2x256 or 1x512? (noob'ish)

[Caimbeul]

Hi just wondering if anyone could help me. I've just added an XP2800+ Barton to my ASUS A7N8X-Deluxe from a XP2100+. When running the 2100, My memory timmings on were "Aggressive" setting @ 6,2,2,2T (1X512Mb Crucial & 1x512Mb Generic Cheapo - both PC2700) since the upgraded CPU has been in, even on the aggressive setting it only comes in at 7,3,3,2.5T . Now I have been told this is due to the increase in FSB an subsequently the RAM is now running full speed and therefore cant be run with such timings. My Question is: Should I just run my 1x512Mb of Crucial?, Buy another Crucial 512Mb DDR333 or Buy 2x256 of DDR400. please bear in mind that I dont want to spend any more money if I dont have to. If I was to go for another Crucial DDR333 is it likely that one could still be better than the other? please help as I think this memory issue is the reason I am not getting the performance leap I was expecting from the move to the 2800 and im getting depressed, lol. eg: my 3d mark 2001se score went from 10300 to 11177. thats less than a thousand, I would have thought I would get at least 12000? does this sound about right?

<i>Mmmm Dawn AND Eve at the same time...Drroooooll
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<b>XP2800 Barton, 2x512Mb PC2700, ASUS A7N8X, PNY 64Mb Ti4200.

 

[pjordan]

This is my advice.
1. If you do not plan on overclocking, get another 512 of crucial memory.
2. If you do plan on overclocking, get two 256 of ddr400.
The reason for this is the best way to overclock is by raising the FSB. Hope this helps.

 

[pjordan]

Another thought.
Try using just your Crucial memory, ie take the other one out, and see if you get better timings. If you don't, I guess try the other one. If neither works go for ddr400 if overclocking, ddr 333 if not. Don't get generic. Make sure it can at least do 6-3-3, 6-2-2 or 5-2-2 is preferable. Geil, Corsair, OCZ, or HyperX brand.(My favorite brands)

 

[davemar14]

Since you have an Asus A7N8X board, I would utilize the dual channel memory. Since you only have one stick of memory on there now, you are not getting the full performance. I would either get another stick of Crucial DDR 333, if you don't plan on overclocking or get 2X256 DDR 400 modules if you plan to overclock. In any event, make sure you are utilizing the dual channel memory. You had mentioned your 3DMark scores, what are the rest of your system specs. Here is my website, if you want to compare your scores to my system. <A HREF="http://www16.brinkster.com/davemar14/main " target="_new">http://www16.brinkster.com/davemar14/main </A>

 

[pjordan]

I forgot to add you want cl2. Check and make sure your Crucial memory can to do Cl2. If it can't, your best bet is to buy two new ones.