4 DIMMS w/ Conroe overclocking?

[augiem]

I'm building a C2D E6600 system (waiting for parts) and was wondering if the old addage from the days of northwoods, etc. about instability and problems when filling all 4 DIMM slots on a mobo holds true these days?

Anyone see a problem running 4x1GB in any of these boards I'm considering?

Asus P5B
DFI Infinity 975X/G
Gigabyte DS3

I'm planning to OC to around 3.2-3.4 GHz, nothing extreme.
I have the memory on order, but Monarch is taking FOREVER to ship it. (2 weeks and counting for an IN STOCK product.)

If I had to choose between OCing to 3.4 w/ 2GB mem or NO OC + 4GB mem, I'd choose the former.

Thanks!

Augie

 

[Pabster]

I don't see too many issues with it. Theoretically, you will hit lower clocks with all 4 slots populated.

But I see a lot of people running 900+ with all 4 slots. So have at it!

 

[airedale]

Just so you know, I ran into problems getting my board to actually like running with 4 DIMMs filled.

This was on a P5B Deluxe.

I was trying to go for 4GB too and was not having much luck. Tried OCZ Platinum 6400 and also the XMS 6400 with no luck. The XMS may have been a bad stick of memory though.

The right combo for me was the XMS 6400Pro. I then decided the cost wasn't worth the 4GBs and returned one set.

 

[augiem]

Originally posted by: airedale
Just so you know, I ran into problems getting my board to actually like running with 4 DIMMs filled.

This was on a P5B Deluxe.

I was trying to go for 4GB too and was not having much luck. Tried OCZ Platinum 6400 and also the XMS 6400 with no luck. The XMS may have been a bad stick of memory though.

The right combo for me was the XMS 6400Pro. I then decided the cost wasn't worth the 4GBs and returned one set.

Hmm, were you having trouble running the board when overclocking or at stock speeds?

Augie

 

[airedale]

It was stock speeds

 

[augiem]

Hmm... doesn't sound too good. I was also reading some info that Windows XP can only access 4GB memory total, including any memory on video cards and other devices. That means I'd be potentially wasting up to 1 GB of my memory. Maybe 2GB is enough for now... hmm...

 

[airedale]

Oh yeah, for sure. You can only access at most 3GB with SP2. SP1, you could have accessed all of it.

I went with x64 Windows to get it to recognize all 4GBs and now I am not even using it!

 

[augiem]

SP1 could have accessed all of it? That's odd... Okay, I guess I'll try to cancel the 2nd two sticks on order. Thanks!

Augie

 

[gramboh]

There are ways to force XP 32bit (I don't think the service pack matters) to address around 3.2GB of memory but it's not efficient at all. 2GB is optimal for this OS.

If you want/need to run over 2GB you need XP64, Server 2003 or wait for Vista. If you are just doing normal desktop use (games etc.) 2GB is fine for now, worry about 4 when vista comes and DDR2 prices drop further

 

[airedale]

Service pack does matter. I read about it on the OCZ forums when I was first building. SP1 allowed for 4GB - but SP2 dropped it down to 3 GB.

 

[augiem]

I'm running 3 now in my 3.3G Northwood system. I had to upgrade because I do a lot of 3D work and 1GB was not cutting it. Maybe 2 will suffice. I guess I can only try and see.

 

[skriefal]

I have 4 G.Skill DDR2-800 sticks in my DS3, currently running at 850 (425 FSB). No problems, but I haven't tried pushing it past 850 yet...