I'm not sure about this

[SlitheryDee]

More specifically, I want to know if I can use anything faster than pc3200 in an ABIT NF-S2 motherboard which officially only supports pc3200. The bios has an option that allows me to increase the memory speed by different percentages of the fsb (up to 200%). This allows me to theoretically increase memory speeds to 400 mhz if I don't increase my fsb to overclock. I believe that this puts even the fastest ddr memory within my reach. However, I think that everything above pc3200 is ddr2 which my mb doesn't support. Is this true? Am I just dreaming here? Any input would be appreciated.

 

[mechBgon]

You can use memory that's rated higher than the mobo's "officially" made to support, as long as the mobo can provide the voltage that's needed by the module in question. Fancy "high end" memory often needs more than 2.5-2.6 volts for 100% stability.

DDR2 is physically different from DDR. There is DDR rated on up to as high as PC4400 last I checked. If a module is DDR2, it'll say PC2-____ (whatever number).

 

[SlitheryDee]

Oh ok, so like in newegg's memory search there are selections that say DDR2 and all the rest say DDR.
You're saying that if my motherboard can supply the required voltage then I can use any of the regular DDR chips regardless of speed? (Forgive me for reiterating, but I'm considering a purchase).

Thanks BTW

 

[o1die]

That's correct. If in doubt, I suggest you download the board manual, and check the ddr voltage adjustments in the bios before ordering.

 

[SlitheryDee]

Alright I know what to look for now. Thanks guys.

 

[SlitheryDee]

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-144-320&depa=1

This looks pretty good. It supports 2.6-3.1v and my mb can supply up 3.2v. I suppose i'm ok if I get this. Any comments?

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: SlitheryDee
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-144-320&depa=1

This looks pretty good. It supports 2.6-3.1v and my mb can supply up 3.2v. I suppose i'm ok if I get this. Any comments?

FYI, running the memory out-of-sync with the CPU's bus speed like you were proposing in your first post is not a good idea. Besides stability problems, it'll lower your system performance, not raise it. If you have $230 to blow, get 1GB of Corsair ValueSelect PC3200 and save the rest towards a nice Athlon64 and mobo.

 

[SlitheryDee]

Hmm, what about buying a couple of steps up from pc3200 and running it 1:1 while overclocking my fsb?
I'm running stably at 223 mhz fsb now. That's pretty close to pc3700 and I wouldn't mind slightly underclocking my memory if its important for it to be in-sync with my cpu bus.

 

[SlitheryDee]

bump

 

[rgreen83]

yes you should get memory fast enough to run 1:1.