Would 3 x 256MB DDR actually SLOW DOWN an ASUS A7N266-E or MSI K7N420 Pro as opposed to 2 x 256MB??

[GreenLantern]

 

[AGodspeed]

Yes, according to GamePC nForce will slow down (at most, 15%, but still...) as a result of filling all 3 DIMM slots. However, it will still be operational. Either way you cut it, if you don't really need more than 512 MB of RAM, you shouldn't have a problem buying an nForce board. The only reason you'd need more than 512 MB of RAM is if you're doing some VERY heavy video editing or stuff of that nature. Most people can get by just fine on 256-384 MB of RAM.

 

[GreenLantern]

Thanks for the link Agodspeed, right on the money.

And alas, I have 3x256MB of Crucial DDR 2100 waiting for a home. Looks like one will have to leave the nest.

 

[SpeedTester]

What OS you going to be using? If its W2k or XP I'd say throw in all the memory you want.
Only way to find out is to benchmark some stuff yourself. I really dont think youll notice any diffrence
in normal use, and you might actually find things a little faster if your doing any Photo editing ect ect
with 768meg.

 

[tazdevl]

You will notice a difference... simply put, if you use 3 dimms you no longer get the benefit of a 100% fully on 128 bit memory bus. Use 2 dimms and you do. Speaking of dimms... wtf is up with Crucials pricing on their 512 MB part?

 

[passign]

ummm, sell those and pick up 2 sticks of 512m memory

 

[techweenie]

That's a bummer. Did you know this before you purchased the mobo? I would just get 2 256's if you decide to keep it. Memory will drop sometime in the future, and you can get 512's then...

 

[GreenLantern]

<< That's a bummer. Did you know this before you purchased the mobo? I would just get 2 256's if you decide to keep it. Memory will drop sometime in the future, and you can get 512's then... >>

You can't purchase these boards yet - probably due to trying to work around this probem. I have 3 256MB PC2100 sticks from Crucial back when prices were awesome ($32) two or three months ago. Thought there was no better time to buy and 256's were big enough. Go figure.

And now I read that this game Everquest (never played it) recommends 512MBs! That's a bad sign for the future of a system with 256 or 2x256 MB.

<< You will notice a difference... simply put, if you use 3 dimms you no longer get the benefit of a 100% fully on 128 bit memory bus. Use 2 dimms and you do. Speaking of dimms... wtf is up with Crucials pricing on their 512 MB part? >>

Wish I knew...:frown: