1 gig DIMMs for the vnf3-250?

[DrMrLordX]

Hello there. I am contemplating setting up a "budget" rig using the Chaintech vnf3-250, one of the new socket 754 Sempron 2800+ processors, and . . . well, some other stuff.

Looks like I'll be getting everything from mwave.com, either in a barebones or just in a motherboard+cpu combo.

Problem is, I would like more than 512 megs of RAM, but at the same time, I don't want to limit myself by using 512x2. From what I remember, populating 3 banks on a Nforce3 board is a bad idea. If I go with 512x2, I am essentially limiting myself to 1 gig of RAM unless I want to swap out one of the 512 meg DIMMs later for a 1 gig DIMM. I don't feel like dumping $120 or more on two 512 meg DIMMs only for of them to sit in my closet later.

The solution seems to be to use a single 1 gig DIMM now so that I can easily upgrade by sticking another DIMM in the second slot later, without wasting any components. This leads me to two questions:

1). Some time ago, an acquaintance of mine remarked that using DIMMs of 1 gig in size or larger essentially necessitates the use of ECC RAM. I guess he was implying that the error rates on such large DIMMs are unacceptably high. Any truth to this? I'm pretty sure the vnf3-250 does not support ECC RAM, though . . . I could be wrong? I guess it would be more dependant on the CPU, since that's where the memory controller resides on Athlon 64 systems.

2). Which brand of memory should I be looking for here? Keep in mind that I am going for a "budget" system, so high-priced OCer RAM is not desirable. I have no intention of running the memory faster than 200 mhz(will keep it clocked low with dividers if I raise the HTT). If anything, it'll probably be run in the 180-200 mhz range with relaxed timings(i.e. whatever I need to do to keep it at 1T).

If I go with the mwave motherboard+cpu bundle, they pretty much require you to include memory, and they allow their own in-house mwave memory along with Crucial and Kingston memory. Judging by the prices, it's probably their value memory.

If I go with a barebones, they only allow their in-house mwave memory, or Kingston. At $173 for a 1 gig DIMM(plus shipping), the Kingston doesn't look too bad.

I also noticed this PDP memory here that will be in stock again on March 2nd

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-220-030&depa=1

And this PQI memory that is currently in stock, only costs a few dollars more than the PDP, and reportedly gets some decent timings at 200 mhz

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-141-198&depa=1

I don't know if the mwave guys would let me get a barebones or cpu/mobo combo shipped without RAM so that I could take advantage of the PDP or PQI memories, but I'm gonna call em and ask. I'm also not sure if I'd be better off with the PDP or PQI DIMMs as opposed to the Kingston. I'd save about $20.

I'm pretty sure I don't want to use the mwave house-brand memory. But, who knows, it might be decent.

 

[DrMrLordX]

Hate to bump my own thread, but I'd like to hear from any of you if you've run 1 gig DIMMs in your vnf3-250, particularly from these manufacturers. If not, well, I guess I'll find out for myself later.

 

[Zap]

Getting 1GB modules would be a good idea since some A64 s754 setups won't run DDR400 with two sticks, dropping back to DDR333. The only unfortunate thing is that it is near impossible to find "enthusiast" 1GB modules, meaning lower latency or higher bandwidth. Almost everything on the market is standard JEDEC specs. As for quality, I'd say as long as the thing has a warranty... Motherboard-wise, have you considered the Epox boards? The EP-8KDA3I is priced the same as the Chaintech board and Epox is a bit better known for overclocking, plus their A64 boards have been talked about quite a bit lately. Newegg has the Epox board for $66.24 after shipping, plus has the OEM A64 2800+ AX stepping for $115 shipped. Basically for around $30 more than the Sempron 2800+, you get 200MHz higher clock and 2x the cache, plus 64 bit capability FWIW.

 

[DrMrLordX]

I've considered getting the A64 2800+, but the Sempron may OC a bit better due to the fact that it's built on the 90 nm process(A64 2800+ is 130 nm). Also, I doubt I'll be moving to a 64-bit OS anytime soon.

As far as enthusiast 1 gig DIMMs are concerned, I don't really care. I just want something that'll run at 1T at 180-200 mhz. I'll use dividers to run it at or below JEDEC standard speeds for PC3200.

And the Epox board, well . . . I stand corrected. I thought he was stuck at a 260 HTT wall, but he somehow got it up to 300 HTT! Pretty damn impressive if you ask me. Of course, the vnf3-250 is also supposed to hit 300 HTT without a hitch, so . . . eh, whatever. I'll wait and see how things go with his DFI board next.

 

[Slaimus]

Do not confused 3 banks with 3 slots. The first slot can handle 2 banks, while slots 2 and 3 share 2 banks. That means you can put 2 double-ranked(usually mean double sided) slots only, or 1 double-ranked and 2 single ranked. Getting a single double-ranked stick is pretty much the same as getting 2 single-ranked 512MB sticks(which are a lot cheaper). This is the only single sided 512MB I know of.

 

[Slaimus]

After reading it myself, it does seem confusing. To make it clearer, here are your options to maximize total memory:

SS=single sided, DS=double sided
Slot1, Slot2, Slot3

Option 1 (2GB):
1024MB DS, 1024MB DS, empty
* requires 2T command rate

Option 2 (2GB):
1024MB DS, 512MB SS, 512MB SS
* requires 2T command rate

Option 3 (1.5GB):
512MB SS or DS, 512MB SS, 512MB SS
* requires 2T command rate

Option 4 (1GB):
512MB SS, 512MB SS, empty
* will run at 1T command rate for best performance.

I personally would recommend Option 4, as it lets you run at 1T command rate, and giving you the option of buying a 1GB DIMM in the future and set it up like Option 2 for 2GB.

 

[DrMrLordX]

Thanks for the info, Slaimus. Learn somethin new every day . . .

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: DrMrLordX
I've considered getting the A64 2800+, but the Sempron may OC a bit better due to the fact that it's built on the 90 nm process(A64 2800+ is 130 nm).

And the Epox board, well . . . I stand corrected. I thought he was stuck at a 260 HTT wall, but he somehow got it up to 300 HTT!

I got an A64 2800+ AX stepping with an Epox EP-8KDA3I board. The board will POST at 9x300=2700MHz, but not stable. I think I'm hitting the limits of the CPU. The Sempron 2800+ will need the motherboard to hit 337.5 HTT to make it to the same speed. That's asking for a lot from the motherboard. I think an AX stepping A64 will clock similarly to the .09 Sempron if only for the higher multiplier. YMMV, just my opinion.

 

[DrMrLordX]

Yeah, I wouldn't expect most motherboards to hit 337.5 HTT. The DFI might do it.

Nice overclock, btw, even if it isn't stable. That certainly gives me something to think about in regards to the A64 2800+ vs Sempron 2800+.