nforce2 w/ 266 FSB Athlon XP

[MattFiedler]

I'm building a machine for a friend on a budget and am trying to make a decision on the RAM to get. He's already decided to wait for the nforce2 (I hope it's out soon). The question is as follows: an Athlon XP with a 333 FSB is way out of his price range (not to mention impossible to buy currently). As a result, running the CPU and memory synchronously at 333 is out of the question. This presents me with two options:

1. Buy DDR266 RAM and run it syncronously with the CPU.
2. Buy DDR333 RAM and run it asyncronously with the CPU.

My question is whether anyone has seen reviews shedding light on either of these two scenarios. I've seen lots of reviews with the XP 2800+, but nothing else. Any adivce on which option to take?

Thanks.

Matt

 

[mechBgon]

You can also buy PC2700 (DDR333) memory and run it at PC2100 speeds so it's synchronous with the 266-based CPU. I think that makes a lot of sense, it will be ready for the 333-based CPU later when they cost less. Costs a little more up front, but not beyond the realm of reason.

 

[JSSheridan]

For the same reasons that mechBgon expressed, I agree with his opinion. I think investing in quality PC2700 will be the best buy for you. Now, I can't say whether it will perform better in synchronous or asynchronous mode. Until the boards are released, it's just speculation. Once a few people have the boards, they could tell you. I'd prefer running my own test and benchmarks myself, though, to see what configuration was better. For me, that's part of the fun. Keep us informed on how the system performs. Peace.

 

[KF]

I see this is post 1 for you. You're on a budget? Loads of people here -seems like everyone- are running the $55 1600+ to a 166 FSB. Check the thread about the 8K5A for loads of info about this. There's lots more.

 

[Kartajan]

I concur with the above. with the nforce 2 you should be able to run either syncronously. async is BAD.

make sure that if you plan to overclock (FSB of the CPU) right off the bat you do your homework. Proper cooling is ESSENTIAL.