[CanadaGradeEh]

http://www.canadacomputers.com/index...98&cid=RAM.178

Forgive my ignorance, but I was looking for some new RAM for my socket A setup and I decided to check out Corsair RAM because of all the good I've heard of it for it's price. Well, the description says that it's made specifically for dual channel memory. Does that mean it won't work for me if my motherboard is single channel? I would think not; it would just set itself to single channel by default I'd guess.

Well, I'm just making sure before I make any purchases.

 

[CanadaGradeEh]

This question is simple enough, isn't it? I'd just like an answer to confirm my guess.

 

[MustangPanda]

Yes Dual channel ram will work in single channel. All ram is dual channel capable they just call it a dual channel kit because it is 2 of the exact same sticks. I bought a dual channel kit and it runs fine single channel.

 

[thenut]

^ exactly... dual channel kits are just sticks that have been matched at the factory to be guaranteed to run together in dual channel

you can buy separate single sticks and they could still run in dual channel, its just that manufacturers dont guarantee them to

 

[CanadaGradeEh]

ok, so one more question: I'm gonna be buying 1 GB of PC3200 for my socket A setup. It's running a 2500+ Barton. Everything in my specs sig will be the same except the case, HSF, and of course the RAM. I will not be upgrading this rig any further after this purchase. So the question is, should I buy any kind of Corsair XMS RAM, or go with a generic/value kind?

 

[thenut]

welp, if thats the site you want to order from, I would suggest http://www.canadacomputers.com/index...19&cid=RAM.178 or http://www.canadacomputers.com/index...82&cid=RAM.178 if youre looking to save some money

if you want some good memory with some more headroom, I would suggest http://www.canadacomputers.com/index...61&cid=RAM.178 ... price wise, its $ 2 more expensive than the corsair you linked and should give more headroom with better timings

 

[CanadaGradeEh]

Thanks a bundle! Quick question though: That value OCZ RAM won't have any trouble loosening up will it? I don't have much experience with RAM (Sorry!). The PC2700 I have right now won't back up to CAS3 for some reason.

 

[thenut]

it shouldnt have any problems

 

[CanadaGradeEh]

Ok, thanks.

DDR333 doesn't do CAS3 well, right? Not supported well? That's what I've been told, but it kind of doesn't make sense to me seeing that I was under the impression that higher latencies = more stability. I guess that's just how the product works though..

 

[thenut]

nah, ddr333 should do cas 3 just fine, as most any decent ddr should... sounds more like an issue with your particular ram and/ or mobo

 

[xie67]

Your RAM upgrade to 2 x 512Mb modules is going to depend on two things.

1. What fsb are you going to run ?

2. What is the budget ?

Remember that ATHLON XP's love high fsb and tight memory timmings (2-2-2-5 at 1:1).
If you are looking at some high fsb then go for some CORSAIR TWINX1024 3200XL that has the TCCD modules on it but on the site you lidt it is CAD$252.00..here.

If you don't intend to run a high fsb say anything over 185MHz then you would be better off with some lower qaulity RAM such as the CORSAIR TWINX1024 3200C2.

cheers

 

[CanadaGradeEh]

I'm planning on working with a 200 MHz FSB at first, sticking my multi at 12, then upping my FSB from there. I may take the multi down a bit depending.
CAS2.5 is fine for me as long as I get a stable FSB going. I'm not really worried about really tight timings, but I don't want to have to stay in CAS3 to be stable.

 

[xie67]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CanadaGradeEh I'm planning on working with a 200 MHz FSB at first, sticking my multi at 12, then upping my FSB from there. I may take the multi down a bit depending. CAS2.5 is fine for me as long as I get a stable FSB going. I'm not really worried about really tight timings, but I don't want to have to stay in CAS3 to be stable.

Well if you plan on going over 200MHz fsb then the CORSAIR TWINX1024 3200XL will be the best option for you.
That way you have 1:1 with tight timmings 2-2-2-5 at up to at least 225MHz.

Generally value PC3200 RAM is just not really going to cut it at over 200MHz.

cheers

 

[CanadaGradeEh]

Well, I tested with some of my bro's PC3200 (generic), and it looks like it's not gonna matter too much with the FSB: my motherboard won't let my RAM go over 200 MHz. Looks like I'm gonna be looking for some PC3200 and just focus on tight timings.