Memory Issue with X2 3800+

[bladephoenix]

I heard that the X2 3800+, which I believe is based off of Venice, has a memory issue if you stuff 4x512Mb of RAM into it. It supposedly downclocks the memory controller to a MAX of 333 Mhz speeds. However, I was told it is corrected in the later models, X2 4200+ and beyond.

Since the sweet spot seems to be 512 right now in terms of price (to get 2x1Gb would cost $50-70 more than 4x512Mb), my question is should I just wait for the X2 4200+ to come down to the current X2 3800+ price in order to correct the issue, or is there an easier way to approach this without spending the extra $50-60 on 1 Gb sticks?

Edit: I mean to say 4200+...not 4000

 

[MrDudeMan]

just get 2x 1gb and run 1T. that makes a pretty noticeable difference. getting 4x 512mb is stupid.

 

[stevty2889]

Hmm, I dont' think that info is accurate. The 3800+ X2 is the most recent modle, it has the same memory controller as the rest of the X2 cores. It will force 2T timings with 4 sticks, however that doesn't have much of an impact in most cases, usualy just 2-3%, although I did get as high as a 7.5% performance loss with AutoGK at 2T timings. It should not downclock to 333mhz.

 

[bladephoenix]

Originally posted by: Bigsm00th
just get 2x 1gb and run 1T. that makes a pretty noticeable difference. getting 4x 512mb is stupid.

Why does 4 sticks of anything force a 2T? 1T/2T I assume are the memory dividers? (I've never used AMD style clocking before, so be patient with me on this one...I can usually pick this up pretty quickly if someone explains this).