E2160
Code NameConroe
SpecificationGenuine Intel(R) CPU 2160 @ 1.80GHz
PackageSocket 775 LGA
Family/Model/Stepping6.F.2
Extended Family/Model6.F
Core SteppingL2
Technology65 nm
Core Speed1795.2 MHz
Multiplier x Bus speed9.0 x 199.5 MHz
Rated Bus speed797.9 MHz
Stock frequency1800 MHz
Instruction setsMMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, EM64T
L1 Data cache (per processor)2 x 32 KBytes, 8-way set associative, 64-byte line size
L1 Instruction cache (per processor)2 x 32 KBytes, 8-way set associative, 64-byte line size
L2 cache (per processor)1024 KBytes, 4-way set associative, 64-byte line size
Chipset & MemoryNorthbridgeIntel i945G/GZ rev. A2
SouthbridgeIntel 82801GB (ICH7/R) rev. A1
Memory TypeDDR2
Memory Size1024 MBytes
Memory Frequency266.0 MHz (3:4)
CAS# Latency (tCL)4.0 clocks
RAS# to CAS# (tRCD)4 clocks
RAS# Precharge (tRP)4 clocks
Cycle Time (tRAS)12 clocks
Bank Cycle Time (tRC)16 clocks
SystemSystem ManufacturerTo Be Filled By O.E.M.
System NameTo Be Filled By O.E.M.
System S/NTo Be Filled By O.E.M.
Mainboard VendorMainboard ModelConRoe1333-D667

[Krlll]

That still doesnt give me the info I need to tell you exactly what to do.
It doesnt say who the manufacturer of the motherboard is either.
You must enter BIOS(often tapping delete during the start of boot up,but could be another key)and set the divider to 1:1.
Im not sure where in the BIOS this will be so easiest way will be to look for where it says 3:4 and change it.

[chip]

The BIOS gave me options of Auto, then 400, 533 or 667. It was set on auto so changed it to 667. The readout is now as follows but the ratio is even further increased...any ideas?

Memory Frequency 332.5 MHz (3:5) CAS# Latency (tCL) 5.0 clocks

The motherboard is an Asrock ConRoe1333-D667

[Krlll]

Well then its problem solved.332.5Mhs x 2 = 667 because it DDR2.