Mixing FSB/RAM speed question

[sirfulcrum]

Hi all,

I'm in the steps of upgrading my system, and I had a stupid question that needs answering.

I'm thinking of getting an AthlonXP 2100+, which has a 266MHz FSB. It's only $90.

I'm also thinking of getting an NForce2 board, which can support 266MHz and 333MHz FSB's.

Now, I want to get 333MHz DDR memory, because then in the future, when the prices on 333MHz FSB Athlons drops down to something reasonable (they're now around $300+), I could upgrade the system by just swapping in a new 333MHz FSB CPU.

Now, is it possible to run a 266MHz FSB CPU with 333MHz DDR memory, or does that screw up the frequency or synchronization between CPU and RAM?

If you could get me an answer quick, I'd really appreciate it!

Thanks.

 

[psykoikonov]

Can create problems when running asychronously. However I have not expierenced any and have run by board on both (Asus A7S333). Also my system is faster if I run my mem timings low (2-3-3-6 for me, with Samsung DDR333 cas2.5) and FSB at 266(133), because I cannot POST at low mem timings asynchronously. Other option is to unlock processor, which I have not done (there are many FAQs and guides regarding the process which is simple). Then run the FSB at 333(166) synchronously, drop your multiplier on CPU. This which will result in the best performance/stability almost guaranteed. Then you can play with all sorts of combinations from the base 166/33. There is tons of info regarding this, search on google and at this THG forum.

<b>Who needs heatsinks and fans, I have an igloo</b>

 

[Crashman]

There is no problem running DDR333 (PC2700) with the DDR266 bus (133MHz) of the Athlon XP on this board. In fact, I highly recommend it because of future compatability as you mentioned. It also allows you to reduce real time Cas Latency by a small amount for increased performance.

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[kgbuller]

Exactly! the same question I had. It pays to search BEFORE you post, experience proves. Thanks for the quick answer.

 

[halkebul]

I highly recommend the Asus A7N8X nForce2 board, whether it be the deluxe or non-deluxe version. You could get a XP 1600+ and set the FSB to 166 (appears as 166 in the BIOS but actually 166x2 = 333, synchroneous with your DDR333 memory) in the BIOS - set the AGP to 66. This will result in a processor faster than a XP 2100+ (266MHz FSB) processor. Remember to use two memory modules in order to take advantage of the dual memory controllers. You're on the right track to a very fast system. Cheers!

<i>It's your world kid!!!</i>

 

[SidVicious]

You can unlock your processor so you can set a lower multiplier to run your CPU on a higher ( 166MHz ) FSB without overclocking. There are many advantages like giving your processor access to a higher bandwidth and lowering the CPU clocks between memory access...

Fok Speling Misstake

 

[Rubberbband]

You won't have any problems running asynchronously. I run my 1800XP at 266 (133 FSB) and my Ram at 333.

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[halkebul]

You won't have any problems running asynchronously. I run my 1800XP at 266 (133 FSB) and my Ram at 333.

Good day! Yes, you wont have any problems running async due to the efficiencies of nForce2's dual memory conrollers. I was merely stating that he could easily achieve a faster processor for about $35 less.

<i>It's your world kid!!!</i>