Abit NF7S and memory

[dschwabauer]

I have an Abit NF7S, version 2 mobo and have 512MB of SDRAM operating in dual channel. I want to put in 1GB of memory. Rather than buy two new 512MB modules I was wondering what would happen if I inserted a 512MB module into the free memory slot. Would it affect the dual channel operation of the motherboard. I have good Mushkin memory in right now. Not sure what I would buy, but I have a hunch that I should probably buy more Mushkin, correct? Or does it matter? I also think I heard that the memory would operate at the rate of the slowest memory. Would putting in a 512 module affect the dual channel operations? Thanks for any help you can give.

 

[Ike0069]

You can't run dual channel with 3 sticks. No way around that. Also, I believe the third stick will drop your RAM speed to 333 (assuming it's at 400 now).
You're better off getting 2 sticks of 512 and running just those. Use the 2X256 sticks in an other computer, or sell them.

 

[knightwhosaysni]

NForce2 can run dual channel with 3 sticks, put 2x256 in one and 1x512 in the other though 3 full slots will force it to run at DDR333. It has 2 independent memory controllers so you don't need to match memory like most dual channel chipsets.

Mine works in dual channel with 2x256 and 1x1024. (At least the BIOS screen says so).

 

[Ike0069]

Originally posted by: knightwhosaysni
NForce2 can run dual channel with 3 sticks, put 2x256 in one and 1x512 in the other though 3 full slots will force it to run at DDR333. It has 2 independent memory controllers so you don't need to match memory like most dual channel chipsets.

Mine works in dual channel with 2x256 and 1x1024. (At least the BIOS screen says so).

Ahh, yes you are correct. My bad.

It appears a 512 stick will give you what you want.

 

[dschwabauer]

Will dropping the speed to DDR 333 significantly affect the way the computer runs? I am not looking for it to be slower, but I am not an overclocker either...just need more memory for some digital image work and other things I hope to expand into. Thanks.

 

[dschwabauer]

One more thing...anyone have any experience with Patriot memory? Seems to be getting rave reviews at Newegg. Anyone know who makes the Patriot memory? New company...or produced by someone like Corsair or Mushkin??? Thanks.

 

[Fern]

Put the two 256MB sticks in slots 1&2. The 512MB stick s/b in slot #3. (this way the 2 x 256MB will work together with the one stick 512MB for a balanced DC config.)

Many peeps with 3 sticks report no problem with 200FSB. Some are running in excess of that.

You'll just have to see. Your third stick may be diff from the other two is why say that.

Fern

 

[Jeff7]

Originally posted by: Ike0069

Originally posted by: knightwhosaysni
NForce2 can run dual channel with 3 sticks, put 2x256 in one and 1x512 in the other though 3 full slots will force it to run at DDR333. It has 2 independent memory controllers so you don't need to match memory like most dual channel chipsets.

Mine works in dual channel with 2x256 and 1x1024. (At least the BIOS screen says so).

Ahh, yes you are correct. My bad.

It appears a 512 stick will give you what you want.

I'm running two sticks of 512 and a 256MB stick on my NF7-S rev1.2, dual channel, at 200MHz. Works just fine.