Epox EP-4G4A Memory Question

[beach2nd]

I am going to buy a new p4 2.53GHz and Epox 4G4A mobo. My question is about the memory. On the epox site it says it supports up to 2 GB of DDR PC2100, but I've seen it recommended here to get PC2700 RAM with that motherboard. Will this still work? Also I am open to suggestions on RAM. Thanks.

 

[Dug]

As long as you get DDR PC2100 or above you are good to go. The higher numbered ram (PC2700, 3000, 3200) means that you can run the fsb or memory or both at higher speeds.

For example you will want to run that 2.53 at 3Ghz. You will need to change the fsb from 133 to 160 to do this. So you need ram that will run at a minimum of 160 at a 1:1 setting for the ram. PC2700 should do this just fine. If you really want to push the performance then get PC3200. Run your fsb at 160 and use the 4:5 memory divider on that motherboard so you will have 160/4*5*2=400. I personally recommend you get the most ram you can afford at the time. Right now Corsair XMS 3200 series seems to be very popular.

Even if you don't plan on overclocking the cpu its still a good idea to get faster ram. That way you can maximize the bandwidth needed for the p4. At stock 133fsb you can still use the 3:4 memory divider and attain a substantial increase in performance. 133/3*4*2=355.

This all depends on how much ram you want to use. Don't expect great results if you plan on putting in more than a 1gig of ram. (As far as o/cing goes)
Optimum results on that particular board have been found using 1 512MB module.