This document provides some frequently asked questions about SiSoft Sandra. Please read the Help File as well!
Q: The memory access speed (e.g. SDRAM 70ns) is totally wrong!
A: Make sure the system BIOS is DMI 2.2 or later. If not, SDRAM speeds are reported w.r.t. FPM/EDO speeds since earlier DMI interfaces cannot represent SDRAM speeds. This way 70ns -> PC66, 60/50ns -> PC100. This is NOT a bug, the value is reported verbatim. However, we've deveoped a mapping for such BIOSes - please update to Sandra 4.32 or later.
Q: Sandra detects the wrong manufacturer name/serial number/version for my memory module!
A: First check with a SPD module detector, e.g. DIMM_ID. It is very likely that you will get the same information. Unfortunately, most manufacturers do not set the SPD of the memory modules correctly so you will get incorrect information. There is nothing that can be done about this. Please buy from a reputable supplier/manufacturer in the future!
Q: Sandra says my PC100 is CAS2 but it does not work at CAS2 at 100MHz or more!
Q: My CAS3 PC100 module is identified as CAS2!
A: Many memory modules are CAS2 at 66-83MHz but CAS3 at 95/100MHz. Therefore, different CAS ratings will be displayed depending on FSB. Depending on the BIOS/mainboard timings a PC100 CAS2 module may still not run at CAS2 at 100MHz or more. It may run just fine at CAS2 on another mainboard though.
Q: Sandra says my CAS2 module is CAS3!
A: Your CAS2 module may run at CAS2 on a 66MHz FSB but not at 100MHz. It may use CAS3 at this speed. Also, if the module is CAS2 at 100MHz it may run at CAS3 at 103, 112MHz or higher FSB speeds.
Q: Sandra does not detect ECC but my SDRAM is ECC!
A: Check that ECC/parity is enabled in the BIOS. Update to Sandra 4.20 or later if you're using an earlier version.