RDRAM Mobo, 3.06ghz CPU. Updated!

[XtremeOutlawSPL]

OK I have this configured so far:

3.06ghz P4, 1GB Kingston PC1066 or Corsair PC3200, Radeon 9700 Pro, WD SE 120gb, Toshiba 16x DVD, Plextor 48x CDR, Audigy 2

The main PC component missing is the mobo due to choices available! I am pretty set on RDRAM because it offers the best stock memory bandwith available to date. I am unable to find myself a mobo offering RDRAM and AGP 8x for my 9700 pro. If I choose rdram is the P4t533-c still the best solution? Sould I consider ddr instead even though I don't o/c? Im so confused help! Thanks for help

 

[XtremeOutlawSPL]

^^

 

[ChampionAtTufshop]

if you dont want to overclock go with rdram
you could also look at p4t533 (however it uses 32bit rimms, so be careful about that)

p4t533-c is also a good board

the difference between agp8x and agp4x for the time being is miniscule, even agp4x isnt being used to its full potential so dont worry about agp8x

only other thing you could look at are the granite bay chipset boards
they offer dual channel ddr which will effectively double the current bandwidth of ddr (think of raid0 but for ram)

 

[XtremeOutlawSPL]

thanks for the input.. Granite Bay chipsets are worth considering but if I remember currectly doubling the ddr 2100 bandwith will result in 4.2 gbs. Isn't that the same bandwith of pc1066? but what i do like are the features they will throw in on mobo... serial ata, 8x agp, etc...

 

[ChampionAtTufshop]

ddr latency is much lower than rdram

 

[LowLight76]

I've used the Asus P4T533 mobo since October and during this entire time I've had nothing but trouble from it. To be specific, my problems arise from the fact that the 32-bit 1066MHz RIMM4200's are made to operate at 2.5volts; however, the P4T533 mobo will try to run the memory at 3.3volts. This causes problems. I called Asus and they said there's no way to lower the memory voltage to 2.5volts. You can adjust the CPU voltage all day long, but there's just no option in the Bios to lower the memory voltage.

DO NOT make the same mistake I did; I recommend the Gigabyte GA-8INXP mobo. It uses the Intel E7205 chipset (aka Granite Bay) and supports Dual Channel DDR266 memory; which gives you the exact same 4.2GB/s of theoretical bandwidth as the P4T533. It also gives you onboard Gigabit LAN, onboard IDE RAID, onboard Serial ATA, AGP 8X, two Bios chips, along with several other features that you might like. I firmly believe that Dual Channel DDR266 memory will be much more stable than 32-bit 1066MHz RIMM's. I would definitely do a side-by-side comparison of the Gigabyte GA-8INXP mobo to any other mobo that you're considering buying.

 

[tapir]

Try the EPoX 4T4A+ for 32-bit RDRAM. 32-bit is a lot cheaper than 16-bit at $100 for 256MB (Googlegear), there is a premium price for the 512MB sticks but I assume if you've got the $$ for a 3GHz CPU you can handle it. The only problem is 2 RIMM slots but you won't need more than 1GB of RAM.

You won't find any reviews (at least not in english), but the board is available on Newegg. Check it out, it makes 32-bit RDRAM a viable option

 

[SFang]

Originally posted by: LowLight76
I've used the Asus P4T533 mobo since October and during this entire time I've had nothing but trouble from it. To be specific, my problems arise from the fact that the 32-bit 1066MHz RIMM4200's are made to operate at 2.5volts; however, the P4T533 mobo will try to run the memory at 3.3volts. This causes problems. I called Asus and they said there's no way to lower the memory voltage to 2.5volts. You can adjust the CPU voltage all day long, but there's just no option in the Bios to lower the memory voltage.

DO NOT make the same mistake I did; I recommend the Gigabyte GA-8INXP mobo. It uses the Intel E7205 chipset (aka Granite Bay) and supports Dual Channel DDR266 memory; which gives you the exact same 4.2GB/s of theoretical bandwidth as the P4T533. It also gives you onboard Gigabit LAN, onboard IDE RAID, onboard Serial ATA, AGP 8X, two Bios chips, along with several other features that you might like. I firmly believe that Dual Channel DDR266 memory will be much more stable than 32-bit 1066MHz RIMM's. I would definitely do a side-by-side comparison of the Gigabyte GA-8INXP mobo to any other mobo that you're considering buying.

Check NewEgg Asus P4 motherboards, some of the P4T533 doesn't support latest RIMM4200, some does support. Just be careful not to choose the wrong one.

 

[XtremeOutlawSPL]

thanks everyone for extra input, everything helps! This is as far as I've gotten: Keeping rdram platform. I currently own 4 sticks of 256mb kingston pc1066 = 1gb. Is it worth the extra expense to switch to 2 512mb 32-bit modules?!? If I do decide to keep my 16-bit rdram I will purchase the ASUS P4T533-C and 32-bit would be EpoX 4t4a+ (P4t533 seems to be flacky according to reviews. whats the current word on this board?)

 

[mrman3k]

I would get Asus P4T533C for RDRAM or the P4G8X for DDR.

 

[XtremeOutlawSPL]

Update:

Definate stuck on rambus... no turning back. But it seems if rambus has a future it will be in the 32-bit arena, this is where it becomes a bit tricky. Ok, if I stick with the 16-bit rambus solution I will order the Asus P4t533-C motherboard and stock up with 4x256mb Genuine Samsung PC1066. However, I really want to enter the 32-bit zone w/ 2x512 Samsung 4200 rimms and the Asus P4t533.

Ok Ok... In the back of my mind is the P4t533 really a good choice?!? Well to the best of my knowledge all vendors carrying the boards manufactured in mid Nov or later should be fine! There are however other 32-bit solutions supposedly available.... Epox has the board 4T4AU and MSI also has something in the works... I can't seem to find information regarding these other two boards...

Another quick piece of information I seemed to find upon hours of research was that OCZ has released PC1200. LOL

 

[Thor86]

Originally posted by: XtremeOutlawSPL
Update:

Definate stuck on rambus... no turning back. But it seems if rambus has a future it will be in the 32-bit arena, this is where it becomes a bit tricky. Ok, if I stick with the 16-bit rambus solution I will order the Asus P4t533-C motherboard and stock up with 4x256mb Genuine Samsung PC1066. However, I really want to enter the 32-bit zone w/ 2x512 Samsung 4200 rimms and the Asus P4t533.

Ok Ok... In the back of my mind is the P4t533 really a good choice?!? Well to the best of my knowledge all vendors carrying the boards manufactured in mid Nov or later should be fine! There are however other 32-bit solutions supposedly available.... Epox has the board 4T4AU and MSI also has something in the works... I can't seem to find information regarding these other two boards...

Another quick piece of information I seemed to find upon hours of research was that OCZ has released PC1200. LOL

For your RDram you already own now, you are best off with the P4T533-C. Unless of course money is no object, and whatever is in stock. I'm just guessing, but I don't think you'd notice real-world differences in performance between 16bit vs. 32bit RDram. At least not at pc1066 speeds.

Good luck!

 

[Toymaker]

I have the latest version of the P4T533 (ser # 2BZ.......) and I'm using 256 MB Samsung PC 1066 RIMM 4200 (MD-16R1628AF0-CT9) currently running at PC 1200. This board works just fine. I like it and I've had no problems with it. The earlier versions are what you want to be cautious of. Also, MSI has released a board here in the US that is 32 bit Rambus and has lots of nice features. And it's on Pricewatch.com.
MSI 850E Max 2
You may want to check it out. I don't know where you're located but I had problems finding the 32 bit version of the Epox 4T4A+/4T4AU here in the US.
If you're stuck on RDRAM and can wait, there's the SiS R658
SiS R658
If you change your mind though, Granite Bay IMHO will be the better choice at this point in time because it will give you the ability to have low latency plus high bandwidth with more readily available and cheaper DDR memory. Also remember that as RDRAM speeds increase, latency becomes less of an issue.

 

[sep]

I've had no problems with my Gigabyte 8IHXP motherboard. It has all the features I needed.

Good Luck!
-JC