Finally decided on a new system and Scan wins

[Devlin]

Finally decided on a new system after a week of banging my head against my monitor:

hxxp://3xs.scan.co.uk/ConfigureSystem.asp?SystemID=603

I have a few questions though:

I have some Geil DDR2 ram that I bought, its the same speed as the standard Corsair that comes with the system, I heard Vista 32bit only supports 2 gig of ram so would I be able to put the extra in the case with the new stuff or would they just not be compatible anyway?

Oh its:

2x1gb PC2-6400
DDR2-800 CL - 4-4-4-12

Is it worth me upgrading to Vista Ultimate to use the extra stick?

Also what are the delivery times like?

[moogle]

dont think you can mix and match ddr2. not like ddr anyway.

[Devlin]

Ah nuts, well it still looks like an awesome system nonetheless, not the highest spec but I think its the best component quality I've seen.

[moogle]

well you know you could sell that 2gb of ddr2 you have and get 2gb of the same corsair type if you really wanted 4gb

[Devlin]

fair point

I'll get it then see if I really need the boost first, but then I need 64bit vista.

[rabbid]

I was under the impression Vista32bit can handle up to 4GB similar to XP 32 bit.
Not all 4GB is available tho, the amount you can have available varies over 3GB.

I have 3GB (2x1GB + 2x512MB sticks) working in dual channel mode nicely. They are all Corsair XMS2 667, but I would expect most paired RAM to be able to at least work this way so long as the timings can be forced to run in synch and at the same voltage. Putting high voltage and mediocre brands together wouldnt be a good idea and there might be some loss in ultimate performance with timing compromises too. Some boards can be picky too with 4 sticks even of the same make let alone different ones.

The board is a GA 945-S3 with an E2180@2.6GHz and the 3GB of RAM 4-4-4-12-16-2T@1.8v runs 692MHz.

I would say I notice no difference 2GB to 3GB (running XPSP2), even with paging turned off in both configs. I dont really run anything that uses so much anyway, just wanted to make use of that RAM.
Vista might be able to use that bit more.

[rabbid]

Heres a brief explanation of 32bit memory
» Maximum Memory in 32-bit Windows Vista » upgrade 2 vista

A bit more info from here
Reader Question: Maximum Memory in 32-bit Windows Vista - Windows Vista help

As ur buying a warranteed built system I wouldnt just throw in those GEILs anyway, at least not without clearing it with Scan first.

Its nice RAM btw I have some too, its even cheaper now as well!

[Philipp]

Devlin

Happy to hear your choosing scan for your 3XS System

It will be an awesome machine.

In regards to installing your own memory this will not void your system warranty however the memory (you install) will not be covered.

Depending on when I receive your paper work for the system it it should be booked in for build within around a week it then takes 3 days for Building testing and configuring.

If you require any more help or just want some info drop me a PM.

Best Regards

[Devlin]

Hmm I cant seem to send you a PM yet, some posting restrictions probably.

I'll be ordering it tomorrow more than likely but I'd love some more info in the meantime, model I decided on is:

hxxp://3xs.scan.co.uk/ShowSystem.asp?SystemID=603]Scan 3XS Systems

Anyone have any ideas on upgrades I should get other than 2x the basic ram, need to know which case/GPU etc to choose, I have a mx spend of £2k.

[Devlin]

Thanks to everyone who replied so far by the way

[Pob255]

Pritty good all told.

Might want to consider lowering the raptor to 74gb as that's for your OS and programmes only you data and such goes on the larger drive although the saveing isn't much so you could stick to the 150gb

if the money is not that much of a problem then you might want to throw in Acustic sound proofing on that Akasa Mirage-62

On and as long as both sets of memory have the same voltage requirements you should be ok within stock, it's once you OC past stock speed that memory mismatches tend to show.
Keeping the memory at stock (800mhz) should still alow of a reasonable cpu OC

[neonplanet40]

You stole my surname!!!!!

Dont get the 74gb raptor. I have it and wish i got the 150gb one. You'd be suprised how soon it would fill up. Games are very big these days and you would want them to run from the raptor.

So get the 150gb!!

And give me back my surname!!!

Neon

[Devlin]

Awesome, went through with it just now, cant wait >_<

Thanks for all the help lads.

[Devlin]

You stole my surname!!!!!

Dont get the 74gb raptor. I have it and wish i got the 150gb one. You'd be suprised how soon it would fill up. Games are very big these days and you would want them to run from the raptor.

So get the 150gb!!

And give me back my surname!!!

Neon

You have an awesome Surname, I only use this name online

[Devlin]

Right back again, this is the ram I have:

GeIL 2GB (2x1GB) PC2-6400C4 800MHz Ultra Low Latency DDR2 Dual Channel Kit (GX22GB6400UDC)

Its completely new, still boxed, will I be able to use it with the corsair sticks?

[moogle]

Right back again, this is the ram I have:

GeIL 2GB (2x1GB) PC2-6400C4 800MHz Ultra Low Latency DDR2 Dual Channel Kit (GX22GB6400UDC)

Its completely new, still boxed, will I be able to use it with the corsair sticks?

don't think so, and even still not recommended