3 sticks of PC3200 on Socket 754

Cpcates

Junior Member
Feb 2, 2004
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First off let me start by saying i've been reading these forums for about 4-5 years now and you guys know your stuff. So I finally took the plunge and signed up :)

My question is I just bought a new MSI K8T NEO-FSR with 3 Dimm slots and I have 2 sticks of Corsair XMS PC 3200 2X256 and I want to go to 1Gig by adding an additional 512 stick but i've heard the only way the Socket 754 can run with memory at full speed (PC3200) is by using only 2 sticks of memory. Is this true??

Thanks in Advance
 

mechBgon

Super Moderator<br>Elite Member
Oct 31, 1999
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That does seem to be correct, two sticks maximum or it downshifts to PC3200. It's been reported in real life and that's what all the mobo owners' manuals say, too. I feel your pain, bro... I've got 1.5GB of PC3200 on an nForce2, and I'll have to fall back to 1.0GB on my new A64 board that's on the way, or else pick up a 2GB TwinX pack or something. But when Socket 939 arrives, we should be able to use 4 modules.
 

Peter

Elite Member
Oct 15, 1999
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This is ALWAYS true. DDR400 is specified for one (!) single DIMM, two is already pushing it, three no way. DDR333 is specified for two, if you want three and be within specifications, DDR266 is yours. DDR333 with three DIMMs often works too.

That's all per channel of course, so if you want to run two or more sticks of DDR400 and be on the safe side of things, you'll need a dual channel board.
 

Pokey

Platinum Member
Oct 20, 1999
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This is off the SOYO web site memory knowledge base: It applies to their K8USA board.

"NOTE:
1. Only 2 banks of PC2700, and PC3200 is supported, this means you can only place two(2) DDR333(PC2700), or DDR400(PC3200) modules on this board. this board does, however; support three(3) DDDR266(PC2100) memory modules
2. if two modules(PC3200, or PC2700) are being used on this board. Make sure to place one module on DDR socket #1, and one on DDR socket #3.
3. If only one(1) memory module is being used on the board, you can place the module on either one of the memory sockets."

Also the manual has a table spelling out the positions you can put various single or double sided DIMMs of different speeds. They are pretty explicit as to where you can put what.:confused:
 

Silentsc0rn

Member
Jan 15, 2004
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This seems to fit into this thread, which would you think is better 3 sticks of PC2100 266 in a NForce2 400 board 2x256 and 1x512, or PC3200 400 1x512, or maybe 2x256? The reason I ask is I currently have 2x256 PC2100 and I am not sure I want to swictch over to the pc3200 or just get another stick for cheaper of pc2100 and have 1 gig instead of 512. Any comments?
 

Pokey

Platinum Member
Oct 20, 1999
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Silentsc0rn
I am reading fast and so I hope this is an answer: Crucial's web site indicates that it is usually better to choose more memory as opposed to just a faster module. Theroetically, then, if you have PC2100 stick(s) now, add more PC 2100 (if you can) rather than just replacing what you have with the faster. So if I understand their rational, you should add to the PC2100.

Don't forget that some motherboards run into trouble with three DDR400 modules. Read your manual for guidance on what you can put where. There is usually a chart or some sort of instruction on how to populate the Dimm slots.

One other thing: If you mix them, even if they work together, they will still only run at the slower modules speed.

Hope this helps.