Old Mobo with PC3200 Memory

[NikolaeVarius]

Hi, I'm using a computer with a GA K8NS pro motherboard, with a 512 mb PC3200 stick. I just bought a Gig stick, and wondering something.

Reading up on the documentation, it says my Mobo only supports up to 3 ranks of memory. What does that mean? Does that mean I have to take out my 512 stick and replace it with the 1 gb stick?

 

[Denithor]

Your motherboard has three memory sockets that will each support up to a 1GB stick of DDR-400 (PC3200). So you can use both sticks together with no problems.

I would recommend using the 1GB stick in the #1 slot (closest to the cpu socket) and the 512MB stick in the #2 slot.

 

[NikolaeVarius]

So, as I suspected, the RAM downgraded from 200 to 166 when I installed the Gig stick

http://img67.imageshack.us/my.php?image=55723285fr4.jpg

1. Is there a way to get around it

2. If not, is 1gb RAM at higher speeds better than 1.5 gb RAM with lower speeds?

 

[DSF]

1. A lot of older motherboards worked that way. I dunno if there's a way around it or not.

2. If you only ever use 1 GB, maybe so. If you use more than 1GB it will always be better have more slightly slower RAM.

 

[NikolaeVarius]

So, the best thing to do is just keep the 1.5 gb in there, even if they run at the lower speeds?

 

[Denithor]

Do you notice any slowdown in anything or does Windows feel sluggish when using the 1.5GB (versus the 512MB you had before)? If not, don't worry about it. Probably you would see the difference in benchmarking software but memory timings & speed typically have a very small impact on system performance.

Quantity, now, on the other hand...if you don't have enough and the system has to access the hdd often you will definitely know it.

 

[NikolaeVarius]

Windows doesnt feel sluggish at all. In fact, it still feels alot better because it seems that programs have alot more overhead.

Im just worried about video gaming, and how it would effect it. With 512, games were sluggish. I havnt tested it out with 1.5 gb, but I suppose the extra memory would make up for the speed.

Is it possible to almost force the memory back to DDR400 speeds? Instead of just letting the mother board keep it at normal speeds, just making it faster by brute force

 

[Denithor]

Don't bother, memory speed has minimal (at most) impact on gaming performance.

Having enough memory now, as you've seen in general Windows use, is crucial to a good experience. Just enjoy the 1.5GB and be happy!