Can I Run DDR 2 or 3?

Haz567 · 01-21-2008, 10:36 PM

http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner

I've used this site to scan my comp, and got this as a response.

Q: What memory goes into my computer, and can I mix speeds?

A: DDR memory with support for DDR PC3200,DDR PC2700,DDR PC4000 speeds.

Because DDR memory is backward-compatible, you can safely upgrade your system with any of the guaranteed-compatible DDR speeds listed below, even if your manual calls for PC1600 or PC2100 speeds.

My mother board is an ASUS A8V-E Deluxe. I'm planning to buy some RAM, but I am unsure by this response whether I can only get DDR 1 RAM or DDR 2 & 3 fall under that umbrella.

I'm planning on getting 4 gigs as I do a lot of multimedia work. Something like this -

http://tinyurl.com/2vgb8f

However I read the sticky up the top of the forum about buying RAM and how dual channel can be incompatible with some motherboards, I don't know how to research what will work on mine and what won't. Any advice on what RAM I should buy?

**mattlock** · 01-21-2008, 11:52 PM

Your motherboard can only run DDR1. It'll run in Dual channel mode, but unless you're running a 64bit OS then 4gbs of RAM is a waste. You would only have around 3gb available to Windows if running a 32bit OS.

BTW, the link to the RAM you are looking at doesn't work, could you post a direct link?

Haz567 · 01-22-2008, 12:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattlock

Your motherboard can only run DDR1. It'll run in Dual channel mode, but unless you're running a 64bit OS then 4gbs of RAM is a waste. You would only have around 3gb available to Windows if running a 32bit OS.

BTW, the link to the RAM you are looking at doesn't work, could you post a direct link?

Okay thanks. I was planning to dual boot Win XP 32-bit and XP 64-bit. This is so that if I lose functionality with drivers and programs in 64-bit I have the option to use the other OS.

That link I had posted was for a DD2 ram chip anyway so it don't matter so much. Is it possible to purchase a 4gb DD1 ram set or will I have to get a 2x1gb twice to make that amount?

Haz567 · 01-22-2008, 03:57 AM

http://www.mtechcomputers.com.au/pro...52c81a8a8f88f4

I'm thinking of buying this but after checking a review on this site -

http://www.memoryc.com/products/desc...kit/index.html

I came across this -

According to the products specs, this RAM requires 2.6 to 2.75Volts. My motherboard supports 2.5Volts by default, and sure enough, I had issues with system stability. After a small BIOS tweak (RAM voltage +0.1V) eveything's running super stable. So, this is good quality DDR memory, but be aware a voltage boost may be required even if not overclocking.

Is this a concern? How can I check it my motherboard will need tweaking? None of the other users on that site mentioned it either so yeah.

**mattlock** · 01-22-2008, 08:00 AM

Most motherboards Auto detect the RAM voltage fairly accurate, you can check it once you POST with the new RAM in by going into BIOS and looking at PC Health or Hardware Monitor to see what Vdimm or Memory voltage is reported.

To adjust the memory voltage you would enter the BIOS and look for Jumperfree Configuration or AI Overclocking it may even be under CPU configuration, but you're looking for Vdimm or Memory Voltage. Adjust it up to what ever is required for the RAM you purchase if needed, Save and Exit. You don't want to take it too high though. You
would run the risk of frying the RAM if you overvolt it too much.

I've read a lot of good things about G Skill but I've never used it myself. I would imagine you could find a better price than the that however. You can get it from Newegg here in the states for $110.

If you can find 2gb sticks of of PC3200 they would be very expensive, so it might be cheaper to use 4x1gb. What CPU do you have? I think you need a CPU with E stepping to be able to run 4 sticks @ DDR400. The older S939 chips will revert to DDR333 when 4 sticks of RAM are present. The CPU type and stepping can be found Via CPUz.

Approved memory list from Asus.
http://www.asus.com/999/download/pro...376/376_10.pdf

Haz567 · 01-22-2008, 08:41 AM

Thanks. :)

My processor is an AMD Athlon 64 Processor 3000 +

**mattlock** · 01-22-2008, 09:03 AM

There where 2 different versions of that chip. The Winchester core and Venice core, the Venice core had the better memory controller and should be E stepping. The Winchester core is the one that has issues running 4 sticks @ DDR400.

Again, CPUz will reveal the core and stepping.

Haz567 · 01-23-2008, 09:49 AM

It appears to be the Winchester core. What action do you suggest?

01-21-2008, 10:36 PM	#1 (permalink)
Haz567 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 54 OS: XP	Can I Run DDR 2 or 3? http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner I've used this site to scan my comp, and got this as a response. Q: What memory goes into my computer, and can I mix speeds? A: DDR memory with support for DDR PC3200,DDR PC2700,DDR PC4000 speeds. Because DDR memory is backward-compatible, you can safely upgrade your system with any of the guaranteed-compatible DDR speeds listed below, even if your manual calls for PC1600 or PC2100 speeds. My mother board is an ASUS A8V-E Deluxe. I'm planning to buy some RAM, but I am unsure by this response whether I can only get DDR 1 RAM or DDR 2 & 3 fall under that umbrella. I'm planning on getting 4 gigs as I do a lot of multimedia work. Something like this - http://tinyurl.com/2vgb8f However I read the sticky up the top of the forum about buying RAM and how dual channel can be incompatible with some motherboards, I don't know how to research what will work on mine and what won't. Any advice on what RAM I should buy?

01-21-2008, 11:52 PM	#2 (permalink)
mattlock moderator hardware team Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 3,818 OS: XP SP2, Ubuntu Gutsy Gibbon My System	Re: Can I Run DDR 2 or 3? Your motherboard can only run DDR1. It'll run in Dual channel mode, but unless you're running a 64bit OS then 4gbs of RAM is a waste. You would only have around 3gb available to Windows if running a 32bit OS. BTW, the link to the RAM you are looking at doesn't work, could you post a direct link? __________________ Matt Everest-Thermal Paste Instruction-Power Supply Info-Sensorview PSU Calculator-Speedfan-Bench Test Help TSF Fight Disease. It's Free!

01-22-2008, 03:57 AM	#4 (permalink)
Haz567 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 54 OS: XP	Re: Can I Run DDR 2 or 3? http://www.mtechcomputers.com.au/pro...52c81a8a8f88f4 I'm thinking of buying this but after checking a review on this site - http://www.memoryc.com/products/desc...kit/index.html I came across this - According to the products specs, this RAM requires 2.6 to 2.75Volts. My motherboard supports 2.5Volts by default, and sure enough, I had issues with system stability. After a small BIOS tweak (RAM voltage +0.1V) eveything's running super stable. So, this is good quality DDR memory, but be aware a voltage boost may be required even if not overclocking. Is this a concern? How can I check it my motherboard will need tweaking? None of the other users on that site mentioned it either so yeah.

01-22-2008, 08:00 AM	#5 (permalink)
mattlock moderator hardware team Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 3,818 OS: XP SP2, Ubuntu Gutsy Gibbon My System	Re: Can I Run DDR 2 or 3? Most motherboards Auto detect the RAM voltage fairly accurate, you can check it once you POST with the new RAM in by going into BIOS and looking at PC Health or Hardware Monitor to see what Vdimm or Memory voltage is reported. To adjust the memory voltage you would enter the BIOS and look for Jumperfree Configuration or AI Overclocking it may even be under CPU configuration, but you're looking for Vdimm or Memory Voltage. Adjust it up to what ever is required for the RAM you purchase if needed, Save and Exit. You don't want to take it too high though. You would run the risk of frying the RAM if you overvolt it too much. I've read a lot of good things about G Skill but I've never used it myself. I would imagine you could find a better price than the that however. You can get it from Newegg here in the states for $110. If you can find 2gb sticks of of PC3200 they would be very expensive, so it might be cheaper to use 4x1gb. What CPU do you have? I think you need a CPU with E stepping to be able to run 4 sticks @ DDR400. The older S939 chips will revert to DDR333 when 4 sticks of RAM are present. The CPU type and stepping can be found Via CPUz. Approved memory list from Asus. http://www.asus.com/999/download/pro...376/376_10.pdf __________________ Matt Everest-Thermal Paste Instruction-Power Supply Info-Sensorview PSU Calculator-Speedfan-Bench Test Help TSF Fight Disease. It's Free!

01-22-2008, 08:41 AM	#6 (permalink)
Haz567 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 54 OS: XP	Re: Can I Run DDR 2 or 3? Thanks. :) My processor is an AMD Athlon 64 Processor 3000 +

01-22-2008, 09:03 AM	#7 (permalink)
mattlock moderator hardware team Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 3,818 OS: XP SP2, Ubuntu Gutsy Gibbon My System	Re: Can I Run DDR 2 or 3? There where 2 different versions of that chip. The Winchester core and Venice core, the Venice core had the better memory controller and should be E stepping. The Winchester core is the one that has issues running 4 sticks @ DDR400. Again, CPUz will reveal the core and stepping. __________________ Matt Everest-Thermal Paste Instruction-Power Supply Info-Sensorview PSU Calculator-Speedfan-Bench Test Help TSF Fight Disease. It's Free!

01-23-2008, 09:49 AM	#8 (permalink)
Haz567 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 54 OS: XP	Re: Can I Run DDR 2 or 3? It appears to be the Winchester core. What action do you suggest?