KT333 Memory types

[spoondigity]

This is a simple question but I want to make sure I understand what I am reading before I buy a motherboard. I want to purchase a KT333 board, probably an ASUS, but I want to use my current 133mhz sdram in it. From the specs I have seen sdram seems to be supported but I do not have much knowledge when it comes to memory. All of the specs focus so much on the ddr dram when I check manufacturer homepages. I know it won't be as fast as the ddr memory, but will my old 133mhz sdram work?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Crashman]

Your memory will work. In fact, their is no advantage to using DDR333 memory speed with a DDR266 system bus. It's just a gimmick VIA is using to boost sales of their garbage.

What's the frequency, Kenneth?

 

[pvsurfer]

There most certainly would be a huge performance advantage using <b>DDR</b>266 over his <b>SDR</b>133 memory (granted, DDR333 over DDR266 is a hyped-up story)!

<b>God bless the <font color=red>U</font color=red><font color=white>S</font color=white><font color=blue>A</font color=blue></b>

 

[spoondigity]

Thanks for letting me know that the memory will work. I just don't want to spend the extra money on top of the mb and chip. I figure the memory upgrade to DDR can come later...

 

[Crashman]

No, KT333 boards will not come with PC133 slots, but all will only have DDR slots, your old memory won't even fit. You would be better off with the ECS K7S5A, because that board has both kinds of slots.

What's the frequency, Kenneth?

 

[spoondigity]

Ok, now I am really confused. I know when I checked the Tom's Hardware Guide article 'DDR333 For Athlon: VIA KT333 vs. KT266A' with first tests of the KT333 boards, when I looked down in the list of specs, it had support for ddr and a seperate row for support of sdram for each chip type. I.e., kt333, 266a, etc. It said 'yes' for the KT333 column and the sdram row. I thought this meant it would but I wanted to double check here. Can anyone back me up on that? Just trying to get it straight once and for all...

 

[Xynok]

What board? If the board doesn't support PC100/133 SDRAM, it doesn't matter what chipset it uses. DDR modules have a different architecture than normal SDRAM modules. So, unless the *board* you want has slots for BOTH DDR and PC133, your RAM won't even fit into the slot. The ECS K7S5A Crashman indicated is a good example of a board that supports both. I have built 7 systems using that board.

 

[spoondigity]

Ahhh, gotcha. Thanks again to everyone, you cleared it up for me.

 

[spoondigity]

Ok, last question on this. I checked out the ECS K7S5A board and it looks pretty good. Does anyone know of a board that uses the KT333 with both memories supported and would recommend it as a great board to buy?

 

[Xynok]

If you want to realize any performance gain in using 333DDR, you need to get a mobo that allows the FSB to be set to 166. Otherwise, using 333DDR and a FSB of 133 is pointless.

 

[kief]

If you cant afford new ram then the K7S5A is a good deal and still allows you to upgrade later. Make sure the RAM you have now is of good quality cuz while that board is nice and cheap as well, it is picky about component quality!

Jesus saves, but Mario scores!!!

 

[AMD_Man]

I doubt there will be any KT333 boards that have SDRAM slots. Just get yourself an ECS K7S5A and upgrade to DDR RAM later.

AMD technology + Intel technology = Intel/AMD Pentathlon IV; the <b>ULTIMATE</b> PC processor

 

[Guest]

I have had good luck with my k7s5a:
duron 650@866, 2x256 crucial cas 2.5 PC2100
i have been using it for nearly 6 months with no problems. it's a great value.

 

[kief]

Yep! With crucial RAM (or any other quality RAM) its a great value!

Jesus saves, but Mario scores!!!

 

[spoondigity]

Well I hate going with a board maker that I do not know (I have generally purchased Asus), but you guys are pretty convincing... Appreciate all of the help.