nForce2 question

[DevilsAdvocate]

Is 256MB of RAM enough for gaming and internet surfing, or do I need 512MB? Is it worth it to go dual-channel DDR on the Epox 8RDA+?

 

[wicktron]

Depends what kind of gaming. Internet surfing, 256mb is definitely enough.
And it depends if it's worth it on the dual-channel DDR, if you want the benchmark scores, yes, if for practicality only, no.

 

[DevilsAdvocate]

This is what I am plannign on building....

XP2400+ (Thanks to AMD for the freebie )
Epox 8RDA+
Radeon 9500 Pro or 9700 Pro - depending on how much the price difference is
80GB Maxtor 8MB

Now - I just need the RAM...

I have a 256MB Kingston and a pair of 128MB PC2700 DIMMs... I am really trying to decide whether I want to pick up another Kingston DIMM

What would 512MB give me? Can I play Doom3 with this setup? Maybe? That is the burning question...

 

[DevilsAdvocate]

I play UT2003, Jedi Knight 2, RTCW, Max Payne, MOHAA... the good stuff

 

[DevilsAdvocate]

Anyone?

 

[MatthewF01]

might want a little RAM boost for UT2K3... at LEAST take advantage of the Dual-Channel DDR

 

[First]

Might as well buy two 256MB modules now, as DDR-I actually has a future (with Hammer and Prescott).

 

[KGB1]

I'd also recommend Evan's advice. Get a nice pair of Twinmos or Corsair PC3200 (400) Cas Latency 2 and be set till Hammer and Prescott are released this time around next year.

Newegg has the Corsair XBS 3200 Cas2 256MB for $110. Invest in good ram and it will present itself as a good investment in the future.

Also the Epox looks good to me

 

[chizow]

yah get 2 matchin sticks of 256 for that nforce2, pawn off whatever is left over on Egay or FS/FT. 512 is nice, 256 will have that mobo and CPU gaspin for more juice

Chiz

 

[ronopp]

i can't remember where but i saw an article that stated the 9700 has issues with AMD processors& boards ? anyone else see that?

 

[PhoenixOfWater]

From what I have read dual-channel DDR on a AMD system will not help to much

The AMD XP mem bandwith is 2.1 GB
P4 NW mem bandwith is 4.2 GB
Dual-channel DDR 266 bandwith is around 4.2 GB

But i would still get 2 sticks of 256MB of RAM and use the dual-channel DDR and when the Hammer and Prescott come out you be able to use the all the mem bandwith and ways 512MB of ram would be better for gaming

 

[SFang]

I thought Athlon XP is 2.7GB memory bandwidth, Dual Channel DDR 266 is also around 2.7GB. Dual DDR333, or DDR400 might be higher.

 

[PhoenixOfWater]

no the AMD XP have about 2.1GB if you overclock you can get it high with more FSB...(i'm about 90% sure)
here how DDR works
DDR 266 A.K.A PC 2100 have 2.1GB
DDR 333 A.K.A PC 2700 have 2.7GB
DDR 370 A.K.A PC 3000 have 3.0GB
DDR 400 A.K.A PC 3200 have 3.2GB
DDR 434 A.K.A PC 3500 have 3.4GB
and so on

 

[Mustanggt]

Dont you want to push the FSB on that board? wont go far with 2700, I would get rid of all that Mem you have and get 1 stick 256 XMS 3200 or 3500. you will get much more performace gain from high FSB then dual channel . get another stick later on and run dual channel for even more gain.

 

[Arhra]

In Doom 3 you will get pretty terrible Frames Per Second. However, it would be *playable*.

 

[NicColt]

>In Doom 3 you will get pretty terrible Frames Per Second. However, it would be *playable*.
>i can't remember where but i saw an article that stated the 9700 has issues with AMD processors& boards ?

C'mon... there's nothing to back this up. Please stop the FUD packing.