N7700 RAM / Memory upgrade

[rhumba]

I searched for this topic in the forum, but couldn't find a relevant return, so here goes ...

I received two N7700 units today, openend them up and found a 1GB DDR2 module along with one more open RAM slots. So my question would be how much RAM can I add to the N7700 if I want to populate both slots with highest capacity possible?

Many thanks in advance.
Kevin D.

[redclawkefar]

interestingly enough... i was wondering the same thing but i have the n8800. i assume its the same board inside as others have hinted/mentioned it.

my ram is DDR2 667 1Gb CL5 (from what The label reads)

[Funkstar]

What is the chipset on the mainboard?

[rhumba]

I visited Crucial today while waiting for someone's response and ordered two sets: 2 x 1GB and 2 x 2GB of the same spec I saw on the label. Once I receive my order, I will post which modules my new N7700 will accept for everyone.

[GoNz0]

it should take them so long as there low density modules, most of the previous models have responded well to ram upgrades, my 5200 makes use of the 1gb stick over the 256 when i check the memory usage

[msx8280]

rhumba,

Please let us know wether you will see any difference in perfonmance though, as more ram may not be used from thecus.

I really wonder though, why all those questions are not OFFICIALLY covered from thecus (memory and the pci-e expannsion slot)
It would be nice if Yvon, answers these questions
1) is it possible to add more memory to n7700 ? If so what type should it be ? Will there be any increase in perfornmance ? If so how much ?
2) WHat is the pci-e additional slot for ? Why was it included in there at all ? What types of card/uses would it accept ?

[GoNz0]

you can see the fun thats been had with the n5200 here http://thecususergroup.proboards106....0modifications

thecus will not approve anything that "may" harm the data on the drives, although no ones lost an array through an upgrade of ram.

[Funkstar]

The PCI-E slot is obviously for expansion cards, to get them to would you would need to create a module with the appropriate drivers and software.

So in theory, you could put anything in there.

[rhumba]

I did not start the machine. The first thing I did was taking it apart thinking that it would be as easy as the N5200. I never tested my other four N5200Pro, but usually with NFS, the more RAM the better (I think). The 5200 was smaller and easier to open and replace the single 512mb module to 1gb. But with the 7700, it was a little more complicated because the connectors for the power supply and the front panel are on opposite side so it was harder to get to.

As for performance testing, as said, I did not turn on the 7700 yet and all the drives are not configured. If you have a software that I can run from my Dell E6500 laptop with XP, please let me know and I can run and get the result for you to compare.

BTW, I am using 7 x Seagate ST31000340NS drives, trusting their claim that these 'NS' sata drive are designed for 'enterprise' use (i.e. better ??)


Thanks.

rhumba,

Please let us know wether you will see any difference in perfonmance though, as more ram may not be used from thecus.

I really wonder though, why all those questions are not OFFICIALLY covered from thecus (memory and the pci-e expannsion slot)
It would be nice if Yvon, answers these questions
1) is it possible to add more memory to n7700 ? If so what type should it be ? Will there be any increase in perfornmance ? If so how much ?
2) WHat is the pci-e additional slot for ? Why was it included in there at all ? What types of card/uses would it accept ?

[rhumba]

What is the chipset on the mainboard?

I looked at the board today and the chipset has a heat sink on it. For this particular need, we should have the 'dmidecode' module created for the N7700 or something.

[Thecus - Yvon]

Dear Sir,

N7700 using standard DDR2 240Pin Long-DIMM DDR2-667 Unbuffer Non-ECC Memory, even user could change the RAM module to 2GB by itself, but we can't guaranty the addition RAM module would working on N7700 smoothly without any compatibility issue, thus we still recommand using RAM from the N7700 would be better.

[rhumba]

I installed two x 2GB module today and looked the 7700 booted up alright. These are from Crucial, part number CT25664AA667.

[redclawkefar]

yvon,
so would the n8800 be able to get/use the same RAM sticks as the n7700?

basically i'd try out what rhumba did just with the n8800.

[GoNz0]

thecus wont say anything, but it should work fine.

[jmirabil]

"2) WHat is the pci-e additional slot for ? Why was it included in there at all ? What types of card/uses would it accept ?"

I want to know this as well--what can we do with this PCI-e slot? Can we use it to link two N7700's directly? I have no clue what we can actually do with this unused slot-- THECUS, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO WITH IT? Thx...

[GoNz0]

see funkstars post, he explained in there. thecus will not do anything, its a part that came with the board and it would cost them more to have a special made without it.