Another question about new parts

Nacht · Jun 20, 2004, 05:43 PM

I'm going to get that CoolerMaster box as soon as newegg gets it in...but my friend that was going to sell me the asus p4p800 delux, p4 2.4 533, and 512x2mb corsair ram, has decided to only sell me the proc and mobo, as his bro wants the ram. those two are 150...down from the 300 he wanted for all three. Now, the big question....what should I do about ram?

Right now, In this computer I have 1 gig of pc2100 (eww)...its not even name branded I dont think...(my current mobo only has 2 ram slots as well). I also away in a drawer have 256x2 of pc2100...so, should I order a gig of corsair value ram 512x2 @ $178...or should I use 1.5GB of pc2100 (only 1.5 until I sell this one, then ill have to include the 256x2 with it, so it will be 1 gig again). How much performance difference will I notice between these two types of ram? also, If i have 2 512 sticks and 2 256 sticks in a 4 sloth mobo, what does that do about dual channel? does it still work?

also, if you know anyone that would be wanting the following computer, let me know:
amd athlon 2400+
nforce2 based mobo
256x2 (512 MB) ram
80gig HDD
16x DVD-rom
40x CD-RW
with canon printer, keyboard, mouse, and media speakers.

Dom · Jun 20, 2004, 05:48 PM

Technology is best discussed in the Technology Discussion & Support Forum.

pr0digal jenius · Jun 20, 2004, 06:06 PM

i would definately buy new ram...pc2100 is hella slow...and put the comp up in the Buy/Sell forum

Nacht · Jun 20, 2004, 07:41 PM

roger that, ill probably wait until i sell the comp to buy the ram tho.

will it matter if i get the value ram? is the only difference in the OC ability?

dipstick · Jun 20, 2004, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rob13800
roger that, ill probably wait until i sell the comp to buy the ram tho.

will it matter if i get the value ram? is the only difference in the OC ability?

If you don't want to OC much the value ram will work well for you. The timings might also be more relaxed but it shouldn't make that huge of a difference on a P4 rig.

pr0digal jenius · Jun 20, 2004, 08:40 PM

unless you are a hardcore gamer, or a professional....value RAM is the way to go...if you drain every ounce of power out fo all your parts tho...well..think about saving some extra cash and buying good RAM

Nacht · Jun 21, 2004, 12:12 AM

hmmm i game alot...that is what i use my comp for lol...but 178$ vs ~300$?...thats more than just some extra cash...i think ill just get the value, because if i had around 300, id just save a little more and get a 6800gt. you think ill notice that much performance wise? at most like 2-3 fps right?

No_Style · Jun 21, 2004, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by rob13800
hmmm i game alot...that is what i use my comp for lol...but 178$ vs ~300$?...thats more than just some extra cash...i think ill just get the value, because if i had around 300, id just save a little more and get a 6800gt. you think ill notice that much performance wise? at most like 2-3 fps right?

Don't need to go value.. You can go Crucial, Kingston or Mushkin. They're not extremely expensive and will yield some decent overclocking results. If you're going hardcore, you can get some Corsair. But definitely look into some decent RAM. Don't underestimate your need for RAM, it's one of the only parts that can transcend upgrades (If you're not moving for DDR2).. So might as well get good stuff now..never know when RAM prices are going up higher.

dipstick · Jun 21, 2004, 12:36 AM

You wont notice a difference. The timings alone are not worth the extra $$

Necrosis · Jun 21, 2004, 03:45 AM

You also might to think about going with PC2700 since that most important thing is the dual channel & running the processor/mb in sync with one another. I'd only recommend you buying PC3200 if you plan on upgrading the processor later on.

Matth · Jun 21, 2004, 06:00 PM

For a 533 FSB CPU, I assume that would 2x DDR266 (PC2100) - of course, if you're looking for an overclock, then PC2700 (or PC3200 for a bit of "future proofing") may be the way to go - perhaps even PC3500 - but above that, prices jump like hell, and/or timings get pretty slack.

If you run RAM below it's rating, you can probably tighten the timings - so if it's CL2.5 at maximum speed - it should handle CL2 at lower.

dipstick · Jun 21, 2004, 06:13 PM

Good advice; I forgot the 533MHz P4 are on a quad pumped 133fsb. So that PC2100 is all you need if you don't want to OC but want to run in 1:1 mode. I'd save my money then

No_Style · Jun 21, 2004, 06:48 PM

Difference between these two in terms of price is marginal ($2 CAD) and the price between PC2700 and PC3200 is also marginal ($4 CAD). So going for PC3200 is future proof and inexpensive. Be sure to shop around~

Necrosis · Jun 22, 2004, 12:29 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by dipstick
Good advice; I forgot the 533MHz P4 are on a quad pumped 133fsb. So that PC2100 is all you need if you don't want to OC but want to run in 1:1 mode. I'd save my money then

Doh..I was thinking it was 166MHz..doh pretty bad since I used to own one of the B's two years ago.

Nacht · Jun 22, 2004, 12:59 AM

so you dont think id notice the difference between pc3200 and pc2100 with a 533 bus? how would that be the case?

No_Style · Jun 22, 2004, 02:35 AM

You can be running your timings at 2-2-2-5 with PC3200. You also have a lot of overclocking headroom. But if you know that you're going to be at 533 MHz FSB for the life of the system and will not be using this RAM at all in future systems, you might as well get PC2100 if it is significantly cheaper.

Just a note as well: It's easier to resell PC3200 RAM compared to PC2100 RAM.

dipstick · Jun 22, 2004, 02:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Necrosis
Doh..I was thinking it was 166MHz..doh pretty bad since I used to own one of the B's two years ago.

lol, I had to double check with a calculator myself so dont feel too bad.

But I think rob already has 1.5GB of PC2100 so if he's not OCing it's probably best to use that and save the money for the next complete system upgrade which will probably going to use DDR2 anyways.

Nacht · Jun 22, 2004, 04:26 AM

hmm...if you dont think ill notice a speed improvment going to pc3200...then ill just save myself 250$$ and keep my pc2100

. i do already have 1.5GB of it....2x512 and 2x256...will that mess up my dual channel stuff at all? also, how do I check if the dual channel is running correctly or not?

No_Style · Jun 22, 2004, 04:31 AM

That settles it. I didn't know you had such an abundant amount of it

Nacht · Jun 22, 2004, 04:46 PM

so the last thing, how do i know if it's running in dual channel or not? is it somewhere in the BIOS?

No_Style · Jun 22, 2004, 05:33 PM

CPU-Z

You can download that little utility and click on the Memory Tab. It will say Channels#. If it is dual it will say dual. Sometimes during POST sequence it will mention dual channel as well. CPU-Z is a great utility. No installation needed as well

Nacht · Jun 22, 2004, 07:33 PM

alright thanks.

Nacht · Jun 22, 2004, 10:55 PM

Ok, my current mobo doesnt support dual channel i guess, because its only running in single. say I get my new mobo (which I know supports it)..and it still says single..does that mean the ram doesnt support it? will I have to buy new ram or what? sorry for all the dumb questions, ive never really looked into the memory department before...just assumed by the numbers

Jun 20, 2004, 05:43 PM	#1
Nacht ein Krieger Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Clemson Uni Posts: 3,127 Rep Power: 0	Another question about new parts I'm going to get that CoolerMaster box as soon as newegg gets it in...but my friend that was going to sell me the asus p4p800 delux, p4 2.4 533, and 512x2mb corsair ram, has decided to only sell me the proc and mobo, as his bro wants the ram. those two are 150...down from the 300 he wanted for all three. Now, the big question....what should I do about ram? Right now, In this computer I have 1 gig of pc2100 (eww)...its not even name branded I dont think...(my current mobo only has 2 ram slots as well). I also away in a drawer have 256x2 of pc2100...so, should I order a gig of corsair value ram 512x2 @ $178...or should I use 1.5GB of pc2100 (only 1.5 until I sell this one, then ill have to include the 256x2 with it, so it will be 1 gig again). How much performance difference will I notice between these two types of ram? also, If i have 2 512 sticks and 2 256 sticks in a 4 sloth mobo, what does that do about dual channel? does it still work? also, if you know anyone that would be wanting the following computer, let me know: amd athlon 2400+ nforce2 based mobo 256x2 (512 MB) ram 80gig HDD 16x DVD-rom 40x CD-RW with canon printer, keyboard, mouse, and media speakers.

Jun 20, 2004, 07:41 PM	Thread Starter #4
Nacht ein Krieger Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Clemson Uni Posts: 3,127 Rep Power: 0	roger that, ill probably wait until i sell the comp to buy the ram tho. will it matter if i get the value ram? is the only difference in the OC ability? Last edited by Nacht; Jun 20, 2004 at 08:10 PM.

Jun 21, 2004, 06:48 PM	#13
No_Style Styleless Wonder Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ottawa, Ontario Posts: 6,034 Rep Power: 0	PC2100 or PC2700 Difference between these two in terms of price is marginal ($2 CAD) and the price between PC2700 and PC3200 is also marginal ($4 CAD). So going for PC3200 is future proof and inexpensive. Be sure to shop around~ __________________ "The Best Style Is No Style" Specifications Here

Jun 22, 2004, 02:35 AM	#16
No_Style Styleless Wonder Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ottawa, Ontario Posts: 6,034 Rep Power: 0	There will be a difference.. You can be running your timings at 2-2-2-5 with PC3200. You also have a lot of overclocking headroom. But if you know that you're going to be at 533 MHz FSB for the life of the system and will not be using this RAM at all in future systems, you might as well get PC2100 if it is significantly cheaper. Just a note as well: It's easier to resell PC3200 RAM compared to PC2100 RAM. __________________ "The Best Style Is No Style" Specifications Here

Jun 22, 2004, 04:31 AM	#19
No_Style Styleless Wonder Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ottawa, Ontario Posts: 6,034 Rep Power: 0	Well then.. That settles it. I didn't know you had such an abundant amount of it __________________ "The Best Style Is No Style" Specifications Here

Jun 20, 2004, 05:48 PM	#2
Dom DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 12,940 Rep Power: 0	Technology is best discussed in the Technology Discussion & Support Forum.

Jun 20, 2004, 06:06 PM	#3
pr0digal jenius Delete Me Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 14,648 Rep Power: 0	i would definately buy new ram...pc2100 is hella slow...and put the comp up in the Buy/Sell forum

Jun 20, 2004, 08:40 PM	#6
pr0digal jenius Delete Me Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 14,648 Rep Power: 0	unless you are a hardcore gamer, or a professional....value RAM is the way to go...if you drain every ounce of power out fo all your parts tho...well..think about saving some extra cash and buying good RAM

Jun 21, 2004, 12:12 AM	Thread Starter #7
Nacht ein Krieger Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Clemson Uni Posts: 3,127 Rep Power: 0	hmmm i game alot...that is what i use my comp for lol...but 178$ vs ~300$?...thats more than just some extra cash...i think ill just get the value, because if i had around 300, id just save a little more and get a 6800gt. you think ill notice that much performance wise? at most like 2-3 fps right?

Jun 21, 2004, 12:36 AM	#9
dipstick HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: USA Posts: 3,609 Rep Power: 71 System Specs	You wont notice a difference. The timings alone are not worth the extra $$

Jun 21, 2004, 03:45 AM	#10
Necrosis HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 8,838 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	You also might to think about going with PC2700 since that most important thing is the dual channel & running the processor/mb in sync with one another. I'd only recommend you buying PC3200 if you plan on upgrading the processor later on.

Jun 21, 2004, 06:00 PM	#11
Matth Flash Banner Hater Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: UK Posts: 3,426 Rep Power: 93 System Specs	For a 533 FSB CPU, I assume that would 2x DDR266 (PC2100) - of course, if you're looking for an overclock, then PC2700 (or PC3200 for a bit of "future proofing") may be the way to go - perhaps even PC3500 - but above that, prices jump like hell, and/or timings get pretty slack. If you run RAM below it's rating, you can probably tighten the timings - so if it's CL2.5 at maximum speed - it should handle CL2 at lower.

Jun 21, 2004, 06:13 PM	#12
dipstick HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: USA Posts: 3,609 Rep Power: 71 System Specs	Good advice; I forgot the 533MHz P4 are on a quad pumped 133fsb. So that PC2100 is all you need if you don't want to OC but want to run in 1:1 mode. I'd save my money then

Jun 22, 2004, 12:59 AM	Thread Starter #15
Nacht ein Krieger Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Clemson Uni Posts: 3,127 Rep Power: 0	so you dont think id notice the difference between pc3200 and pc2100 with a 533 bus? how would that be the case?

Jun 22, 2004, 04:26 AM	Thread Starter #18
Nacht ein Krieger Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Clemson Uni Posts: 3,127 Rep Power: 0	hmm...if you dont think ill notice a speed improvment going to pc3200...then ill just save myself 250$$ and keep my pc2100 . i do already have 1.5GB of it....2x512 and 2x256...will that mess up my dual channel stuff at all? also, how do I check if the dual channel is running correctly or not?

Jun 22, 2004, 04:46 PM	Thread Starter #20
Nacht ein Krieger Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Clemson Uni Posts: 3,127 Rep Power: 0	so the last thing, how do i know if it's running in dual channel or not? is it somewhere in the BIOS?

Jun 22, 2004, 05:33 PM	#21
No_Style Styleless Wonder Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ottawa, Ontario Posts: 6,034 Rep Power: 0	CPU-Z You can download that little utility and click on the Memory Tab. It will say Channels#. If it is dual it will say dual. Sometimes during POST sequence it will mention dual channel as well. CPU-Z is a great utility. No installation needed as well __________________ "The Best Style Is No Style" Specifications Here

Jun 22, 2004, 07:33 PM	Thread Starter #22
Nacht ein Krieger Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Clemson Uni Posts: 3,127 Rep Power: 0	alright thanks.

Jun 22, 2004, 10:55 PM	Thread Starter #23
Nacht ein Krieger Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Clemson Uni Posts: 3,127 Rep Power: 0	Ok, my current mobo doesnt support dual channel i guess, because its only running in single. say I get my new mobo (which I know supports it)..and it still says single..does that mean the ram doesnt support it? will I have to buy new ram or what? sorry for all the dumb questions, ive never really looked into the memory department before...just assumed by the numbers