Gigabyte GA-P45-UD3P happier with 4 memory sticks than P35-DS3L?

[Ryland]

A while ago I had seen something about how most motherboards (I think including the DS3L) didn't run at full memory speed when all 4 slots are filled. Is this true with the UD3P? Will my 1066 memory run at 1066 stably if I put four 2gig sticks in?

 

[BonzaiDuck]

Originally posted by: Ryland
A while ago I had seen something about how most motherboards (I think including the DS3L) didn't run at full memory speed when all 4 slots are filled. Is this true with the UD3P? Will my 1066 memory run at 1066 stably if I put four 2gig sticks in?

I came to this particular forum today because I'm upgrading an old file server with Win Home Server, and need a C2D-capable motherboard. I'm going to replace all the hardware except the PSU and the RAID5 array. So I found [what you apparently refer to here]:

GA-EP45-UD3R version

First, I have to ask you "why on earth do you think you need 8GB RAM?" I've got a C2D E8600 system with Win VISTA 64, and 4GB is entirely ample. There is always at least a GB totally available while running games, etc.

Second, let's assume that the P45 chipset has no problems with all four RAM sockets filled. Such was a problem with nVidia chipsets, and I'd think Intel would be a more reliable bet in that regard. I, myself, may choose to socket four RAM sticks because I have a set of OCZ Platinum DDR2-800s -- 4x512MB-- and I need to use them for this file-server.

If the memory is compatible with the chipset, and regardless of how many pairs you socket, there will always be a trade-off between number of sticks, voltage and wattage necessary, speed and memory latency settings.

If the memory is rated at 1066, you should be able to run the memory at -- or near -- DDR2-1066 using the stock latency settings. But to run the memory in a 1:1 ratio with the CPU speed, you'd have to push the CPU-FSB to 533 Mhz. On the other hand, you should be able to run the memory at a lower speed between DDR= 800 and DDR= 1000, and tighten the latency settings to get a bandwidth equal to what you'd get with a different CPU : RAM ratio (like 4:5) and a higher speed (such as DDR=1066). But you're better off with 2 sticks or a 2x2GB kit than you would be with a 4x2GB pair of kits -- because it means more voltage draw, and you may have to edge up the VDIMM or RAM voltage setting.

Now -- about this GA-EP45-UD3R version of the board you speak of. The NewEgg reviews have taken a slight tumble, so the ratings for more than 400 reviews show only 4 stars out of 5. I can't trust that the people reporting problems totally know what they're doing when installing their motherboards. Is there any, significant quality-control problem with these boards?

 

[Ryland]

Its not that I "need" 8GB but figuring I found a matching set for the 1066 I have now for $26 AR so its cheap enough to make it worth it if it will work.

 

[yh125d]

My EP43-DS3L and P5Q neither have any problems running 4 sticks of 1066. Didn't have to up any voltages either

 

[Ryland]

I realized last night that 8GB would be useful since I normally am working on 7+ gig HD files (editing down) which takes forever due to disk swapping.

 

[MTDEW]

Originally posted by: Ryland
A while ago I had seen something about how most motherboards (I think including the DS3L) didn't run at full memory speed when all 4 slots are filled. Is this true with the UD3P? Will my 1066 memory run at 1066 stably if I put four 2gig sticks in?

I can tell you my UD3P runs my four 2gb(8gb) DDR2 1000 G.Skill sticks just fine.

Of course i cant say your "exact" sticks will do the same, if i were you i'd ask if anyone is running 8gb of the EXACT memory you plan on using just to be safe.