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Memory frequency drop when using 2GB?

Forum Motherboards & Memory : Memory - Memory frequency drop when using 2GB?

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the_stiffmeister   03-31-2007 at 07:52:38 PM

I've got an Asus A8R32-MVP Deluxe board and I use Geil RAM DDR400. The problem I've got is when I put in 2GB the RAM frequency drops to 333Mhz on all 4 512MB sticks. When I have 1GB with either matched pair of 512MB sticks in it runs at 400Mhz. Has anyone seen this before? Would it be better to run on 1GB at 400Mhz or 2GB at 333Mhz? I have a 4800+ dual core AMD with 1900 XT gfx btw.

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NaDa   03-31-2007 at 08:29:21 PM
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Yes this is a standard problem.

It's harder for a mobo to use more memory chips and it backs to 333MHz on default, especially if they are double sided. I have the same issue different mobo.
Try and overclock cos thats a good mobo and it may be able to push the memory further.

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bitter   03-31-2007 at 08:30:18 PM
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check the motherboard manual. it is possible that when using all 4 slots the memory will be automatically by set at a max 333mhz (2x166) as to the normal 400mhz (2x200). also maybe you have double side memory, if so you should change it and go for single side sticks. if you can't change anything it's a good idea to oc' to the point that memory will run at 400mhz.

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the_stiffmeister   03-31-2007 at 08:58:35 PM
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i've not Oc'ed before. If its simple pls tell me how otherwise would it make a difference if I put in 2 x 1GB sticks?

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Mondoman   03-31-2007 at 09:41:41 PM
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You likely won't notice a difference. For Windows it's better to have 2GB at the slightly slower speed.

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aoe   03-31-2007 at 09:45:18 PM
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If you have 2x1GB (or can exchange your current 4x512MB for 2x1GB at no extra cost), then that would be much better. Your system is likely to perform slightly better with 2x1GB than 4x512MB.

As previously stated, this is a typical problem when trying to run with 4x512MB - the motherboard (for 'safety' reasons) will automatically drop the memory frequency. I have experienced the same behaviour on a previous Asus motherboard.

However, you can manually set the memory frequency in the BIOS to 200MHz and this should overcome your problem. If you choose to do this, you may also need to manually set the timings (not sure - depends on the BIOS).

Note that the above proposed change to the memory frequency is in no way related to overclocking.

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Mondoman   03-31-2007 at 11:28:31 PM
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Actually, it IS overclocking, but it's overclocking the MB, not the RAM.

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NaDa   03-31-2007 at 11:44:16 PM
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Yes... but then I dont consider overclocking anything if I dont raise the voltage I simply call it adjusting.

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