Which memory to buy?

[Gherkin]

My motherboard is the ABit NF7-S rev. 2 and my processor is the AMD ATHLON XP 2500+ "Barton."

I was planning on buying Corsair XMS 512MB PC3200, but is it even worth going with this speed (3200)? If possible, I'd like to stick with the Corsair XMS, but what speed should I use?

 

[xeenrecoil]

heya Gherkin;

It is always wise to step up to the next highest frequency ram as to make yourself more future proof, as you may decide later to upgrade to a 400FSB Barton.

XeeN

 

[Prof133]

* Xeen is right. Get PC3200 memory for future upgrade and/or overclocking sake. In order to get the memory to run in sync with the FSB, go into the BIOS and set the CPU/DRAM Ratio to one of the 1:1 ratios.

* Use at least two memory modules in order to benefit from the Dual DDR feature of the nForce2 chipset.

<b><font color=blue>Logic over all.</font color=blue></b><P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by prof133 on 07/12/03 12:11 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

[Gherkin]

I don't really plan on upgrading my system though. The most I've ever seen neccessary is to add more RAM. If I don't really plan to ever get a new processor, should I just go with something lower?

The thing is, when I think it's time to get a new processor, I'll just buy a new system altogether.

 

[Prof133]

I'm noticing some folks having problems running Corsair non-low-latency PC2700 XMS memory with 333MHz FSB/nForce2/Dual DDR setups. With respect to corsair, I recommend Corsair XMS Low-Latency PC2700 or Corsair XMS non-Low-Latency PC3200.

<b><font color=blue>Logic over all.</font color=blue></b>

 

[qquizz]

I have seen some reports of incompatabilty too but as far as I can tell those have been fixed by the newest bios update. I recommend a minimum of PC2700 low latency 2-2-2 or 2-3-2 unless you plan to overclock. Two correctly installed sticks will provide DUAL DDR bandwidth (may have to be turned on in the bios) If you are NOT going to overclock and run your MEMORY at 400MHz AND YOUR BARTON AT 333 MHz YOU WILL ENCOUNTER A PERFOMANCE HIT -bad.
As you may know, in an Nforce2 chipset you want cpu and memory running in synch. Consider how many memory slots you have if you think you will upgrade to more memory later. Also check your manual to see how many sticks (and which slots on your motherboard support DUAL DDR)
IF you do overclock in synch, near 400Mhz you will see 5-10% benchmark increase depending on the application.

...patiently waiting for 10Ghz processors and immersible virtual reality.