Help decide... 3x128MB vs 2x256MB memory performance an issue

[Leo V]

I was originally intending to get 512MB memory on my MSI K7T Pro2A system (which has 3 DIMM slots). I've realized that I'll need PC133/CAS2 memory, hence I cannot immediately afford 512MB. (2x256 or even 256+2x128). The prices favor using 128MB sticks (Crucial's such sticks cost $72 after savings), so I can afford 3x128MB immediately. Which leaves the following alternatives:

1) One 256MB/PC133/CAS2 stick now ($162 shipped from Crucial), one indefinitely later--ultimately 512MB
2) Three 128MB/PC133/CAS2 sticks all now ($219 shipped from Crucial)--384MB total

My first question: are there any memory performance implications? For instance, MSI's new BIOS allows "4-way interleaving", could either configuration work better w/that?

Any other considerations? Is there a notable difference in power consumption between these configurations? I won't ask the ages-old question about 384MB vs. 512MB... either should suffice for a while. Well?

 

[Dulanic]

For any normal user 384MB is more than enough... personally I wouldnt even spend the extra on the 512 and Id go with the 3 128MB sticks. Or if you are sure you want to add more later go with one 128MB stick and one 256... performance wise it will all be the same, except that the 128MB sticks usually OC better.

 

[GT1999]

Look at my sig for my system. I'm using 3x 128MB PC100 CAS2-2-2 sticks. You don't need PC133, but it gives you a boost in mem performance.

 

[office boy]

<<For any normal user 384MB is more than enough>> not to many normal users around here...
But Dulanic does have a resonable solution, get one 256, and one 128. Then you have your 384, AND room to upgrade (to 640)

BTW there should be no real performance diference between the various options. And 4-way inter will work even with only one stick,

 

[eyor]

If you are not overclocking I don't see why you are going with crucial...

 

[Leo V]

eyor, Crucial seems to offer the cheapest PC133/CAS2 memory (disregarding Premier, known to cause problems). After 15% discount, their 256MB/PC133/CAS2 sticks cost $162 apiece (free shipping), and their 128MB/PC133/CAS2 sticks cost $72. But if you know better deals on PC133/CAS2 memory, please tell me!

 

[Leo V]

Regarding your responses: for what I'm doing (heavy multimedia editing), I need at least 384MB. I'd prefer PC133 for bandwidth and CAS2 for latency reasons.

I'm going to reassess my finances, but since all configurations yield similar performance, I'll likely take the 256MB now, and one later path.

On a side note, I'm very happy as my retail Tbird1100 runs rock stable at 1.55Vcore (consuming only around 40Watts)

 

[Dulanic]

LeoV if you need more why not go with my recommendation? 1 128MB stick and a 256MB.... thats just maybe $4 more then 3 128MB sticks. And it leaves you room to upgrade to more.... hell you could add a 512MB stick if you needed it. You can mix and match the ram sizes. And go for Crucial, it is good priced...

BTW go to www.crucial.com/webpromo and youll save even more

 

[Dulanic]

NM just checked prices... you are already

 

[oldfart]

I currently have 2 Crucial 128 meg PC133 cas3 sticks. They run perfectly @ cas2. Others have reported the same. These can be had for $60 each. I have on the way a 256 meg cas3 stick. I'm betting it will also run cas2. This can be had for $128. So, you can get 512 meg for $256, or 384 for $188 if you go for the cas3 stuff that runs @ cas2 anyway. BTW, this is on a CUSL2 815e. I don't know if the K7T will be more or less tolerant. I have seen conflicting information on the real benefits of cas2 Vs 3 anyway. I guess it depends on the applications you run.

 

[Whitedog]

I recommend only buying 256ers...

Just buy one for now, and another later.

Leave yourself room to grow. Trust me, you don't want to Max out your board now and later have 3 useless 128 megger dimms.

 

[Leo V]

oldfart, do you mean CAS 2-3-3 or CAS 2-2-2?

Dulanic, I'm pretty much leaning towards what you've said--256MB + 128MB. What I don't understand is, how can you save more than 15% from Crucial? Thanks!

 

[oldfart]

I'm running 2-2-2.

 

[oldfart]

How the heck did my reply show up before your question?

 

[GT1999]

That happened to me the other day, really weird.

 

[Whitedog]

Cuz your ping sux oldfart... hehe

Nef

 

[Leo V]

Weird, yes. But not as painful as having my entire 3-page audio review post erased, courtesy of Anandtech's corrupted database

 

[Guilty]

Retail 1.1Ghz Tbird using 1.55volts? Are you underclocking or something?

 

[Leo V]

Guilty, I was planning to underclock to reduce heat/power consumption. Fortunately, that won't be necessary--the Tbird barely gets warm @1.55Vcore and 1100MHz. Even after several hours of BurnK6.exe, the CPU temperature is measured at a measly 37C!