Couple of nForce2 / dual channel memory questions

[Wolfchild]

I'm thinking my next mb will be an nForce2, probably the Asus. And not sure what memory to get. To have 'dual channel' which I don't thoroughly understand yet, can I get by with two good quality PC3200 sticks like Corsair XMS?? Because I'm seeing some 'dual channel' packages for two sticks but it looks like they're really expensive. Is there a difference?

For instance I can get two regular 512 meg PC3200 sticks for under $200, but the dual channel 1024 package is like $270 at googlegear. I've been told I should go with CAS 2 RAM, do the other timing numbers following make a big difference too??

Oh and I'm looking at the Asus but what's the best bet for running say up to a 3000+ barton? Will the Asus work for that at least with future BIOS revisions? Because the one at newegg I was looking at said good to 2700+ or 2800+ or something.

 

[JSSheridan]

As for whether to get two single identical sticks or one matched pair, I'd say to just go with whatever is cheapest. I don't believe it makes a difference. Concerning the memory timings, lower numbers are better and all the timings make a difference in performance. If you can afford to get the Corsair LL sticks (2-2-2-5), the do so as you'll see a small boost in performance of 8-12%. The dual channel concept is that the memory is addressed through a 128bit bus instead of the typical 64bit bus providing twice the bandwidth.

As for which brand of MB, look at the Asus, Abit, and Epox models and find the one with the price and features you like. Peace.

 

[jackschmittusa]

If you get the matched pairs from Corsair or Samsung, then you are assured that will work as expected in a duel channel configuration. If you just buy 2 sticks of whatever, they will probably work, but maybe not. If you are going to buy cas2 ram anyway, it costs little or nothing to buy the pairs over the same brand singles.

 

[Jeff7181]

I have two different brands of PC2700 RAM on my board, and it's running in dual channel mode... matched pairs are completely unnecessary in my opinion and experience.

 

[Wolfchild]

Thanks everyone, helps me out

 

[ElFenix]

heck, i'd just get 2700 instead of 3200, not like the athlon can use the extra bandwidth of the dual 2700

 

[Jeff7181]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
heck, i'd just get 2700 instead of 3200, not like the athlon can use the extra bandwidth of the dual 2700

True... the only advantage to using DDR400 is that if you're overclocking you can run the FSB at 200 Mhz to reach higher speeds with the multiplier capped at 12.5, and you can run your RAM in sync with the FSB.

 

[NTB]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
heck, i'd just get 2700 instead of 3200, not like the athlon can use the extra bandwidth of the dual 2700

I've got a question relating to this...I'm building a budget system for a friend this summer, based on an Nforce2-IGP board & an AthlonXP 1700+ or so (266 fsb for sure). Is there any point to getting PC2700 memory, or should I just stick to 2100? The price difference is minimal, but I'm wondering if the memory can be run asynchronously so that the onboard video has more bandwidth to work with.

Nate

 

[Megatomic]

Originally posted by: NTB
I've got a question relating to this...I'm building a budget system for a friend this summer, based on an Nforce2-IGP board & an AthlonXP 1700+ or so (266 fsb for sure). Is there any point to getting PC2700 memory, or should I just stick to 2100? The price difference is minimal, but I'm wondering if the memory can be run asynchronously so that the onboard video has more bandwidth to work with.

Nate

I'd say get the PC2700 and run that 1700+ at 166MHz FSB (DDR333). That's a guaranteed overclock with stock settings and minimal increase in CPU heatload. The performance increase will be dramatic to say the least.