AMD 333 FSB question

[SWEnginerd]

In a recent review, Anand wrote:

The 2700+ runs at 2.17GHz while the 2800+ runs at 2.25GHz, both using a 166MHz DDR FSB (effectively 333MHz). The 25% increase in FSB frequency will apply to all CPUs after the 2700/2800+, meaning that although the 2600+ won't get a 333MHz FSB, the 3000+ will. Both of these CPUs are based off of the new Thoroughbred-B core.

http://www.anandtech.com/cpu/showdoc.html?i=1718&p=2

I am seeing 2600+'s advertised on Pricewatch.com as having 333MHz FSBs (there are also 266MHz chips available). Do the 333's really exist, or are these bait-and-switch? If I buy one, does anyone know what I should look for to be sure I got a real 333 FSB part? (Also, if the info is something within the chip, how do I retrieve the data?)


Also, could anyone let me know of any problems with the following setup:

Epox 8RDA+ mobo
Samsung 512Mb PC2700 (DDR333) CAS2
AMD 2600+ 333FSB (might get a 2800+ if the price drops enough)

I just read in this other thread:
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.cfm?catid=27&threadid=1047487
that there are memory issues with the 8RDA+ and Corsair memory, which is what I was looking for, so I figured I'd better check about the Samsung!

Many thanks,

Michael

 

[Viper96720]

Buy it from a reputable place. I like newegg or local if possible.

 

[mechBgon]

AMD makes two 2600+'s, one with 266MHz bus and the other with 333MHz bus. The one with the 266MHz bus has a higher actual clockspeed to compensate for its slower bus speed. Just look for the desired bus speed in the item listing and you should be fine, unless the company gets their CPUs confused or deliberately pulls a fast one on you.

Speaking of pulling a fast one on you, Pricewatch is the devil whispering into one of your ears, and Resellerratings.com is the angel whispering into the other. Before you go with a fly-by-night outfit at Pricewatch, check 'em out at Resellerratings :Q

I would be considering the Samsung Original modules if I were shopping for some PC2700 or PC3200, as long as I was getting them from a no-quibble merchant who would cover them if they don't work at their intended speed. If I weren't sure of the vendor, then Corsair XMS2700C2 or XMS3200C2 modules would be nice... Corsair will provide direct support if you have problems. Crucial PC3200 would be another to consider, since this Crucial module is a Samsung Original module, according to a person who bought some (Samsung chips, Samsung PCB, Crucial sticker and warranty). Buy directly from Crucial and use their memory selector so that your modules are covered by their compatibility guarantee, if you go with them.

Hope that helps!

 

[Hanzou]

I would be considering the Samsung Original modules if I were shopping for some PC2700 or PC3200, as long as I was getting them from a no-quibble merchant who would cover them if they don't work at their intended speed. If I weren't sure of the vendor, then Corsair XMS2700C2 or XMS3200C2 modules would be nice... Corsair will provide direct support if you have problems. Crucial PC3200 would be another to consider, since this Crucial module is a Samsung Original module, according to a person who bought some (Samsung chips, Samsung PCB, Crucial sticker and warranty). Buy directly from Crucial and use their memory selector so that your modules are covered by their compatibility guarantee, if you go with them.

Are you saying that the Samsung ram does not always run at the posted speed? I was thinking about getting two 512MB sticks of PC2700 for my new system, but if there are troubles with the quality of ram, I might have to reconsider .

 

[mechBgon]

I didn't mean it that way, no... when using 512Mb modules especially, the nForce2 boards have seemed a bit picky, and I would just like the option to exchange for another brand/model, so I want good vendor support. Ironically, it's Crucial's PC2700 512Mb modules that really got a lot of complaints, while their PC3200 hasn't seemed to be a problem (but not that many people have reported buying it either).

 

[WebDude]

I'm running a 2600+ (333mhz). The only real difference between the 333 version and the 266 is what the multiplier is set to on the cpu. You'll know which one you have when you put it in your system and boot up -- the display should tell you what the default multiplier is (or you can infer it from what the display says). I believe the nForce2 mb's can override the cpu's multiplier setting in the bios though, so you can play around with it if you want.