PC2700 memory config

[IHateMyJob2004]

Currently, I have a single stick of PC2700 that is 256M. I need to upgrade to 512M+. I have two slots.

Of course, if I go the 512M route, I'll just add another stick of 256M. The question though is in the next paragraph.

Since prices are not bad, I might just upgrade to 1 gig. If I were to do so, should I upgrade to 1 stick that is 1 gig or 2 sticks that are 512M each? Of course, the concern is performance. What kind of performance gain could be expected with 1 vs 2 sticks?

Also, could I effectively mix the current stick of 256M with a new 512M stick to get 768M? 768M would be more than enough for my needs and it would hit the sweet spot in terms of cost. If mixing is done, do I have to check with my mobo to see if it is supported? Or is a config like this always supported? Any performance issues with such a configuration?

 

[Blain]

Currently, I have a single stick of PC2700 that is 256M. I need to upgrade to 512M+. I have two slots.

Of course, if I go the 512M route, I'll just add another stick of 256M. The question though is in the next paragraph.

Since prices are not bad, I might just upgrade to 1 gig. If I were to do so, should I upgrade to 1 stick that is 1 gig or 2 sticks that are 512M each? Of course, the concern is performance. What kind of performance gain could be expected with 1 vs 2 sticks?

Also, could I effectively mix the current stick of 256M with a new 512M stick to get 768M? 768M would be more than enough for my needs and it would hit the sweet spot in terms of cost. If mixing is done, do I have to check with my mobo to see if it is supported? Or is a config like this always supported? Any performance issues with such a configuration?

We can't intelligently advise you without more detail about your system and it's usage.

* What MB/CPU are you running?
* What OS is installed?
* What's the main function of this PC?

 

[Soulkeeper]

Yes, we need to at least know what motherboard you are using to give better advice.

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

I did take a quick look before work. And I took a look at the mobo. It is an Intel chipset with an Intel P4 processor.

How do I find the motherboard? I have cpu-z. Does that tell me?

Thanks.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Yes, post a CPU-Z screenshot, both of the SPD tab, and the Motherboard tab.

 

[BlahBlahYouToo]

more than likely it is dual channel, but the perf improvement will be so minimal you wouldn't be likely to tell. mix away.

 

[VirtualLarry]

The cheapest option would be to just install an additional 512MB DIMM. It should work, although it might disable "dual channel". More ram is still much better than 10% faster RAM.

Hopefully that machine isn't using RDRAM.

 

[abbadaba]

Like others said I wouldn't sweat the details of dual channel or not, just stick in more compatible ram. I'd assume you're running XP, you should see a world of difference going from 256meg to 768 or 1 gig.

I noticed you said you "need" to upgrade. Is there a specific program or application that is requiring you to upgrade or do you just want better overall performance?

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

The need is due to Nintendo 64 emulation (I am building a MAME cabinet). Some of the N64 emulators(for example) recommend 512M as a minimum. Not to mention that more modern games need such memory. There is also a pinball emulation which I am going to consider which basically has a more is better rule.

And as is, this PC runs annoyingly slow. I am running Windows XP. I've made the jump from 512 to 1 gig in the past. I know what memory can do for general use alone I need it for general use to configure everything.

As for CPU-Z, here are the details:
MAINBOARD
Manufacturer: Intel
Model: D845GVSR (AAC45421-102)
Chipset: Intel i845G (Rev B1)
Southbridge: Intel 82801DB (ICH4)
LPCIO: NS PC87372

BIOS:
Brand: Intel
Version: SR84511A.15A.0009.P01.0306260913
Date: 06/26/2003

SPD
Slot 1 only (slot 2 unoccupied)
Slot 1: DDR
Module Size: 256Mbytes
Max bandwith: PC2700 (166 MHz)
Manufacturer: Micron
Part Number: 8VDDT3264AG-335CA
Serial: 4818C7CF
Correction: None
Register: no
Buffered: no
SPD Ext: (blank)
Week/year: 32/03

Timings table:
jdec #1 (frequency): 133 MHz
jdec #1 (CAS # latency): 2.0
jdec #1 (RAS# to CAS#): 3
jdec #1 (RAS# precharge): 3
jdec #1 (tRAS): 6
jdec #1 (voltage): 2.5V

jdec #2 (frequency): 166 MHz
jdec #2 (CAS # latency): 2.5
jdec #2 (RAS# to CAS#): 3
jdec #2 (RAS# precharge): 3
jdec #2 (tRAS): 7
jdec #2 (voltage): 2.5V

 

[abbadaba]

Aha, now we got all the details - sounds like a cool project! I love playing around with emulators.

Anyway I think the above advice still stands, just add some pc2700. A gig would be nice but 768 without the dual channel should be sufficient.

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

I have a co-worker with alot of random ram chips at home. he is going to bring it all into work and let me take what i need! I hope some DDR is in there. He has doubts that there is anything over 256M though.

 

[Blain]

Your i845 based MB only supports single channel memory, so you can mix & match any combination you want as long as you stick with supported memory types.

Is your BIOS flashed to the latest Intel P20 version?

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

Blain,

Thanks for the details. It is much appreciated.

My friend had matched pairs of 256M sticks. So I will have some matched 256M for use later. Actually, he has two pairs. One pair is PC2700 and hte other is PC3200. So, would my mobo take advantage of hte PC3200? if it can take advantage, do I have to toy with my BIOS at all? Like telling it to run at 200 MHz? (EDIT: Mobo does not support 200 MHz (PC3200/DDR-400) configurations)

Thanks.

Also, my bios is flashed with whatever it came with from the manufacturer. Should I flash it? Based on the bios dae from CPU-id, I have either P06 or P07.