ASUS A7V8X mem upgrade

[MikeRocker]

Hi folks.

Just a Q about upgrading my RAM on the ASUS A7V8X (VIA KT400 chipset):

I currently have 2x 128Mb=256Mb on board. I want to go to 2x512mb=1gig. What memory type would be most appropriate? (DDR 333 or DDR400, what make/model, etc). Also, would it be possible to stick a third 512 block in later to up the RAM (provided they are the same type of course)?

My system:

AMD AthlonXP 2200+
ASUS A7V8X
2x128mb RAM


Nothing is overclocked at the moment, though I might do some gentle OC'ing if I feel comfortable with it. I do a lot of Photoshop and 3D modeling and the odd game (Lock On: Modern Air Combat, MSFS). So memory should be fast enough, but not too expensive either. I'm definitely not rich and/or super-hardcore, just looking for a happy medium.

Any tips are appreciated.

 

[mechBgon]

Your current CPU doesn't call for anything past PC2100 memory, since it could be run synchronously with PC2100. According to the owners' manual, you can run up to three modules at PC2100 speed, or up to two modules at PC2700 speed, or a single module at PC3200 speed. I'd assume you could use faster modules at the lower speeds without it freaking out, just set the memory timings manually first.

If you want the option of upgrading later, then PC2700 would leave the door open for processors that use the 333MHz bus speed, like the popular AthlonXP 2500+. Buying PC3200 could be smart if you anticipate moving to a motherboard that supports either AthlonXP's with 400Mhz bus speeds, or Athlon64, because then you could re-use the RAM in the new board.

One way to go is simply to go to http://www.crucial.com and look up your board in the configurator. Their RAM is good quality and guaranteed for life if you use the configurator to match it to your mobo. If you want to get "fancy" RAM, Corsair is a good brand.

 

[MikeRocker]

Ok, thanks for that.

I'm not quite clear about one thing yet:

Is it better to run RAM in sync with the FSB, or at max clock regardless. I'm asking, because back when DDR400 came around, many reviews said that 333 was actually faster. So what is better, DDR333 with better timings, or 400 with slightly worse timings but higher clock speed? I'm looking for first-hand experience here.

 

[mechBgon]

Here's AnandTech's review of the A7V8X where they try it both ways, and I'm starting on the first page of SPEC marks since that's where I think you'll find it most relevant to 3D modelling, when the system is hammering lots of geometry data across the AGP bus as you move POV: link

From that, it looks like there's a small performance edge to running the RAM at DDR400/PC3200 speed. However, if that comes at the cost of using just one module, and results in you having to settle for less RAM, then I'd recommend going for more RAM at lower speeds any day, versus less RAM at higher speeds. Keep in mind that a dual-channel nForce2 board will trounce the KT400 boards in SPECview benchmarks when using two or three modules, and you can run as many as three DDR400 modules on nForce2 (I do, 1.5GB is sweet ). So keep thinking about those sub-$70 Shuttle AN35N Ultra boards as you consider the RAM thing.

What 3D apps do you work with, btw? I have trueSpace 4.3, it's all I can afford

 

[MikeRocker]

Thanks for the quick reply mech.

I definitely need a gig of RAM and single sticks are @'?!§ing expensive! So going with 2x512 seems to leave only PC2700 modules. Thats ok for me. Any info on the timings I can expect for such memory, are there big differences? I might try a little bios tweaking, so a more robust module would be in order.

I was kinda p/o'd when I found out I could have had an Athlon 2600+ on an ASUS Nforce2 board at the same price a coupla months later. Dual channel is certainly nice if you have it!

Did I also understand correctly that I would need to get single-bank modules, if I want to have a chance of upping the RAM further at a later date?

Thanks for the info.

P.S. I use PovRay with Moray frontend (shareware, check out at www.povray.org). And had Cinema 4D on a student license for a while (not installed at the mo). Just as a hobby really, and for the odd contest now and then.

 

[mechBgon]

It sounds to me like you could get two PC2700 modules of either single-sided or double-sided, and still put in a third one as long as you kick them down to PC2100 speed when you add the third module. Adding the third module would break the "two PC2700 max" rule even if they all were single-sided. For the record, the 512MB Crucial PC2700 modules I've seen lately have been single-sided.

On the timings, I personally wouldn't spend the extra for modules that are designed for ultra-low-latency operation, not in your situation. Having enough RAM to go around is the main thing, and without falling back on benchmarking, I doubt you'll get perceptible improvements by tightening the timings from 2.5-3-3-6 to 2-2-2-5 or so forth. But that's just my educated guess

I forgot to say it before, but welcome to the Forums

 

[Joker81]

i put 1.5 gigs in a7v8x 3x512 no problems.

 

[MikeRocker]

Thanks for the input, guys! This has cleared up a few things for me.

See you around!