A64 Memory Question on NF4 Board

[bob4432]

since the memory timings don't really matter (everyday office stuff, nothing that will even push the machine) on the A64, are you still better off to go with 2x256 or 1x512? does the dual channel help out much? do the A64s need the ~6.4GB/s bandwidth of Dual Channel PC3200 or is ~3.2GB/s fine?

this would be for an office computer with no gaming but want to go with a 3000venice due to their extremely low power consumption and the NF4 just in case the machines need to be upgraded if their roles changes.

either way it doesn't matter, just curious as P4s really hinder in single channel mode...

 

[wasserkool]

either channel configuration should be fine, but i highly suggest you get 1GB of RAM..

even daily office application will benefit from the added ram

 

[Hacp]

If you want to use only single channel memory, I would suggest a 2800+ on the socket 754. If you don't use dual channel, then the 1.8 venice will perform the same as a 1.8 754 processor.

 

[bob4432]

i am talking very basic stuff like excel, word, outlook but may get 1x512 and see what the usage pattern is, then add another 512 if necessary (for ~$80 i think you are correct though)

 

[bob4432]

Originally posted by: Hacp
If you want to use only single channel memory, I would suggest a 2800+ on the socket 754. If you don't use dual channel, then the 1.8 venice will perform the same as a 1.8 754 processor.

the only reason going with 939 is in case the machines take on a different role, then i could throw a x2(when they come down to earth) in their with more ram if one of the machines needed to do some video editing with software that was smt/smp aware(which is what i would use) but thanks for the idea.

trying to keep the budget low but still have expandability if needed

 

[wasserkool]

if you are using windows XP, 512MB ram will be a drag for the system.

The latest version of office works best with 1GB of ram. Since you are not performance-oriented, getting 1GB of value ram is extremely cheap and good investment for system performance

 

[bob4432]

Originally posted by: wasserkool
Since you are not performance-oriented

not me, just these machines...

comparing to your rig...damn, am looking at a 36GB 15K u320 system for me....what scsi controller are you using?

 

[t3h l337 n3wb]

Just go with 1GB of RAM. PC3200 sticks are so cheap now, so just pick up a pair of 512MB sticks. I'm running XP on 512MB RAM on a laptop, and it's so slow... I usually have like no free RAM left, so I'd definitely recommend a gig.

 

[wasserkool]

i am using the el-cheapon LSI 21320 SCSI controller, it does the job well and i get really good performance

 

[bob4432]

Originally posted by: wasserkool
i am using the el-cheapon LSI 21320 SCSI controller, it does the job well and i get really good performance

no probs with the lsi stuff, i am using a lsiu160 bought for $34 from newegg