ASUS A8N SLI Deluxe - memory question

[Logan]

Hello!

I want to upgrade my memory. Crucial's website are recommending their Ballistix PC4000. According to my mobo manual, it'll take "dual-channel memory architecture 4 x 184-pin DIMM sockets supports ECC/non-ECC unbuffered 400/333/266 MHz DDR memory modules supports upto 4GB system memory".

Out on a limb here then, I'm assuming that means something like:

Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2x1GB) DDR2 PC2-5300C3 667MHz Dual Channel Kit (BL2KIT12864AA663) £54.99

Is totally out the window? Reason I ask as that's considerably cheaper then:

2GB kit (1GBx2), Ballistix 184-pin DIMM, DDR PC4000 memory module
BL2KIT12864Z503
£135.99 ex. VAT
£159.79 inc. VAT

Is what is written in a mobo manual, gospel so-to-speak? 400MHz memory is the best I can get for my system?

Many thanks
Chris

[s_kinton]

I'm assuming that means something like:

Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2x1GB) DDR2 PC2-5300C3 667MHz Dual Channel Kit (BL2KIT12864AA663) £54.99
You can't use this, its DDR2, you need DDR (184pin).

Is totally out the window? Reason I ask as that's considerably cheaper then:

2GB kit (1GBx2), Ballistix 184-pin DIMM, DDR PC4000 memory module
BL2KIT12864Z503
£135.99 ex. VAT
£159.79 inc. VAT
This stuff will work, but its very expensive, I suggest shopping around for different brands.

Is what is written in a mobo manual, gospel so-to-speak? 400MHz memory is the best I can get for my system?
Yes and No. 400mhz is the fastest stock speed RAM you can use if you dont overclock. If you are considering overclocking and dont want to use a memory divider, then go for PC3700, PC4000 or PC4400

If you arent overclocking, then just get the cheapest branded PC3200 memory you can find.

[nimbu]

Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2x1GB) DDR2 PC2-5300C3 667MHz Dual Channel Kit (BL2KIT12864AA663) £54.99

Is DDR2 memory, and doesnt work in an A8N SLI DLX

2GB kit (1GBx2), Ballistix 184-pin DIMM, DDR PC4000 memory module
BL2KIT12864Z503
£135.99 ex. VAT
£159.79 inc. VAT

Is DDR(1) memory, the right type for your board. Yes is expensive now, as its not the "standard" anymore. If you dont want to spend that much, I would suggest that you check out auction sites, or the WTS forums here at hexus.

Nims

[s_kinton]

Theres a very similar thread I answered in yesterday. Have a look, as some of you questions will be answered in here:
http://forums.hexus.net/showthread.php?t=118395

If you dont overclock (which Im guessing you dont), then this would be a good choice:
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=217959

£60.30

[Logan]

Thanks for the replies guys

Theres a very similar thread I answered in yesterday. Have a look, as some of you questions will be answered in here:

If you dont overclock (which Im guessing you dont), then this would be a good choice:

£60.30

I don't intend to overclock no, to be honest I just want to upgrade the memory to 2GB to increase performance, so wanted some 'decent' memory. Is it just false economy for me to purchase something like the Ballistix 2gb set then?

I actually have 1.5GB installed already. Here's there details:

SPD Memory Modules:
DIMM1: Micron Tech. 8VDDT6464AG-40BD1 512 MB PC3200 DDR SDRAM (3.0-3-3-8 @ 200 MHz) (2.5-3-3-7 @ 166 MHz) (2.0-2-2-6 @ 133 MHz)
DIMM2: Micron Tech. 16VDDT6464AG-40BC4 512 MB PC3200 DDR SDRAM (3.0-3-3-8 @ 200 MHz) (2.5-3-3-7 @ 166 MHz) (2.0-2-2-6 @ 133 MHz)
DIMM4: Micron Tech. 16VDDT6464AG-40BGB 512 MB PC3200 DDR SDRAM (3.0-3-3-8 @ 200 MHz) (2.5-3-3-7 @ 166 MHz) (2.0-2-2-6 @ 133 MHz)

[ DIMM1: Micron Tech. 8VDDT6464AG-40BD1 ]

Memory Module Properties:
Module Name Micron Tech. 8VDDT6464AG-40BD1
Serial Number 23180B58h (1477122083)
Manufacture Date Week 30 / 2004
Module Size 512 MB (1 rank, 4 banks)
Module Type Unbuffered
Memory Type DDR SDRAM
Memory Speed PC3200 (200 MHz)
Module Width 64 bit
Module Voltage SSTL 2.5
Error Detection Method None
Refresh Rate Reduced (7.8 us), Self-Refresh

Memory Timings:
@ 200 MHz 3.0-3-3-8 (CL-RCD-RP-RAS) / 11-14-2 (RC-RFC-RRD)
@ 166 MHz 2.5-3-3-7 (CL-RCD-RP-RAS) / 10-12-2 (RC-RFC-RRD)
@ 133 MHz 2.0-2-2-6 (CL-RCD-RP-RAS) / 8-10-2 (RC-RFC-RRD)

Memory Module Features:
Early RAS# Precharge Not Supported
Auto-Precharge Not Supported
Precharge All Not Supported
Write1/Read Burst Not Supported
Buffered Address/Control Inputs Not Supported
Registered Address/Control Inputs Not Supported
On-Card PLL (Clock) Not Supported
Buffered DQMB Inputs Not Supported
Registered DQMB Inputs Not Supported
Differential Clock Input Supported
Redundant Row Address Not Supported

Memory Module Manufacturer:
Company Name Micron Technology, Inc.

[ DIMM2: Micron Tech. 16VDDT6464AG-40BC4 ]

Memory Module Properties:
Module Name Micron Tech. 16VDDT6464AG-40BC4
Serial Number 29046878h (2020082729)
Manufacture Date Week 29 / 2003
Module Size 512 MB (2 ranks, 4 banks)
Module Type Unbuffered
Memory Type DDR SDRAM
Memory Speed PC3200 (200 MHz)
Module Width 64 bit
Module Voltage SSTL 2.5
Error Detection Method None
Refresh Rate Reduced (7.8 us), Self-Refresh

Memory Timings:
@ 200 MHz 3.0-3-3-8 (CL-RCD-RP-RAS) / 11-14-2 (RC-RFC-RRD)
@ 166 MHz 2.5-3-3-7 (CL-RCD-RP-RAS) / 10-12-2 (RC-RFC-RRD)
@ 133 MHz 2.0-2-2-6 (CL-RCD-RP-RAS) / 8-10-2 (RC-RFC-RRD)

Memory Module Features:
Early RAS# Precharge Not Supported
Auto-Precharge Not Supported
Precharge All Not Supported
Write1/Read Burst Not Supported
Buffered Address/Control Inputs Not Supported
Registered Address/Control Inputs Not Supported
On-Card PLL (Clock) Not Supported
Buffered DQMB Inputs Not Supported
Registered DQMB Inputs Not Supported
Differential Clock Input Supported
Redundant Row Address Not Supported

Memory Module Manufacturer:
Company Name Micron Technology, Inc.

[ DIMM4: Micron Tech. 16VDDT6464AG-40BGB ]

Memory Module Properties:
Module Name Micron Tech. 16VDDT6464AG-40BGB
Serial Number 102AF190h (2431724048)
Module Size 512 MB (2 ranks, 4 banks)
Module Type Unbuffered
Memory Type DDR SDRAM
Memory Speed PC3200 (200 MHz)
Module Width 64 bit
Module Voltage SSTL 2.5
Error Detection Method None
Refresh Rate Reduced (7.8 us), Self-Refresh

Memory Timings:
@ 200 MHz 3.0-3-3-8 (CL-RCD-RP-RAS) / 11-14-2 (RC-RFC-RRD)
@ 166 MHz 2.5-3-3-7 (CL-RCD-RP-RAS) / 10-12-2 (RC-RFC-RRD)
@ 133 MHz 2.0-2-2-6 (CL-RCD-RP-RAS) / 8-10-2 (RC-RFC-RRD)

Memory Module Features:
Early RAS# Precharge Not Supported
Auto-Precharge Not Supported
Precharge All Not Supported
Write1/Read Burst Not Supported
Buffered Address/Control Inputs Not Supported
Registered Address/Control Inputs Not Supported
On-Card PLL (Clock) Not Supported
Buffered DQMB Inputs Not Supported
Registered DQMB Inputs Not Supported
Differential Clock Input Supported
Redundant Row Address Not Supported

Memory Module Manufacturer:
Company Name Micron Technology, Inc.

Without pulling the case apart, all I know is they are bog standard Crucial PC3200 (if memory serves, its been a long time since I upgraded). Would I just be better off buying a fourth matching 512mb stick or is there some benefit to be had from replacing with 2 x 1gb sticks??

Perhaps I'm looking down the wrong upgrade avenue and maybe I should look at CPU? Would that be a more beneficial upgrade? Here's what I have at the moment:

CPU Properties:
CPU Type AMD Athlon 64, 2400 MHz (10 x 240) 3800+
CPU Alias Venice S939
CPU Stepping DH-E6
Instruction Set x86, x86-64, MMX, 3DNow!, SSE, SSE2, SSE3
Original Clock 2000 MHz
Min / Max CPU Multiplier 4x / 10x
L1 Code Cache 64 KB (Parity)
L1 Data Cache 64 KB (ECC)
L2 Cache 512 KB (On-Die, ECC, Full-Speed)

CPU Physical Info:
Package Type 939 Pin uOPGA
Package Size 4.00 cm x 4.00 cm
Transistors 68.5 million
Process Technology 11Mi, 90 nm, CMOS, Cu, SOI
Die Size 84 mm2
Core Voltage 1.400 - 1.450 V
I/O Voltage 1.2 V + 2.5 V
Maximum Power 67.0 W

CPU Manufacturer:
Company Name Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.

CPUID Properties:
CPUID Manufacturer AuthenticAMD
CPUID CPU Name AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 3200+
CPUID Revision 00020FF2h
Extended CPUID Revision 00020FF2h
AMD Brand ID 010Ah (Athlon 64 3200+)
Platform ID D1h (Socket 939)
IA CPU Serial Number Unknown
HTT / CMP Units 0 / 1

Sorry if I'm being a pain here! I drifted away from tinkering with PC's a few years ago in favour of consoles, so I'm not as clued up as I once was!!

Thanks for your time, much appreciated.

[Merlin4458]

cheapest 2x1 gb sticks u can find m8 corsair value ram is fine. i like my corsair xms3200pro. got 4x512 in mine

[s_kinton]

I don't intend to overclock no, to be honest I just want to upgrade the memory to 2GB to increase performance, so wanted some 'decent' memory. Is it just false economy for me to purchase something like the Ballistix 2gb set then?

I actually have 1.5GB installed already.

The Ballistix is definately overkill, dont even consider it.

You've got 2 choices:

- Buy 1x 512mb PC3200
OR
- Sell what you've currently got on eBay and buy a 2Gb set

If you just want 512mb, buy this:
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=237277
£15.65

If you want a whole new 2Gb set, buy this:
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=217959
£60.30

Its up to you really...