Is this memory good enough?

[Spiffae]

I'm building an ABIT IS-7/P4 2.8C system, and i'm trying to muddle through all the ram options. I'm looking at a single stick of DDR2700 ram right now, because it's a hell of a lot cheaper than DDR3200, and i can't imagine that there will be *that* much difference. Is that the case? I've been looking at a lot of articles that seem to simply assume that everyone is doing dual channel DDR3200 or 3500 ram. Is the real-world boost really that worth it? can i even do dual channel with only one DIMM? Am i undercutting my computer's power by not getting the fastest ram? If i'm not really planning to overclock, do i still need this XMS extreme speed ultimate ram, or is basic DDR ram enough?

-Lost, once again.

 

[Spiffae]

bump?

 

[gramboh]

You will have to underclock the memory bus to support the 333MHz (e.g. run a 5:4 ratio) since the FSB is at 800MHz. Not sure if the IS7 can do this, you'd have to run 166 memory (333 DDR) and 200 FSB (800 effective). Personally, I would say get 3200, if you aren't overclocking and are on a budget you can get decent 3200 for cheap (the low latency stuff is expensive). If you are overclocking you'll need at least good 3200 or 3500. Personally I spent a ridicoulous amount of cash on a gig of Corsair low latency because I want a very fast system and will be keeping it for ~24 months.

 

[Spiffae]

wait, what is 333mhz? the 2700 ram? The motherboard says it can support anywhere from 2100 to 3500 ram, so why would i have to underclock anything for 2700 ram?

 

[Budman]

Originally posted by: Spiffae
wait, what is 333mhz? the 2700 ram? The motherboard says it can support anywhere from 2100 to 3500 ram, so why would i have to underclock anything for 2700 ram?

The cpu you wants need pc3200 if you want to run it the same speed of the cpu.

2.8c runs at 200mhz & if you buy PC2700 ram (166mhz) you'll have to underclock your ram to 166mhz.

the motherboard supports 2100 to 3500 because it supports cpus on the 100 (400fsb) - 133 (533fsb) -200 (800fsb) fsb.

 

[extro]

The best bang for the buck is the Crucial CT3264Z40B-8T. Two sticks of 256Mb PC3200 will run you $92 at NewEgg, and that'll give you 512Mb total of 400Mhz rated memory.

Crucial also has 128Mb sticks, CT166Z40B, which go for $30 each, or $60 for 256Mb.

You should use PC3200 to get the most out of the board. It will allow you run the front side bus and the RAM at the same speed.

Crucial RAM for the IS7

Anand's memory guide for the 865 & 875

 

[Spiffae]

and is two sticks of 3200 better than one stick? is there any advantage to having 256+256, rather than just 512?

 

[Budman]

Originally posted by: Spiffae
and is two sticks of 3200 better than one stick? is there any advantage to having 256+256, rather than just 512?

Yes you need 2 sticks to run in dual channel ddr.

 

[Spiffae]

ah, gotcha...so, i'm trying to find a good explanation to Dual Channel RAM now...got any links?

 

[Spiffae]

ah...bump?

 

[extro]

Here's an animated flash guide to memory: Corsair Memory Basics

 

[mechBgon]

IS-7 + P4 2.8C + single-channel PC2700 = Dodge Viper + V10 engine + tires off a Chevette.

You need dual-channel PC3200. Here's a little site that I've heard of before, has some info about Intel's dual-channel stuff... AnandTech.

 

[Spiffae]

Originally posted by: mechBgon

You need dual-channel PC3200. Here's a little site that I've heard of before, has some info about Intel's dual-channel stuff... AnandTech.

Whoops. missed that one. So, two sticks of Crucial 3200 it is. And the BIOS will dual-channel it automatically? oh, whatever, i'm sure i'll figure it out while i'm building.

thanks all

 

[mechBgon]

Just make sure to put the RAM in the proper slots as indicated in your manual If you get Crucial, I would suggest getting it straight from their site using their memory configurator, so it's got an ironclad guarantee of working or your money back.

I actually haven't seen anyone report on how their Crucial works with their i865 or i875 boards. Most folks are looking to use something with a CAS2 rating like Corsair XMS3200C2 or XMS3200LL. But if you stick with Crucial, it would be great to hear your report of how the board likes the Crucial modules Good luck!

 

[extro]

Here's a thread on the Abit forums by someone who started with Kingston and ended up getting Crucial: Claykin's tale.

Keep in mind that the problems with the low latency RAM were solved by a BIOS revision (this thread was started in late May when the boards had just hit the market), but the thread still contains some interesting info on how manufacturers make their high speed modules.