Full RAM banks = bad for OC'ing?

[wxjunkie]

I've got an Abit KT7-Raid board with all 3 memory slots full (3 * 256 Micron) & A Tbird 1000mhz.

I can't guarantee any speed over default stable, but I can post & load Win2k Pro just fine up to 1212mhz, but there's always BSOD's after awhile. My temp never goes above 110 F, I've got a Thermaltake Volcano 7.

Would removing one of the memory sticks allow greater stability?

 

[AndyHui]

More RAM is less than ideal for a number of reasons:

- There are more variables involved. You need to make sure that all DIMMs are capable of the overclock, not just one or two. As an example, if a DIMM has 80% of reaching the overclock, adding the second DIMM means your overall probability drops to 64%. Adding a 3rd DIMM drops that even further to 51.2% of a successful overclock.

- More DIMMs increases power usage, meaning that your voltages have to handle all 3 units.

- Most chipsets only spec 4 sides of non-Registered DDR SDRAM to operate at a time, meaning two DIMM slots for Regular DDR. You are supposed to use Registered DDR for more than 2 double sided DIMMs.

 

[BuddyAtBzboyz]

Wow he sounds like he knows what he is talking about. I wish I sounded like that.

 

[wxjunkie]

Well it's great advice, but I've all but given up on my overclocking attempts with this motherboard, the chipset is just too unstable for me (KT133). I'm still getting BSOD's and I'm running at default speed and voltage.

 

[mrman3k]

I agree I probably wouldn't do much overclocking with that mobo. And just so you know try to only fill 1 RAM slot with high quality memory, your chances of a good overclock increase tenfold.