System Setup: Preview

[dxkj]

Ok Im about to purchase these parts for my system and I just wanted a sanity check. Also, since Im not so much worried about getting the max performance out of my system(IE: Fastest memory, Raid setup, etc), I just want to overclock the proc for the fun of it, perhaps the video card too, can I get by with Crucial PC2100 256MB DDR CL2.5?


AMD Athlong T-bred B XP 1700
2x256MB PC2100 CL2.5 Crucial DDR
Global Win CAK4-86
Asus A7N8X Deluxe
40GB Maxtor 7200 RPM
48x CDRW
16x DVD
Enermax 350W PS
GAINWARD/CARDEXPERT GeForce 4 Ti 4200, 3.3ns, 64MB DDR. Golden Sample

 

[LED]

can I get by with Crucial PC2100 256MB DDR CL2.5?

I wouldn't recommend it as the Nforce takes advantage and uses Dual DDR with best performance @ 166FSB and up rated @ 2T...doubt if the Crucial (some exceptions) will handle it ...Will your set-up work??? YES...projected top FSB OC???...IMO early 140's @ 2.5T

 

[dxkj]

Which ram would you recommend then? I guess it depends on the price range, but would dropping 256 MB and going for better ram instead actually yield a performance increase in most instances?

 

[LED]

Which ram would you recommend then? I guess it depends on the price range, but would dropping 256 MB and going for better ram instead actually yield a performance increase in most instances?

I would recommend sticks in matching pairs that run @ least 200FSB 2T because :
1)The MoBo and NForce 2 will do and supports it
2)200FSB CPU's are just around the corner
3)Transfer rate (Pipeline) with the XP1700 (133FSB)=2.1 GB...XP2600 (166FSB)=2.7GB...Later 200FSB CPU's =3.2GB (?)

So if you invest in a couple of 3200 RAM now you should/will be set later...
Brands available in my liking are Corsair, Kingston,, Kingmax, amongst others.

 

[dxkj]

Is there any advantage to using a single 512 instead of 2 256's? Other than that fact that the pair will be limited by the "weakest link" so to speak.

Thanks for your response, It is very helpful

 

[LED]

NP...Actually if you have 2 matching pairs of 256MB RAM the performance will increase slightly and more so @ higher FSB speeds because of the NForces dual-channel memory interface.