Apacer CAS3: Weak link?

[RandomCoil]

I have the following system:

550E (G.Orb),
P3V4X (Iwill Slotket 2),
SDR GeForce (Elsa Erazor X),
5400 ATA66 WD,
SBLive Value,
Creative ModemBlaster 56k,
128MB CAS3 Apacer,
250w Enlight PS

The system functions magnificently at fsbs of 133 and 135 (1.7v required) but fails to POST at higher speeds. The system will also fail to POST with an fsb more than a couple of MHz above 100 if the RAM is set to host+33. I've pushed the voltage to 1.8 with no effect. The cpu temp at 133/135, 1.7v is always <40 C.

Given this information, would you agree that it is the RAM holding me back? Crucial CAS2 would be the likely replacement, unless a cheaper alternative is doable (recommendations?)

RC

Oh, the system runs Win2K, but since this appears to be a pre-POST issue, it's probably not relevant. And yes, the HD is dog-slow...

 

[Wik]

Very good question. Is the ram PC133 or PC100? I have 128megs of PC133 CAS3 ram by Apacer (Infineon Chips) I have an old Asus P2B board and have my 550e running at 770mhz(140mhz FSB) and still the stock voltage. I had to change to PC133 ram to get 140mhz FSB back when I used to have my 350P2. I used to use generic PC100 ram. If it is Apacer PC133 Case3 ram I do know they handle at least 140mhz. Two of my friends also have this ram and get the same results as me.

 

[fatboy]

I have the same setup except p3 600 and I can only hit 852mhz but its not stable there. My mem is Apacer PC133 but I also think it is holding my back. Right now I am not even oc it. See no real reason to it runs fine at 600mhz

 

[Wik]

If it is Apacer PC133 with Infineon Chips, it ahould go as high as 140mhz FSB. Like I said I have seen 3 sticks of this stuff do that.