865 chipset vs. 845 chipset

[georgezambi]

I am planning on putting together a value SOHO system.


I had planned on using a Intel P4 2.4 GHz (800 MHz) with an Intel 865G chipset.
Then I read the Anandtech review that said that the 865 chipset was very finiky about the DDR400 memory that it accepted.

Now I'm thinking about using a Intel P4 2.4 GHz (533 MHz) with an Intel 845G chipset.

I have two questions:-

1.Has anyone experianced memory compatibility problems with the 865G chipset ?

2.Exactly what drawbacks would I face by opting for the 533Mhz chip and 845G chipset ?( considering that I am putting together a "Value" Home system ?).

Many thanks in advance for your suggestions.

George

 

[egale]

If you want to run in dual channel mode, yes the 865/875 chipsets are finicky. You have to make sure that both sticks are matched or else it will drop into single channel mode. Also, depending on your motherboard, you may have to up the vdimm to 2.8 but after you get it going, it should be a great system.

If you go with a 533fsb, the main thing you lose is speed unless you plan on doing heavy overclocking.

 

[Kroffty]

I have had both and the 800mhz is the better deal .I think Most of the problems with memory have been fixed with bios updates.
and hyper threading on the new chips is very nice. The prices on the two are about the same.

 

[Sunner]

Unless you'll be playing lots of games on it, or doing any heavy workstations duties(video editing, photoshop, etc) you won't notice any difference.
Since you mentioned SOHO, it sounds like you'll be using Office applications, websurfing, etc, in which case pretty much any computer would suffice.

 

[georgezambi]

Thanks for your advice guys.It's releif to hear that the memory problems are mostly fixed.
One thing I was concerned about the 533 Mhz option was a lack of a clear upgrade path ie was there a probability that Intel would (in the near future) stop making newer CPUs in 533MHz versions and stick only to 800Mhz (and, by then, higher)?

I will also be doing a little bit of Photoshop work at home, so I guess the 800Mhz is what I'll go with.

BY the way, where can I get information on how to "match" the memory sticks ?Sorry to ask what is probably a dumb question, but when I last assembled a machine, we just had to worry about PC-100 and PC-133 memory.

 

[Sideswipe001]

Buy 2 of the same sticks at the same time. That's the easiest way. Instead of 1 512 get 2x256, for example. Or if you're like a lot of people here, just get 2x512.

 

[egale]

Also, some manufacturers like Kingston and Corsair sell kits with matched pairs although it costs more to do it that way.

 

[georgezambi]

Many thanks guys !Really appreciate all your advice.