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A7N8X-E Deluxe - Where to get PC3200 RAM on ASUS tested list



 
 
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  #11  
Old January 12th 05, 12:07 PM
Paul
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

In article , Lou
wrote:

Are memory timings typically referred to in a specific order? You
refer to running Balistix at 2-2-2-6. To which parameter does each
number refer? In my BIOS I get the following timings:

Column "A" = "AUTO" (166 MHz.)
Column "B" = "BySPD" (200 MHz.)

A B
SDRAM Active Precharge Delay 7 8
SDRAM RAS to CAS Delay 3 3
SDRAM RAS Precharge Delay 3 3
SDRAM CAS Latency 2.5T 3T

This is obviously in a different order than the way you state it.
(BTW this is with two sticks of 256MB Kingston PC3200 memory and it
seems to run fine at 400 MHz. async with an Athlon 2600+).

I was planning to upgrade the RAM on my A7N8X Deluxe to two 512MB
modules and pass my two 256MB modules down to my kids (I'm upgrading
their PC with a new mobo & CPU). If I do that, I want capability to
run the new 1GB @ DDR400 in case I upgrade to a 400 FSB processor or
an Athlon64.

Thanks everyone for all of the input.

Louis


Here is a Micron datasheet for a PC2700 DIMM. (Micron makes
memory chips and they also make memory modules. The modules are
sold by Crucial, their retail arm, and normal Crucial modules
have a Micron sticker and a Crucial sticker on them. Trouble is,
there is no web page that maps Crucial part number, to Micron
datasheet, so you cannot easily take advantage of this fact.)

http://download.micron.com/pdf/datas...32_64x64AG.pdf

On page 2 of the datasheet, you can see they use "CL - Trcd - Trp"
as their first three numbers. Not the same order as your BIOS screen.
CL = CAS Latency, Trcd = RAS to CAS Delay, Trp = RAS Precharge Delay.
The final parameter is Tras, which in the Micron datasheet is
defined as "ACTIVE to PRECHARGE command". The minimum time is what
is set in the BIOS, but larger times can be used, up to the point
that the dynamic RAM cell gets discharged (70000 nanoseconds).

The 8 chips used on that module (64Mx8 chips) are here. Page 78
shows how Tras is the sum of Trcd+2+Twr, meaning it is not a
simple timing parameter, but a composite number, and on page
78, the write cycle seems to make Tras longer than on a read.
http://download.micron.com/pdf/datas...DDRx4x8x16.pdf

This slide set defines some of this stuff. See slide 24:
http://www.corsairmemory.com/memory_basics/153707/

Terms are listed here as well:
http://forums.techpowerup.com/showthread.php?t=28

HTH,
Paul

On Mon, 10 Jan 2005 13:41:25 -0500, (Paul) wrote:

In article , Lou
wrote:

I'm building a new PC with an ASUS A7N8X-E Deluxe and an Athlon XP
2800+ (Barton). I want to install two 512MB PC3200 modules to run in
dual channel mode at 200MHz. (or maybe 166 MHz. to match the bus
frequency - I think I've read that with the Atholn XP, synchronous at
the lower speed is actually faster).

The problem is that I just can't find memory with the exact same part
number as listed on the ASUS web site as having been tested. (I can't
find a list for the -E Deluxe but there is one for the A7N8X Deluxe
and I assume they are the same memory-wise).

www.newegg.com has a two module kit (2 X 512) of TWINMOS for $140 and
TWINMOS is on the list, but with no specific part number.

www.ms4me.com has a two module kit (2 X 512) of Samsung memory for
about $150 and htey have a 100% positive feedback rating on PriceWatch
but they don't show the manufacturers full part number either.

Has anybody here used either of these memories on an A7N8X / A7N8X-E
Deluxe or have anyother advice for me.

I appreciate it.

Louis


There is a thread here on TwinMOS:

http://www.nforcershq.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=49071

There are also plenty of other threads on nforcershq about memory:

http://www.nforcershq.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=51516

My suspicion, is that you'll find few problems running a
couple of generic CAS3 sticks at 166MHz (DDR333). But, if you
want to run at DDR400 (say when you are overclocking the
FSB of your new processor, and running FSB and memory in
sync), then expect trouble.

If you want to play at DDR400, pick up some CAS2 (low
latency) PC3200 memory. That seems to work better than
buying CAS3 PC4000 type memory.

Looking in the Newegg memory lists, this is the cheapest
CAS2 product I can find. Mushkin PC3200 2x512 Blue Dual
pack 2-3-3 memory for $182.

On one of the threads on nforcershq.com, about memory,
one user reported brands that worked and didn't work. It
will take you a while to sift through all the threads, but
that is the only way to find memory that actually works.

When judging the threads, the users reporting their results
should have used memtest86/prime95 to test the memory, and
list the memory settings used. They should have used
enough Vdimm to get the memory to work well (like 2.6 to
2.8V). You'll find many reports from people who are not using
taxing configurations for their hardware (like only 166MHz),
or from people who are unaware of the need to test the memory,
and their experiences are best ignored.

Start here, and click "search for all terms" to get logical
AND in your searches:

http://www.nforcershq.com/forum/search.php

I use Ballistix PC3200 at DDR400 2-2-2-6 and find it is error
free in dual channel mode. But it is a little more expensive
than the Mushkin. If you only plan to ever run the memory
at DDR333 (166MHz), you may not need to bother with the more
expensive memories.

I took a look at the Newegg customer reviews for some of their
cheapest memories, and unfortunately there are very few reports
from people who test their memories properly. Since the cheapest
memories involve a mixture of stick designs (can change from
lot to lot), there is really no way of knowing what you'll get.
If you want to play "bargain memory" games, it is best to do that
with a vendor having a generous return policy, or use a local
vendor who will accept returns or allow upgrading. Make sure the
memory has a warranty of longer than one year, as I've been burnt
twice by memory failures (on cheap generic "sale" memory) just
after the one year warranty expired. Dammit, I want to own my
memory, not rent it :-)

HTH,
Paul

  #12  
Old January 12th 05, 12:39 PM
Paul
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

In article , Lou
wrote:

Sure enough - and it's only $79.99 with free shipping straight from
their web site! I notice that it is only CAS-3; I'd be more
comfortable with 2 or 2.5. Even though I have a 166MHz. FSB CPU
(Athlon 2600+ Barton) I can run the memory at 200 MHz. async. for
testing with memtest86 during the return period.

Thanks,

Louis


If you buy two and run it dual channel 3-3-3-8, tell us whether
it passes Prime95 (mixed) torture test or not, at DDR400. That is
the "acid test".

The CT6464Z40B PC3200 module is likely based on a MT46V32M8-5B chip.
On page 59, CL=3 at 5ns, Trcd is 15ns, and that equals 3 ticks of
5ns each, Trp is also 15ns, so that is 3 ticks. Tras is 40ns min,
and that is 8 ticks of 5ns each. That is where I came up with
the guess of 3-3-3-8 above. (When you do the conversion math, you
round up to the nearest whole tick for all the parameters except
CL, as CL is rated in half tick increments.)

http://download.micron.com/pdf/datas...DDRx4x8x16.pdf

You can use an auto setting in the BIOS, and then verify the
memory timing in Windows using http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php .
The BIOS should find the 3-3-3-8 parameters in the SPD EEPROM
chip (the tiny eight pin device) on the DIMM.

Set Vdimm to = 2.6V, as 2.6V is the minimum for operation at
PC3200 speeds.

Paul


On Tue, 11 Jan 2005 21:32:08 -0000, "Matt"
wrote:


"Paul Busby" wrote in message
...
Thus spake Paul:
I use Ballistix PC3200 at DDR400 2-2-2-6 and find it is error
free in dual channel mode. But it is a little more expensive
than the Mushkin. If you only plan to ever run the memory
at DDR333 (166MHz), you may not need to bother with the more
expensive memories.

Just what I wanted to know Paul, so thanks for that. I'm toying with the
idea of replacing my XP1800+ with an XP2400 m & 2x512 PC3200 to replace my
Crucial 2x256 sticks. My concern was that the Crucial RAM isn't
recommended by Asus but do they update these recommendations - probably
not for an "old" m/b such as this one.


Crucial test and guarantee there own RAMS on each motherboard, so if you
went through their RAM selector and selected the correct RAM for your
motherboard and it did not work then you would be able to get it replaced.

Matt

  #13  
Old January 12th 05, 02:29 PM
Lou
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Thanks a lot Paul, I really appreciate it. I will read through some
of the info you provided links to and try to figure out what you said
(you're over my head here).

In the end then, you think it should run at 200 MHz. DDR in dual
channel mode on my A7N8X-E Deluxe, right?

Thanks again,

Louis

On Wed, 12 Jan 2005 06:07:10 -0500, (Paul) wrote:

In article , Lou
wrote:

Are memory timings typically referred to in a specific order? You
refer to running Balistix at 2-2-2-6. To which parameter does each
number refer? In my BIOS I get the following timings:

Column "A" = "AUTO" (166 MHz.)
Column "B" = "BySPD" (200 MHz.)

A B
SDRAM Active Precharge Delay 7 8
SDRAM RAS to CAS Delay 3 3
SDRAM RAS Precharge Delay 3 3
SDRAM CAS Latency 2.5T 3T

This is obviously in a different order than the way you state it.
(BTW this is with two sticks of 256MB Kingston PC3200 memory and it
seems to run fine at 400 MHz. async with an Athlon 2600+).

I was planning to upgrade the RAM on my A7N8X Deluxe to two 512MB
modules and pass my two 256MB modules down to my kids (I'm upgrading
their PC with a new mobo & CPU). If I do that, I want capability to
run the new 1GB @ DDR400 in case I upgrade to a 400 FSB processor or
an Athlon64.

Thanks everyone for all of the input.

Louis


Here is a Micron datasheet for a PC2700 DIMM. (Micron makes
memory chips and they also make memory modules. The modules are
sold by Crucial, their retail arm, and normal Crucial modules
have a Micron sticker and a Crucial sticker on them. Trouble is,
there is no web page that maps Crucial part number, to Micron
datasheet, so you cannot easily take advantage of this fact.)

http://download.micron.com/pdf/datas...32_64x64AG.pdf

On page 2 of the datasheet, you can see they use "CL - Trcd - Trp"
as their first three numbers. Not the same order as your BIOS screen.
CL = CAS Latency, Trcd = RAS to CAS Delay, Trp = RAS Precharge Delay.
The final parameter is Tras, which in the Micron datasheet is
defined as "ACTIVE to PRECHARGE command". The minimum time is what
is set in the BIOS, but larger times can be used, up to the point
that the dynamic RAM cell gets discharged (70000 nanoseconds).

The 8 chips used on that module (64Mx8 chips) are here. Page 78
shows how Tras is the sum of Trcd+2+Twr, meaning it is not a
simple timing parameter, but a composite number, and on page
78, the write cycle seems to make Tras longer than on a read.
http://download.micron.com/pdf/datas...DDRx4x8x16.pdf

This slide set defines some of this stuff. See slide 24:
http://www.corsairmemory.com/memory_basics/153707/

Terms are listed here as well:
http://forums.techpowerup.com/showthread.php?t=28

HTH,
Paul

On Mon, 10 Jan 2005 13:41:25 -0500, (Paul) wrote:

In article , Lou
wrote:

I'm building a new PC with an ASUS A7N8X-E Deluxe and an Athlon XP
2800+ (Barton). I want to install two 512MB PC3200 modules to run in
dual channel mode at 200MHz. (or maybe 166 MHz. to match the bus
frequency - I think I've read that with the Atholn XP, synchronous at
the lower speed is actually faster).

The problem is that I just can't find memory with the exact same part
number as listed on the ASUS web site as having been tested. (I can't
find a list for the -E Deluxe but there is one for the A7N8X Deluxe
and I assume they are the same memory-wise).

www.newegg.com has a two module kit (2 X 512) of TWINMOS for $140 and
TWINMOS is on the list, but with no specific part number.

www.ms4me.com has a two module kit (2 X 512) of Samsung memory for
about $150 and htey have a 100% positive feedback rating on PriceWatch
but they don't show the manufacturers full part number either.

Has anybody here used either of these memories on an A7N8X / A7N8X-E
Deluxe or have anyother advice for me.

I appreciate it.

Louis

There is a thread here on TwinMOS:

http://www.nforcershq.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=49071

There are also plenty of other threads on nforcershq about memory:

http://www.nforcershq.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=51516

My suspicion, is that you'll find few problems running a
couple of generic CAS3 sticks at 166MHz (DDR333). But, if you
want to run at DDR400 (say when you are overclocking the
FSB of your new processor, and running FSB and memory in
sync), then expect trouble.

If you want to play at DDR400, pick up some CAS2 (low
latency) PC3200 memory. That seems to work better than
buying CAS3 PC4000 type memory.

Looking in the Newegg memory lists, this is the cheapest
CAS2 product I can find. Mushkin PC3200 2x512 Blue Dual
pack 2-3-3 memory for $182.

On one of the threads on nforcershq.com, about memory,
one user reported brands that worked and didn't work. It
will take you a while to sift through all the threads, but
that is the only way to find memory that actually works.

When judging the threads, the users reporting their results
should have used memtest86/prime95 to test the memory, and
list the memory settings used. They should have used
enough Vdimm to get the memory to work well (like 2.6 to
2.8V). You'll find many reports from people who are not using
taxing configurations for their hardware (like only 166MHz),
or from people who are unaware of the need to test the memory,
and their experiences are best ignored.

Start here, and click "search for all terms" to get logical
AND in your searches:

http://www.nforcershq.com/forum/search.php

I use Ballistix PC3200 at DDR400 2-2-2-6 and find it is error
free in dual channel mode. But it is a little more expensive
than the Mushkin. If you only plan to ever run the memory
at DDR333 (166MHz), you may not need to bother with the more
expensive memories.

I took a look at the Newegg customer reviews for some of their
cheapest memories, and unfortunately there are very few reports
from people who test their memories properly. Since the cheapest
memories involve a mixture of stick designs (can change from
lot to lot), there is really no way of knowing what you'll get.
If you want to play "bargain memory" games, it is best to do that
with a vendor having a generous return policy, or use a local
vendor who will accept returns or allow upgrading. Make sure the
memory has a warranty of longer than one year, as I've been burnt
twice by memory failures (on cheap generic "sale" memory) just
after the one year warranty expired. Dammit, I want to own my
memory, not rent it :-)

HTH,
Paul



  #14  
Old January 12th 05, 08:57 PM
Paul
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

In article , Lou
wrote:

Thanks a lot Paul, I really appreciate it. I will read through some
of the info you provided links to and try to figure out what you said
(you're over my head here).

In the end then, you think it should run at 200 MHz. DDR in dual
channel mode on my A7N8X-E Deluxe, right?

Thanks again,

Louis


I've tried to pass on as much info as I've got, and that is,
start with extensive reading on nforcershq.com, as to what works
and doesn't.

If you wish to take up Crucial on their CAS3 memory, and give
it a try, you are welcome to try. I've used Crucial products with
zero problems for other computers. Crucial may guarantee their
memory, but in my _opinion_, CAS3 DDR400 memory is a
_higher risk_ solution than finding some CAS2. I would either
want some independent confirmation from someone who has tried
some, and knows what they are doing, in terms of motherboard
setup and testing. You'll find a lot of posts from people
who are not taxing the hardware setup on the machine, and
use their OS stability as a measure of how well the memory
works, and that is not good methodology.

I guess, stated in other terms, I'm still looking for _anyone_
using CAS3 DDR400 (PC3200 or higher) memory, who is able to
make it work error free at 1:1 CPU and FSB400 setting for the
processor (memtest86/prime95/superpi stable). It is my belief
that the memory itself is not at fault, and the nforce2
Northbridge has specs that place a premium on memory
performance. The nforce2 Northbridge seems to need better
quality memory than some other chips (like some Intel dual
channel solutions). Now, maybe some nforce2 chips leave the
factory working better than mine does, so you never know.

Somebody must have tested some CAS3 for the board, and I would
start sifting through nforcershq.com search engine, to find
those experiences. My choice of Ballistix was done, to get the
job over and done with. (My generic RAM wouldn't run error
free, and I wasn't about to waste another week doing more
experiments.)

As you can tell from the above description, I get uncomfortable
recommending anything other than what I've tested, or can find
a quality posting about testing experience. Memory is such a
crapshoot (with the industry taking product with no markings on
it, and stamping some bogus manufacturing info on it), that the
lack of traceability to the original chip maker, makes it hard
to get to the bottom of why there are so many problems. Some
chipsets are quite tolerant of all this nonsense, and then I
don't feel like I'm going out on a limb - with the A7N8X family,
at FSB400/DDR400, that tolerance to crap ram is not there.
YMMV.

You may have noticed that in all of my posts so far, no CAS2.5
memory got mentioned. When I was doing my testing, I noticed
that a setting of CAS2.5 and a setting of CAS3, were giving the
same measured memory bandwidth numbers. Based on that, I
cannot really be sure that buying a CAS2.5 DDR400 memory would
necessarily function any better than CAS3. But again, only
sifting through user reports will tell us whether nforce2
Northbridge can actually run at CAS2.5, or there is some
issue that causes the BIOS to use some other setting. (Maybe I
can try some testing later today, and reproduce that.)

Paul


On Wed, 12 Jan 2005 06:07:10 -0500, (Paul) wrote:

In article , Lou
wrote:

Are memory timings typically referred to in a specific order? You
refer to running Balistix at 2-2-2-6. To which parameter does each
number refer? In my BIOS I get the following timings:

Column "A" = "AUTO" (166 MHz.)
Column "B" = "BySPD" (200 MHz.)

A B
SDRAM Active Precharge Delay 7 8
SDRAM RAS to CAS Delay 3 3
SDRAM RAS Precharge Delay 3 3
SDRAM CAS Latency 2.5T 3T

This is obviously in a different order than the way you state it.
(BTW this is with two sticks of 256MB Kingston PC3200 memory and it
seems to run fine at 400 MHz. async with an Athlon 2600+).

I was planning to upgrade the RAM on my A7N8X Deluxe to two 512MB
modules and pass my two 256MB modules down to my kids (I'm upgrading
their PC with a new mobo & CPU). If I do that, I want capability to
run the new 1GB @ DDR400 in case I upgrade to a 400 FSB processor or
an Athlon64.

Thanks everyone for all of the input.

Louis


Here is a Micron datasheet for a PC2700 DIMM. (Micron makes
memory chips and they also make memory modules. The modules are
sold by Crucial, their retail arm, and normal Crucial modules
have a Micron sticker and a Crucial sticker on them. Trouble is,
there is no web page that maps Crucial part number, to Micron
datasheet, so you cannot easily take advantage of this fact.)

http://download.micron.com/pdf/datas...32_64x64AG.pdf

On page 2 of the datasheet, you can see they use "CL - Trcd - Trp"
as their first three numbers. Not the same order as your BIOS screen.
CL = CAS Latency, Trcd = RAS to CAS Delay, Trp = RAS Precharge Delay.
The final parameter is Tras, which in the Micron datasheet is
defined as "ACTIVE to PRECHARGE command". The minimum time is what
is set in the BIOS, but larger times can be used, up to the point
that the dynamic RAM cell gets discharged (70000 nanoseconds).

The 8 chips used on that module (64Mx8 chips) are here. Page 78
shows how Tras is the sum of Trcd+2+Twr, meaning it is not a
simple timing parameter, but a composite number, and on page
78, the write cycle seems to make Tras longer than on a read.
http://download.micron.com/pdf/datas...DDRx4x8x16.pdf

This slide set defines some of this stuff. See slide 24:
http://www.corsairmemory.com/memory_basics/153707/

Terms are listed here as well:
http://forums.techpowerup.com/showthread.php?t=28

HTH,
Paul

On Mon, 10 Jan 2005 13:41:25 -0500, (Paul) wrote:

In article , Lou
wrote:

I'm building a new PC with an ASUS A7N8X-E Deluxe and an Athlon XP
2800+ (Barton). I want to install two 512MB PC3200 modules to run in
dual channel mode at 200MHz. (or maybe 166 MHz. to match the bus
frequency - I think I've read that with the Atholn XP, synchronous at
the lower speed is actually faster).

The problem is that I just can't find memory with the exact same part
number as listed on the ASUS web site as having been tested. (I can't
find a list for the -E Deluxe but there is one for the A7N8X Deluxe
and I assume they are the same memory-wise).

www.newegg.com has a two module kit (2 X 512) of TWINMOS for $140 and
TWINMOS is on the list, but with no specific part number.

www.ms4me.com has a two module kit (2 X 512) of Samsung memory for
about $150 and htey have a 100% positive feedback rating on PriceWatch
but they don't show the manufacturers full part number either.

Has anybody here used either of these memories on an A7N8X / A7N8X-E
Deluxe or have anyother advice for me.

I appreciate it.

Louis

There is a thread here on TwinMOS:

http://www.nforcershq.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=49071

There are also plenty of other threads on nforcershq about memory:

http://www.nforcershq.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=51516

My suspicion, is that you'll find few problems running a
couple of generic CAS3 sticks at 166MHz (DDR333). But, if you
want to run at DDR400 (say when you are overclocking the
FSB of your new processor, and running FSB and memory in
sync), then expect trouble.

If you want to play at DDR400, pick up some CAS2 (low
latency) PC3200 memory. That seems to work better than
buying CAS3 PC4000 type memory.

Looking in the Newegg memory lists, this is the cheapest
CAS2 product I can find. Mushkin PC3200 2x512 Blue Dual
pack 2-3-3 memory for $182.

On one of the threads on nforcershq.com, about memory,
one user reported brands that worked and didn't work. It
will take you a while to sift through all the threads, but
that is the only way to find memory that actually works.

When judging the threads, the users reporting their results
should have used memtest86/prime95 to test the memory, and
list the memory settings used. They should have used
enough Vdimm to get the memory to work well (like 2.6 to
2.8V). You'll find many reports from people who are not using
taxing configurations for their hardware (like only 166MHz),
or from people who are unaware of the need to test the memory,
and their experiences are best ignored.

Start here, and click "search for all terms" to get logical
AND in your searches:

http://www.nforcershq.com/forum/search.php

I use Ballistix PC3200 at DDR400 2-2-2-6 and find it is error
free in dual channel mode. But it is a little more expensive
than the Mushkin. If you only plan to ever run the memory
at DDR333 (166MHz), you may not need to bother with the more
expensive memories.

I took a look at the Newegg customer reviews for some of their
cheapest memories, and unfortunately there are very few reports
from people who test their memories properly. Since the cheapest
memories involve a mixture of stick designs (can change from
lot to lot), there is really no way of knowing what you'll get.
If you want to play "bargain memory" games, it is best to do that
with a vendor having a generous return policy, or use a local
vendor who will accept returns or allow upgrading. Make sure the
memory has a warranty of longer than one year, as I've been burnt
twice by memory failures (on cheap generic "sale" memory) just
after the one year warranty expired. Dammit, I want to own my
memory, not rent it :-)

HTH,
Paul

  #15  
Old January 13th 05, 03:46 AM
Lou
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Thanks again Paul. I understand your position and certainly am not
looking for "your word" that some particular RAM will work flawlessly.

I went ahead and bit the bullet with Crucial today because of their
money back guarantee and because I cannot afford premium memory right
now. I talked to a sales guy about the compatibility guarantee and he
said that if I set the FNS to run at 800 MHz. the RAM would run at 400
MHz. I said that I thought he was thinking of a Pentium IV mobo and
that an Athlon XP mobo ran at 400 MHz. max. and he said "that will
work fine - it's backward compatible so at that FSB speed it will
automatically back down to PC2100 speed." OK, so he doesn't know any
more than I do, but I chalked that up to him being a salesman and not
a technician.

Since I have a 333 MHz. FSB CPU (Athlon XP 2800+) I understand that I
may get better performance running the memory synchronously at 333,
but for testint the memory, will it be a valid stress test to run it
asynchronously at 400 MHz. while running memtest86 and the other
tests?

Thanks (I'll try to leave tyou alone now!).

Louis

On Wed, 12 Jan 2005 14:57:21 -0500, (Paul) wrote:

In article , Lou
wrote:

Thanks a lot Paul, I really appreciate it. I will read through some
of the info you provided links to and try to figure out what you said
(you're over my head here).

In the end then, you think it should run at 200 MHz. DDR in dual
channel mode on my A7N8X-E Deluxe, right?

Thanks again,

Louis


I've tried to pass on as much info as I've got, and that is,
start with extensive reading on nforcershq.com, as to what works
and doesn't.

If you wish to take up Crucial on their CAS3 memory, and give
it a try, you are welcome to try. I've used Crucial products with
zero problems for other computers. Crucial may guarantee their
memory, but in my _opinion_, CAS3 DDR400 memory is a
_higher risk_ solution than finding some CAS2. I would either
want some independent confirmation from someone who has tried
some, and knows what they are doing, in terms of motherboard
setup and testing. You'll find a lot of posts from people
who are not taxing the hardware setup on the machine, and
use their OS stability as a measure of how well the memory
works, and that is not good methodology.

I guess, stated in other terms, I'm still looking for _anyone_
using CAS3 DDR400 (PC3200 or higher) memory, who is able to
make it work error free at 1:1 CPU and FSB400 setting for the
processor (memtest86/prime95/superpi stable). It is my belief
that the memory itself is not at fault, and the nforce2
Northbridge has specs that place a premium on memory
performance. The nforce2 Northbridge seems to need better
quality memory than some other chips (like some Intel dual
channel solutions). Now, maybe some nforce2 chips leave the
factory working better than mine does, so you never know.

Somebody must have tested some CAS3 for the board, and I would
start sifting through nforcershq.com search engine, to find
those experiences. My choice of Ballistix was done, to get the
job over and done with. (My generic RAM wouldn't run error
free, and I wasn't about to waste another week doing more
experiments.)

As you can tell from the above description, I get uncomfortable
recommending anything other than what I've tested, or can find
a quality posting about testing experience. Memory is such a
crapshoot (with the industry taking product with no markings on
it, and stamping some bogus manufacturing info on it), that the
lack of traceability to the original chip maker, makes it hard
to get to the bottom of why there are so many problems. Some
chipsets are quite tolerant of all this nonsense, and then I
don't feel like I'm going out on a limb - with the A7N8X family,
at FSB400/DDR400, that tolerance to crap ram is not there.
YMMV.

You may have noticed that in all of my posts so far, no CAS2.5
memory got mentioned. When I was doing my testing, I noticed
that a setting of CAS2.5 and a setting of CAS3, were giving the
same measured memory bandwidth numbers. Based on that, I
cannot really be sure that buying a CAS2.5 DDR400 memory would
necessarily function any better than CAS3. But again, only
sifting through user reports will tell us whether nforce2
Northbridge can actually run at CAS2.5, or there is some
issue that causes the BIOS to use some other setting. (Maybe I
can try some testing later today, and reproduce that.)

Paul


On Wed, 12 Jan 2005 06:07:10 -0500,
(Paul) wrote:

In article , Lou
wrote:

Are memory timings typically referred to in a specific order? You
refer to running Balistix at 2-2-2-6. To which parameter does each
number refer? In my BIOS I get the following timings:

Column "A" = "AUTO" (166 MHz.)
Column "B" = "BySPD" (200 MHz.)

A B
SDRAM Active Precharge Delay 7 8
SDRAM RAS to CAS Delay 3 3
SDRAM RAS Precharge Delay 3 3
SDRAM CAS Latency 2.5T 3T

This is obviously in a different order than the way you state it.
(BTW this is with two sticks of 256MB Kingston PC3200 memory and it
seems to run fine at 400 MHz. async with an Athlon 2600+).

I was planning to upgrade the RAM on my A7N8X Deluxe to two 512MB
modules and pass my two 256MB modules down to my kids (I'm upgrading
their PC with a new mobo & CPU). If I do that, I want capability to
run the new 1GB @ DDR400 in case I upgrade to a 400 FSB processor or
an Athlon64.

Thanks everyone for all of the input.

Louis

Here is a Micron datasheet for a PC2700 DIMM. (Micron makes
memory chips and they also make memory modules. The modules are
sold by Crucial, their retail arm, and normal Crucial modules
have a Micron sticker and a Crucial sticker on them. Trouble is,
there is no web page that maps Crucial part number, to Micron
datasheet, so you cannot easily take advantage of this fact.)

http://download.micron.com/pdf/datas...32_64x64AG.pdf

On page 2 of the datasheet, you can see they use "CL - Trcd - Trp"
as their first three numbers. Not the same order as your BIOS screen.
CL = CAS Latency, Trcd = RAS to CAS Delay, Trp = RAS Precharge Delay.
The final parameter is Tras, which in the Micron datasheet is
defined as "ACTIVE to PRECHARGE command". The minimum time is what
is set in the BIOS, but larger times can be used, up to the point
that the dynamic RAM cell gets discharged (70000 nanoseconds).

The 8 chips used on that module (64Mx8 chips) are here. Page 78
shows how Tras is the sum of Trcd+2+Twr, meaning it is not a
simple timing parameter, but a composite number, and on page
78, the write cycle seems to make Tras longer than on a read.
http://download.micron.com/pdf/datas...DDRx4x8x16.pdf

This slide set defines some of this stuff. See slide 24:
http://www.corsairmemory.com/memory_basics/153707/

Terms are listed here as well:
http://forums.techpowerup.com/showthread.php?t=28

HTH,
Paul

On Mon, 10 Jan 2005 13:41:25 -0500, (Paul) wrote:

In article , Lou
wrote:

I'm building a new PC with an ASUS A7N8X-E Deluxe and an Athlon XP
2800+ (Barton). I want to install two 512MB PC3200 modules to run in
dual channel mode at 200MHz. (or maybe 166 MHz. to match the bus
frequency - I think I've read that with the Atholn XP, synchronous at
the lower speed is actually faster).

The problem is that I just can't find memory with the exact same part
number as listed on the ASUS web site as having been tested. (I can't
find a list for the -E Deluxe but there is one for the A7N8X Deluxe
and I assume they are the same memory-wise).

www.newegg.com has a two module kit (2 X 512) of TWINMOS for $140 and
TWINMOS is on the list, but with no specific part number.

www.ms4me.com has a two module kit (2 X 512) of Samsung memory for
about $150 and htey have a 100% positive feedback rating on PriceWatch
but they don't show the manufacturers full part number either.

Has anybody here used either of these memories on an A7N8X / A7N8X-E
Deluxe or have anyother advice for me.

I appreciate it.

Louis

There is a thread here on TwinMOS:

http://www.nforcershq.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=49071

There are also plenty of other threads on nforcershq about memory:

http://www.nforcershq.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=51516

My suspicion, is that you'll find few problems running a
couple of generic CAS3 sticks at 166MHz (DDR333). But, if you
want to run at DDR400 (say when you are overclocking the
FSB of your new processor, and running FSB and memory in
sync), then expect trouble.

If you want to play at DDR400, pick up some CAS2 (low
latency) PC3200 memory. That seems to work better than
buying CAS3 PC4000 type memory.

Looking in the Newegg memory lists, this is the cheapest
CAS2 product I can find. Mushkin PC3200 2x512 Blue Dual
pack 2-3-3 memory for $182.

On one of the threads on nforcershq.com, about memory,
one user reported brands that worked and didn't work. It
will take you a while to sift through all the threads, but
that is the only way to find memory that actually works.

When judging the threads, the users reporting their results
should have used memtest86/prime95 to test the memory, and
list the memory settings used. They should have used
enough Vdimm to get the memory to work well (like 2.6 to
2.8V). You'll find many reports from people who are not using
taxing configurations for their hardware (like only 166MHz),
or from people who are unaware of the need to test the memory,
and their experiences are best ignored.

Start here, and click "search for all terms" to get logical
AND in your searches:

http://www.nforcershq.com/forum/search.php

I use Ballistix PC3200 at DDR400 2-2-2-6 and find it is error
free in dual channel mode. But it is a little more expensive
than the Mushkin. If you only plan to ever run the memory
at DDR333 (166MHz), you may not need to bother with the more
expensive memories.

I took a look at the Newegg customer reviews for some of their
cheapest memories, and unfortunately there are very few reports
from people who test their memories properly. Since the cheapest
memories involve a mixture of stick designs (can change from
lot to lot), there is really no way of knowing what you'll get.
If you want to play "bargain memory" games, it is best to do that
with a vendor having a generous return policy, or use a local
vendor who will accept returns or allow upgrading. Make sure the
memory has a warranty of longer than one year, as I've been burnt
twice by memory failures (on cheap generic "sale" memory) just
after the one year warranty expired. Dammit, I want to own my
memory, not rent it :-)

HTH,
Paul



  #16  
Old January 13th 05, 06:14 PM
Paul
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

In article , Lou
wrote:

Thanks again Paul. I understand your position and certainly am not
looking for "your word" that some particular RAM will work flawlessly.

I went ahead and bit the bullet with Crucial today because of their
money back guarantee and because I cannot afford premium memory right
now. I talked to a sales guy about the compatibility guarantee and he
said that if I set the FNS to run at 800 MHz. the RAM would run at 400
MHz. I said that I thought he was thinking of a Pentium IV mobo and
that an Athlon XP mobo ran at 400 MHz. max. and he said "that will
work fine - it's backward compatible so at that FSB speed it will
automatically back down to PC2100 speed." OK, so he doesn't know any
more than I do, but I chalked that up to him being a salesman and not
a technician.

Since I have a 333 MHz. FSB CPU (Athlon XP 2800+) I understand that I
may get better performance running the memory synchronously at 333,
but for testint the memory, will it be a valid stress test to run it
asynchronously at 400 MHz. while running memtest86 and the other
tests?

Thanks (I'll try to leave tyou alone now!).

Louis


snip

Here are some results I gathered:

Timings, where CAS Latency is the first number, followed by
memory bandwidth, as detected by memtest86 version 1.4. The
CPU conditions are given after that.

2-2-2-8 1511MB/sec (CPU=200x11, DDR400)
2.5-2-2-8 1485MB/sec (CPU=200x11, DDR400)
3-2-2-8 1485MB/sec (CPU=200x11, DDR400)
2.5-3-3-8 1435MB/sec (CPU=200x11, DDR400)
3-3-3-8 1435MB/sec (CPU=200x11, DDR400)

What this seems to be showing me, is the Nvidia memory
controller cannot start the memory transfer on a half
cycle, or something like that. It certainly gives the
appearance of running at CAS3, when CAS2.5 is selected.
Even CPUZ reports CAS2.5, when the BIOS is set to CAS2.5,
so I don't know exactly how this works. But the exactly
equal memory bandwidths don't seem to be an accident.

To duplicate your conditions, I tried the following with
my memory set back to 2-2-2-8. The CPU was set to 166x12.5,
which is as near as I can get to 2200MHz without hacking
something. Memtest86 version 1.4 reports:

CPU=166x12.5 Memory=100% setting 2-2-2-8 == 1254MB/sec
CPU=166x12.5 Memory=120% setting 2-2-2-8 == 1236MB/sec

So, in fact, running memory synchronous at 100%, is more
efficient than running the memory higher. I suspect if the
memory was lifted a lot higher, that could change to seeing
an improvement.

Now, the conventional wisdom is, you should run synchronous
to avoid memory errors. I'm running four copies of Prime95
under Knoppix linux, and so far (10 minutes) there are no
signs of error. So maybe the reports of problems running
async were actually due to the speed problem with the
nforce2, rather than a problem caused by running async in
and of itself.

It would appear that using 100% is the way you should go for
long term performance, while if you want to test the memory
at 120%, there should be no harm done. Running the memory at
166MHz should allow use of CAS2.5, while 200MHz takes you to
CAS3 (i.e. the rated 3-3-3-8 performance). But as I observed
in the memtest86 results above, I doubt the difference in
the CAS setting will make a visible difference, as CAS2.5
seems to work exactly like CAS3. (On an Intel chipset, it
might make a difference.)

If Prime95 throws any errors, I'll post a followup. (I'm not
posting from the test machine, so whatever happens to it
doesn't matter :-)

HTH,
Paul
  #17  
Old January 13th 05, 07:27 PM
Matt
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default


I guess, stated in other terms, I'm still looking for _anyone_
using CAS3 DDR400 (PC3200 or higher) memory, who is able to
make it work error free at 1:1 CPU and FSB400 setting for the
processor (memtest86/prime95/superpi stable). It is my belief
that the memory itself is not at fault, and the nforce2
Northbridge has specs that place a premium on memory
performance. The nforce2 Northbridge seems to need better
quality memory than some other chips (like some Intel dual
channel solutions). Now, maybe some nforce2 chips leave the
factory working better than mine does, so you never know.

Somebody must have tested some CAS3 for the board, and I would
start sifting through nforcershq.com search engine, to find
those experiences. My choice of Ballistix was done, to get the
job over and done with. (My generic RAM wouldn't run error
free, and I wasn't about to waste another week doing more
experiments.)


I am using :-

2*256 MB DDR400 (PC3200) Crucial
1*512 MB DDR400 (PC3200) Crucial

in dual channel mode and overclocked to 210Mhz without any problems on my
AN78X-E Dlx with my Barton XP3200+

Matt


  #18  
Old January 13th 05, 07:31 PM
Matt
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default


I am using :-

2*256 MB DDR400 (PC3200) Crucial
1*512 MB DDR400 (PC3200) Crucial

in dual channel mode and overclocked to 210Mhz without any problems on my
AN78X-E Dlx with my Barton XP3200+

Matt


Oh and I had to set RAM timings to SPD in the BIOS which reports 9,4,4,4,3T.

If I run RAM at 200Mhz then BIOS reads 8,3,3,3,2.5T

Matt


  #19  
Old January 14th 05, 02:14 AM
Paul
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

In article , "Matt"
wrote:


I am using :-

2*256 MB DDR400 (PC3200) Crucial
1*512 MB DDR400 (PC3200) Crucial

in dual channel mode and overclocked to 210Mhz without any problems on my
AN78X-E Dlx with my Barton XP3200+

Matt


Oh and I had to set RAM timings to SPD in the BIOS which reports 9,4,4,4,3T.

If I run RAM at 200Mhz then BIOS reads 8,3,3,3,2.5T

Matt


Would that be 8,3,3,3T at 200MHz ? I thought that is what vanilla
PC3200 Crucial runs at.

The chips on a PC3200 DIMM could be Micron 46V32M8-5 , and the -5 refers
to the 5ns for a 200MHz clock, or DDR400. (At least the 512MB stick is
likely to use the 32Mx8 chip, but the 256MB DIMMs can be made at
least two ways, so no guarantees on which chips are used on those.
If the 256MB modules are single sided, that raises the odds of finding
46V32M8-5 on them.

On page 14 here, the allowed values for CAS are 2, 2.5, and 3.
I don't think CAS will go any higher than 3. Or at least,
higher settings are not documented.

http://download.micron.com/pdf/datas...DDRx4x8x16.pdf

It is good to hear of at least one report of a CAS3 memory
working in dual channel on the Nforce2. Louis can sleep
easy tonight :-)

I'm curious. Have you tested with Prime95 (mersenne.org) ?
I'd like to know if it passes Prime95 or not. My first
(generic, cheap) memory passed memtest86, but failed Prime95
after less than an hour of testing.

The Prime95 test I was running earlier today didn't have
any errors, using a memory setting of 120%, and a CPU clock
of 166MHs, so running sync doesn't seem to be an absolute
requirement for dual channel. (I normally run at 100% and
200Mhz clock, so won't be leaving it that way.)

Paul
  #20  
Old January 14th 05, 06:11 AM
Lou
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Thank you again. You must be retired or have a great job! Once I get
my new PC built with the Crucial memory, I'll run some tests and post
the results.

Louis

On Thu, 13 Jan 2005 12:14:51 -0500, (Paul) wrote:

In article , Lou
wrote:

Thanks again Paul. I understand your position and certainly am not
looking for "your word" that some particular RAM will work flawlessly.

I went ahead and bit the bullet with Crucial today because of their
money back guarantee and because I cannot afford premium memory right
now. I talked to a sales guy about the compatibility guarantee and he
said that if I set the FNS to run at 800 MHz. the RAM would run at 400
MHz. I said that I thought he was thinking of a Pentium IV mobo and
that an Athlon XP mobo ran at 400 MHz. max. and he said "that will
work fine - it's backward compatible so at that FSB speed it will
automatically back down to PC2100 speed." OK, so he doesn't know any
more than I do, but I chalked that up to him being a salesman and not
a technician.

Since I have a 333 MHz. FSB CPU (Athlon XP 2800+) I understand that I
may get better performance running the memory synchronously at 333,
but for testint the memory, will it be a valid stress test to run it
asynchronously at 400 MHz. while running memtest86 and the other
tests?

Thanks (I'll try to leave tyou alone now!).

Louis


snip

Here are some results I gathered:

Timings, where CAS Latency is the first number, followed by
memory bandwidth, as detected by memtest86 version 1.4. The
CPU conditions are given after that.

2-2-2-8 1511MB/sec (CPU=200x11, DDR400)
2.5-2-2-8 1485MB/sec (CPU=200x11, DDR400)
3-2-2-8 1485MB/sec (CPU=200x11, DDR400)
2.5-3-3-8 1435MB/sec (CPU=200x11, DDR400)
3-3-3-8 1435MB/sec (CPU=200x11, DDR400)

What this seems to be showing me, is the Nvidia memory
controller cannot start the memory transfer on a half
cycle, or something like that. It certainly gives the
appearance of running at CAS3, when CAS2.5 is selected.
Even CPUZ reports CAS2.5, when the BIOS is set to CAS2.5,
so I don't know exactly how this works. But the exactly
equal memory bandwidths don't seem to be an accident.

To duplicate your conditions, I tried the following with
my memory set back to 2-2-2-8. The CPU was set to 166x12.5,
which is as near as I can get to 2200MHz without hacking
something. Memtest86 version 1.4 reports:

CPU=166x12.5 Memory=100% setting 2-2-2-8 == 1254MB/sec
CPU=166x12.5 Memory=120% setting 2-2-2-8 == 1236MB/sec

So, in fact, running memory synchronous at 100%, is more
efficient than running the memory higher. I suspect if the
memory was lifted a lot higher, that could change to seeing
an improvement.

Now, the conventional wisdom is, you should run synchronous
to avoid memory errors. I'm running four copies of Prime95
under Knoppix linux, and so far (10 minutes) there are no
signs of error. So maybe the reports of problems running
async were actually due to the speed problem with the
nforce2, rather than a problem caused by running async in
and of itself.

It would appear that using 100% is the way you should go for
long term performance, while if you want to test the memory
at 120%, there should be no harm done. Running the memory at
166MHz should allow use of CAS2.5, while 200MHz takes you to
CAS3 (i.e. the rated 3-3-3-8 performance). But as I observed
in the memtest86 results above, I doubt the difference in
the CAS setting will make a visible difference, as CAS2.5
seems to work exactly like CAS3. (On an Intel chipset, it
might make a difference.)

If Prime95 throws any errors, I'll post a followup. (I'm not
posting from the test machine, so whatever happens to it
doesn't matter :-)

HTH,
Paul



 




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