Help: Mobo Advice for 1Ghz CPU

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.hardware.homebuilt,alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

I need to build a system that can handle a lot of ram.

I have a socket 370 motherboard with a 1Ghz CPU attached, but since
the motherboard only supports up to 512mb of ram, can I get
recommendations for another motherboard to get?(I'll be working a lot
with a ram-disk).

I'll just use the 1Ghz processor and toss the present
board(http://www.bcmcom.com/tech/IN810EP/IN810ep.htm).

Thanks a lot.

Darren Harris
Staten ISland, New York.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.hardware.homebuilt,alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

Darren Harris wrote:

> I need to build a system that can handle a lot of ram.
>
> I have a socket 370 motherboard with a 1Ghz CPU attached, but since
> the motherboard only supports up to 512mb of ram, can I get
> recommendations for another motherboard to get?(I'll be working a lot
> with a ram-disk).
>
> I'll just use the 1Ghz processor and toss the present
> board(http://www.bcmcom.com/tech/IN810EP/IN810ep.htm).
>
> Thanks a lot.
>
> Darren Harris
> Staten ISland, New York.

How much is a lot?

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.hardware.homebuilt,alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

If you're looking to do it a fairly cheap way, I'd go for a board with a VIA
Apollo Pro 133A chipset. It supports the 133Mhz bus which your 1Ghz
processor probably uses (assuming its not a celeron, which runs at 100Mhz).
The only Intel-made chipsets for socket 370 systems that supports a 133Mhz
bus and over 512MB of RAM uses RDRAM, which is a bit too pricey to think
about for a large amount of RAM. If it is in fact a celeron, you may be able
to get by with an Intel BX-based board (with either native FC-PGA support or
with an small adapter). The BX chipset can accept more than 512MB of RAM,
but it will only take the lower density chips so putting in 512MB modules
becomes very pricey.

The Apollo Pro 133a boards can take the 64x64 high-density PC133 modules
that are much cheaper per MB than the normal lower-density ones. You can get
512MB modules like this for around $30 each if you search pricewatch. You
should be able to put 1GB easily in, maybe more. To get much more than that
you'd probably need to step up to a more server-class board with a
server-level chipset that takes registered RAM.

Hope this helps,
-Eric Gross

"Darren Harris" <Searcher7@mail.con2.com> wrote in message
news:9437a27c.0409151438.65605c31@posting.google.com...
> I need to build a system that can handle a lot of ram.
>
> I have a socket 370 motherboard with a 1Ghz CPU attached, but since
> the motherboard only supports up to 512mb of ram, can I get
> recommendations for another motherboard to get?(I'll be working a lot
> with a ram-disk).
>
> I'll just use the 1Ghz processor and toss the present
> board(http://www.bcmcom.com/tech/IN810EP/IN810ep.htm).
>
> Thanks a lot.
>
> Darren Harris
> Staten ISland, New York.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.hardware.homebuilt,alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

On Wed, 15 Sep 2004 22:20:15 -0400, "Eric Gross"
<ecg5@po.cwru.edu> wrote:

>If you're looking to do it a fairly cheap way, I'd go for a board with a VIA
>Apollo Pro 133A chipset. It supports the 133Mhz bus which your 1Ghz
>processor probably uses (assuming its not a celeron, which runs at 100Mhz).
>The only Intel-made chipsets for socket 370 systems that supports a 133Mhz
>bus and over 512MB of RAM uses RDRAM, which is a bit too pricey to think
>about for a large amount of RAM. If it is in fact a celeron, you may be able
>to get by with an Intel BX-based board (with either native FC-PGA support or
>with an small adapter). The BX chipset can accept more than 512MB of RAM,
>but it will only take the lower density chips so putting in 512MB modules
>becomes very pricey.

BX does not support 512MB modules, IIRC, 256MB per.


>
>The Apollo Pro 133a boards can take the 64x64 high-density PC133 modules
>that are much cheaper per MB than the normal lower-density ones. You can get
>512MB modules like this for around $30 each if you search pricewatch. You
>should be able to put 1GB easily in, maybe more. To get much more than that
>you'd probably need to step up to a more server-class board with a
>server-level chipset that takes registered RAM.

Apollo Pro 133A or 133T are good choices, the 133T if only
because it's the newer generation, best odds of most
refined/mature board and of supporting 48bit LBA. $30
pricewatch modules might be a problem though if trying to
max out the board, often when using more than 2 of the cheap
512MB modules I found that era of board to be instable,
unless higher-grade memory was used instead. That's not to
say that can't work, but if modules are bought from somplace
with poor return policy as often found on pricewatch, it
could be a real PITA to get modules that work OK alone,
replaced because they won't work with 2 or more identical
modules used. LOL, some of the companies on pricewatch
might send a 64MB dimm and still it's a PITA to get them to
just replace and send what was ordered or get a refund.

Another potential issue is that a few of the boards from
that era (actually more than just a few, many of them) had
the "potentially" defective capacitors in 'em, labeled as
Lelon, Luxon, Tayeh, Jackcon, I.Q, JPCON, Chhsi, et al.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.hardware.homebuilt,alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

"kony" <spam@spam.com> wrote in message
news:emmik091p7ajd17u327mmf96h6tbl32b7o@4ax.com...
> BX does not support 512MB modules, IIRC, 256MB per.

I don't think that's true. As long as you get modules made with the lower
density chips (I believe you'd need a 512MB module with 16 chips per side;
so a double-row module), it should work correctly.

-Eric Gross

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.hardware.homebuilt,alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

Darren,

I have an FIC FR33 mainboard with 2x512 Crucial sticks, which is the max for
the board, and a Celeron 1000. This has been working flawlessly for about 3
years. I'm in the process of assembling components for a new P4 build.

If you're interested, maybe we can work something out.

Wayne1935@hotmail.com

"Darren Harris" <Searcher7@mail.con2.com> wrote in message
news:9437a27c.0409151438.65605c31@posting.google.com...
>I need to build a system that can handle a lot of ram.
>
> I have a socket 370 motherboard with a 1Ghz CPU attached, but since
> the motherboard only supports up to 512mb of ram, can I get
> recommendations for another motherboard to get?(I'll be working a lot
> with a ram-disk).
>
> I'll just use the 1Ghz processor and toss the present
> board(http://www.bcmcom.com/tech/IN810EP/IN810ep.htm).
>
> Thanks a lot.
>
> Darren Harris
> Staten ISland, New York.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.hardware.homebuilt,alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

Eric Gross wrote:

> "kony" <spam@spam.com> wrote in message
> news:emmik091p7ajd17u327mmf96h6tbl32b7o@4ax.com...
>
>>BX does not support 512MB modules, IIRC, 256MB per.
>
>
> I don't think that's true. As long as you get modules made with the lower
> density chips (I believe you'd need a 512MB module with 16 chips per side;
> so a double-row module), it should work correctly.
>
> -Eric Gross
>
>

From the data sheet

• DRAM type: Extended Data Out (EDO) (mobile only) or Synchronous (SDRAM)
DRAM controller optimized for dual/quad-bank SDRAM organization on a row by
row basis
• Memory Size: 8 MB to 512 MB (1GB with Registered DIMMs) with eight memory
rows
• Addressing Type: Symmetrical and Asymmetrical addressing
• Memory Modules supported: Single and double density 3.3V DIMMs
• DRAM device technology: 16 Mbit and 64 Mbit

It's more complicated than the 'simple' specs though. You have to turn to
the design guides.

"The 82443BX when configured with 3 double-sided DIMMs using 64Mbit
technology (using x8 devices) may have a total memory size of 384MB. In
order to achieve 512MB while using the same type of devices, a fourth DIMM
socket must be added which adds extra DQ loading. In order to offset the
heavy loading on the DQ lines, a FET switch mux is recommended to reduce
the loading for memory driving the 82443BX, and vice versa."

Most SOHO main boards, at least originally, implemented the 3 DIMM, 384
Meg, design.

"Workstation and server designs face yet another problem in that 1Gbyte
memory configurations are a mandatory requirement for their customers. In
order to build 256Mbyte DIMMs using present day technology, x4 SDRAM
devices must be used. The loading on the control lines (MA/Bxx, CS#, DQM,
CK, etc.) are now twice the loading of a x8 device. A DIMM which
registers” these control lines must be produced in order to meet 100 MHz
timings (note that a PLL must be added to the registered DIMM and the
additional PLL jitter must be factored into the overall timing analysis)."

'Present day' is 1998, in that context. To which an interesting note:

"Intel is also working with DRAM industry leaders to pull in their
schedules of 128Mbit technology in order to achieve a 256MB DIMM solution.
In addition to this, improvements and standardization of DIMM topologies
are in progress in order to add back margin to the overall timing budget."

The upshot is, BX was not designed with 512MB memory modules in mind and,
indeed, even 256meg modules weren't available. The signal lines just aren't
there to plug 512MB modules into the DIMM slots.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.hardware.homebuilt,alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

> How much is a lot?

As much as possible.

I just need some mobo recommendations.(Perhaps I can pick up one from Ebay).

Thanks.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.hardware.homebuilt,alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

On 17 Sep 2004 05:54:35 -0700, Searcher7@mail.con2.com
(Darren Harris) wrote:

>> How much is a lot?
>
>As much as possible.
>
>I just need some mobo recommendations.(Perhaps I can pick up one from Ebay).

Beware of "as is" hardware on ebay.

You might have best results with Abit, Asus, or MSI, maybe
Tyan but theirs had fewer user-configurable options, IIRC.
Via 694X or 694T chipset. Don't remember the model numbers,
but visiting the forementioned manufacturer's websites
should turn up that info.

http://www.abit.com.tw
http://www.asus.com
http://www.msi.com.tw
http://www.tyan.com

You might find a deal on one at a local mom-n-pop computer
shop.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.hardware.homebuilt,alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

Thanks a lot.

I checked Asus, and the info on their motherboards with Via 694X or
694T chipsets is difficult to find. Obviously they are more concerned
with their more recent mobos.

I just won an ASUS CUV4X R1.03
Motherboard(http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6708521661).
It seems to have integrated audio, and I guess I can use my old video
card.

I can only assume that 1.5Gb is the maximum capacity for memory that
I'll find for one of these Pentium 3(socket 370) motherboards.

Anyway, I guess that the trick now is getting three 512mb modules that
will actually work with it.

Thanks again.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.

 

[rhys]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.hardware.homebuilt,alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

On 19 Sep 2004 15:10:55 -0700, Searcher7@mail.con2.com (Darren Harris)
wrote:

>Thanks a lot.
>
>I checked Asus, and the info on their motherboards with Via 694X or
>694T chipsets is difficult to find. Obviously they are more concerned
>with their more recent mobos.

Tell me about it...
>
>I just won an ASUS CUV4X R1.03
>Motherboard(http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6708521661).
>It seems to have integrated audio, and I guess I can use my old video
>card.
>
>I can only assume that 1.5Gb is the maximum capacity for memory that
>I'll find for one of these Pentium 3(socket 370) motherboards.
>
>Anyway, I guess that the trick now is getting three 512mb modules that
>will actually work with it.

Yep. I have a CUV4X-D (dual processor version of your board, which is
an early-2001 design). I use three 512 MB sticks of 133 Mhz SDRAM. I
have four slots, but if you fill 'em all, the system's unstable. Go
figure.

On the upside, I like and have bought a few ASUS boards and they are
(for me, at least) quite dependable. You have a new machine with
three-year-old specs, but that doesn't mean it can't be ENTIRELY
sufficient for your needs. Mine is still used daily for
graphics-intensive work, and only in the last six months have I been
conscious that it's getting a little past due for replacement.

Also, it's too damn noisy, and my next Monster Rig will cost whatever
it takes to get it quiet...<G>

R.
>
>Thanks again.
>
>Darren Harris
>Staten Island, New York.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.hardware.homebuilt,alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

On 19 Sep 2004 15:10:55 -0700, Searcher7@mail.con2.com
(Darren Harris) wrote:

>Thanks a lot.
>
>I checked Asus, and the info on their motherboards with Via 694X or
>694T chipsets is difficult to find. Obviously they are more concerned
>with their more recent mobos.
>
>I just won an ASUS CUV4X R1.03
>Motherboard(http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6708521661).
>It seems to have integrated audio, and I guess I can use my old video
>card.
>
>I can only assume that 1.5Gb is the maximum capacity for memory that
>I'll find for one of these Pentium 3(socket 370) motherboards.
>
>Anyway, I guess that the trick now is getting three 512mb modules that
>will actually work with it.
>
>Thanks again.

Yes, support 512MB per slot, with most boards having only 3
slots... otherwise 2GB (or more??).

I've had a couple with (nothing special, typicial
budget-grade memory that was almost FAR at the time) as 2 x
512MB, in general they didn't seem very picky about memory
to me though no experience with that specific board nor 3
double-sided modules in it.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.hardware.homebuilt,alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

I'm just apprehensive about what memory I need to get because my last
motherboard which was supposed to support 768mb of ram only saw 512mb.

Nevertheless, it seems I can get sticks for about $30-$40 on Ebay.

Thanks.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.hardware.homebuilt,alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

On 22 Sep 2004 17:18:07 -0700, Searcher7@mail.con2.com
(Darren Harris) wrote:

>I'm just apprehensive about what memory I need to get because my last
>motherboard which was supposed to support 768mb of ram only saw 512mb.
>
>Nevertheless, it seems I can get sticks for about $30-$40 on Ebay.
>
>Thanks.
>
>Darren Harris
>Staten Island, New York.


The board's 694X chipset allows use of the most common,
PC133 memory available just about anywhere, though as always
a name-brand is a better bet than unknown generics. The
best deal might be found after rebate in your local weekend
papers, or for guaranteed compatibility go somewhere like
http://www.crucial.com

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.hardware.homebuilt,alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

Thanks for all of the advice.

I picked up an ASUS CUV4X motherboard which will supports three 512mb
modules. So it's a matter of finding the correct ram. Someone in my
area wants to sell me some used ram, but he won't give me a price. I
get the "How much do you want to spend", line.

I was going to try to trade some SCSI hardware I have to someone via
Craigslist, but if I can get the ram cheap, and my system doesn't
"see" all three sticks, it wouldn't be a big loss.

Thanks again.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.hardware.homebuilt,alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt (More info?)

> The board's 694X chipset allows use of the most common,
> PC133 memory available just about anywhere, though as always
> a name-brand is a better bet than unknown generics. The
> best deal might be found after rebate in your local weekend
> papers, or for guaranteed compatibility go somewhere like
> http://www.crucial.com

Thanks a lot.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.