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Venice/SD and 2GB RAM

I

imported_X

Senior member
With the improved memory controller on the Venice/San Diego, we can now run memory at 1T instead of 2T when using more than two sticks. Given that, does it make sense to go with 4x512 for a 2GB configuration, or will the dual GB stick option be better?
 
If your sticks are double sided which most are you can run 4 sticks at DDR400 but you will be stuck with 2T. If you can find some single sided 512 modules you can run DDR400 1T.

2 x 1024 modules would be faster than 4 x 512 double sided modules. And they are making some 1024 modules with low latency now, but they are expensive. But overall the 1T/2T command rate is more important than latency, so any 1024's would be better than 4 x 512 double sided
 
Originally posted by: GuitarDaddy
If your sticks are double sided which most are you can run 4 sticks at DDR400 but you will be stuck with 2T. If you can find some single sided 512 modules you can run DDR400 1T.

2 x 1024 modules would be faster than 4 x 512 double sided modules. And they are making some 1024 modules with low latency now, but they are expensive. But overall the 1T/2T command rate is more important than latency, so any 1024's would be better than 4 x 512 double sided
Click to expand...

Keep in mind that this was true with the Winchester/Newcastle/Clawhammer memory controller. The advantage of the Venice memory controller is that you can stick in 4 double-sided sticks and still run 1T at DDR 400. So to the OP, yes you can run it at 4x512 mb.
 
Originally posted by: globalcitizen
Originally posted by: GuitarDaddy
If your sticks are double sided which most are you can run 4 sticks at DDR400 but you will be stuck with 2T. If you can find some single sided 512 modules you can run DDR400 1T.

2 x 1024 modules would be faster than 4 x 512 double sided modules. And they are making some 1024 modules with low latency now, but they are expensive. But overall the 1T/2T command rate is more important than latency, so any 1024's would be better than 4 x 512 double sided
Click to expand...

Keep in mind that this was true with the Winchester/Newcastle/Clawhammer memory controller. The advantage of the Venice memory controller is that you can stick in 4 double-sided sticks and still run 1T at DDR 400. So to the OP, yes you can run it at 4x512 mb.
Click to expand...


I think you need to do a little more research! The improvement in the mem controller allows you to run DDR400 instead of DDR333, but with double sided sticks you will be stuck at 2T. This has been stated by AMD and verified by at least 3 review sites, and discussed at length in several threads here
 
Sounds like I had recalled incorrectly...I knew the new Venice controller allows you to run at full 400, but also thought that it could be done at 1T. So you think that even given the ability to stay at 400, performance will still be worse at 4x512?
 
Looks like the jury is still out. From xbitlabs:

Athlon 64 processors based on Venice can work with four single-side DDR400 SDRAM modules without any limitations, and if there are double-side DDR400 SDRAM DIMMs installed, they can work at 400MHz with 2T timing.
Click to expand...

However, from pc-perspective:

Yes! I did in fact successfully run 4 sticks of 512 MB DDR memory on this processor at 6-3-3 2.0 1T.
Click to expand...
 
Heh, I figure if it will run EQ2 smoothly on max settings, I should be good for a while. If it wasn't for EQ2 (and possibly Far Cry), I would be waiting to upgrade until after the R520 is released.
 
These will run at 1T!

http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant...duct_Code=140291&Category_Code=DDR-PDP

Overview

Patriot?s Dual Channel (DC) 2GB PC3200 Low Latency memory kits are engineered to optimize performance in system motherboards containing Dual Channel chipsets. Current chipsets utilizing Dual Channel are Intel 875 ?Canterwood?, Intel 865 ?Springdale?), nForce 2 Ultra 400, nForce 3 250, and Via KT880. The kits are composed of two (2) 1GB low latency modules, manufactured, tested and then immediately packaged to ensure reliability and stability.

Specifications

Dual Channel
2GB PC3200 Low Latency Memory Kit
100% Tested at 400MHZ
Low Latency Setting (2-3-2-5) for System Performance
Aluminum Heat Spreader to Reduce Thermal Build-Up
 
Originally posted by: GuitarDaddy
If your sticks are double sided which most are you can run 4 sticks at DDR400 but you will be stuck with 2T. If you can find some single sided 512 modules you can run DDR400 1T.

2 x 1024 modules would be faster than 4 x 512 double sided modules. And they are making some 1024 modules with low latency now, but they are expensive. But overall the 1T/2T command rate is more important than latency, so any 1024's would be better than 4 x 512 double sided
Click to expand...

Damn. You've just made my life miserable. Sheesh. 2 GB at 2T? Please. I have an extra GB waiting for my San Diego chip to come in the door.
 
Originally posted by: Kensai
I'd take 2 sticks of 1GB DDR400 at 2-2-2-5 : 1T.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately, there aren't any 64x8 chips that will run at 2-2-2-5 timings. The best you can get is 2-3-2-5, which is still good timings considering that they're 1 GB sticks. Both OCZ and PDP have 1 GB sticks at those timings.
 
Here's a thought, if you really need 2 gigs RAM, won't that 2 gigs be more useful than overall, than the bad 2T timing you have to suffer?
 
Damm that Patriot ram is sweet, I have 4 sticks of the 512 LL in my A64 systems. and $300 is a great price for 2Gigs of ram.

I think my next upgrade will be to a 4400 X2 (2.2 dual core) w/ 2 gigs of ram.....

Also I think using 2T will give you 10-12% less performance.

Regards,
Jose
 
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