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#1
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Memory dilemma
I just put a new system together consisting of an Abit AI7, P4 2.6C CPU, and
1GB PC3700 RAM (two 512MB DIMMS). I bought everything from Newegg. I intend to OC (as I have in the past with many other systems). My dilemma is that Newegg sent me two Buffalo Tech PC3700 DIMMS, but one has Micron chips and the other Winbond BH5 chips. The thing is, Newegg doesn't even (technically) offer the Winbond version of this 512MB BT DIMM. I put each one (separately) into the MB. Observing the SPD values, the Micron DIMM shows 3-8-3-3 and 1:1 on the AI7 BIOS screens, while the Winbond DIMM shows 2.5-7-3-3 and 5:4! I manually set the divider to 1:1 while using the Winbond DIMM, and in testing both with Sandra they are pretty much identical (the Winbond is less than 5 points SLOWER than the Micron, but I don't consider that a notable difference). So, here are my questions: Does it matter that the SPD of the Winbond default sets the divider to 5:4? Does this mean that this DIMM was rated not able to operate (ideally) at 1:1? It's been my impression that the values of a DIMM (x-x-x-x) contribute much less to the ultimate speed of a system than the FSB and divider. Am I correct in this observation? Will it hurt if I keep both of these DIMMS in the system together, or should I send one back and get another to match? If the latter, which one do I keep? |
#2
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Tony. I answered this question in another group, but apparently you missed
it. Here's a copy of my reply, and I strongly advise you follow this advice. NewEgg has separate listings for those two sticks, with different part numbers, prices and specs. Do NOT settle for a mixed pair. DO send back the Micron and keep the Winbond. Here's how to prove your case to NewEgg: Use the "shop by brand" link at the top of the page and go to Buffalo Tech, system memory. There are two pages of listings. On page one you'll find: BT PC3700 with Micron modules: Model# DD466-S256MC Item# N82E16820150603 $44 On page two you'll find: BT PC3700 with Winbond modules: Model# DD466-S256 Item# N82E16820150565 $50 The Winbond is listed as currently not in stock. But you have an absolute right to insist that they give you what you ordered and paid for. Check the numbers on your invoice. You can also double-check the product numbers at the manufacturer's website: http://www.buffalotech.com/memory/prod-ddrdimm.html NewEgg filled one order with two different parts. Unless you used two different product links to place your order, they screwed up. And even if you pushed the Micron button by mistake, you now have a mismatched set of DIMMs that could cause stability problems. At this point it should be just as simple to replace the Micron chip as the Winbond, though the latter would take longer because it's out of stock. I'm sure if you explain it to them, they'll fix their mistake. I wouldn't let them off the hook until they do. The Winbond performs better because it uses tighter timings, as you've already discovered. Mine runs at 2,3,2,6 at 220 mhz. At 5:4, that's a 275 fsb. That's why it sells out as fast as NewEgg can get it. Those are the same Winbond BH-5 chips used in the hyper-expensive Mushkin PC3500 Level II Black, one of the best sticks available for an Intel Canterwood or Springdale system. The Micron is basically the same as Crucial PC3200. It is reliable and clocks fairly high, but it won't set any speed records. That's why it's cheaper. "Tony" wrote in message ... I just put a new system together consisting of an Abit AI7, P4 2.6C CPU, and 1GB PC3700 RAM (two 512MB DIMMS). I bought everything from Newegg. I intend to OC (as I have in the past with many other systems). My dilemma is that Newegg sent me two Buffalo Tech PC3700 DIMMS, but one has Micron chips and the other Winbond BH5 chips. The thing is, Newegg doesn't even (technically) offer the Winbond version of this 512MB BT DIMM. I put each one (separately) into the MB. Observing the SPD values, the Micron DIMM shows 3-8-3-3 and 1:1 on the AI7 BIOS screens, while the Winbond DIMM shows 2.5-7-3-3 and 5:4! I manually set the divider to 1:1 while using the Winbond DIMM, and in testing both with Sandra they are pretty much identical (the Winbond is less than 5 points SLOWER than the Micron, but I don't consider that a notable difference). So, here are my questions: Does it matter that the SPD of the Winbond default sets the divider to 5:4? Does this mean that this DIMM was rated not able to operate (ideally) at 1:1? It's been my impression that the values of a DIMM (x-x-x-x) contribute much less to the ultimate speed of a system than the FSB and divider. Am I correct in this observation? Will it hurt if I keep both of these DIMMS in the system together, or should I send one back and get another to match? If the latter, which one do I keep? |
#3
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this is the second time that it has been posted in the group that NewEgg has
done this very thing with ram. I have had good results with NewEgg in the past but if they start making a habit of screwing around with orders like this, making obvious undesirable choices in terms of product combinations, then they will quickly loose favor with me. I would also figure that NewEgg would not want folks posting negatively about their experiences with regards to purchasing from them... -- Thomas Geery Network+ certified ftp://geerynet.d2g.com ftp://68.98.180.8 Abit Mirror ----- Cable modem IP This IP is dynamic so it *could* change!... over 120,000 FTP users served! ^^^^^^^ "Jean Fouinon" wrote in message ... On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 10:27:42 -0500, "Tony" wrote: Will it hurt if I keep both of these DIMMS in the system together, or should I send one back and get another to match? If the latter, which one do I keep? I would send one back and have it matched with the Micron. I would also chew out the seller for selling you a product you never requested. Um, someone buys two sticks of ram it is just a given that people want two indetical sticks and not mismatched pairs. It's like soneone selling you a pair of tires and they are of two different brands and quality. |
#4
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Skid, I did see your previous response, but you may not have seen mine g.
I did not order the 256MB DIMMS; I ordered two 512MB DIMMS. Newegg does NOT list a part number for 512MB Winbond part, but I got one anyway. This kind of makes it hard for me to ask for another one. Skid wrote in message news:JZ%Cb.548637$Fm2.517795@attbi_s04... Tony. I answered this question in another group, but apparently you missed it. Here's a copy of my reply, and I strongly advise you follow this advice. NewEgg has separate listings for those two sticks, with different part numbers, prices and specs. Do NOT settle for a mixed pair. DO send back the Micron and keep the Winbond. Here's how to prove your case to NewEgg: Use the "shop by brand" link at the top of the page and go to Buffalo Tech, system memory. There are two pages of listings. On page one you'll find: BT PC3700 with Micron modules: Model# DD466-S256MC Item# N82E16820150603 $44 On page two you'll find: BT PC3700 with Winbond modules: Model# DD466-S256 Item# N82E16820150565 $50 The Winbond is listed as currently not in stock. But you have an absolute right to insist that they give you what you ordered and paid for. Check the numbers on your invoice. You can also double-check the product numbers at the manufacturer's website: http://www.buffalotech.com/memory/prod-ddrdimm.html NewEgg filled one order with two different parts. Unless you used two different product links to place your order, they screwed up. And even if you pushed the Micron button by mistake, you now have a mismatched set of DIMMs that could cause stability problems. At this point it should be just as simple to replace the Micron chip as the Winbond, though the latter would take longer because it's out of stock. I'm sure if you explain it to them, they'll fix their mistake. I wouldn't let them off the hook until they do. The Winbond performs better because it uses tighter timings, as you've already discovered. Mine runs at 2,3,2,6 at 220 mhz. At 5:4, that's a 275 fsb. That's why it sells out as fast as NewEgg can get it. Those are the same Winbond BH-5 chips used in the hyper-expensive Mushkin PC3500 Level II Black, one of the best sticks available for an Intel Canterwood or Springdale system. The Micron is basically the same as Crucial PC3200. It is reliable and clocks fairly high, but it won't set any speed records. That's why it's cheaper. "Tony" wrote in message ... I just put a new system together consisting of an Abit AI7, P4 2.6C CPU, and 1GB PC3700 RAM (two 512MB DIMMS). I bought everything from Newegg. I intend to OC (as I have in the past with many other systems). My dilemma is that Newegg sent me two Buffalo Tech PC3700 DIMMS, but one has Micron chips and the other Winbond BH5 chips. The thing is, Newegg doesn't even (technically) offer the Winbond version of this 512MB BT DIMM. I put each one (separately) into the MB. Observing the SPD values, the Micron DIMM shows 3-8-3-3 and 1:1 on the AI7 BIOS screens, while the Winbond DIMM shows 2.5-7-3-3 and 5:4! I manually set the divider to 1:1 while using the Winbond DIMM, and in testing both with Sandra they are pretty much identical (the Winbond is less than 5 points SLOWER than the Micron, but I don't consider that a notable difference). So, here are my questions: Does it matter that the SPD of the Winbond default sets the divider to 5:4? Does this mean that this DIMM was rated not able to operate (ideally) at 1:1? It's been my impression that the values of a DIMM (x-x-x-x) contribute much less to the ultimate speed of a system than the FSB and divider. Am I correct in this observation? Will it hurt if I keep both of these DIMMS in the system together, or should I send one back and get another to match? If the latter, which one do I keep? |
#5
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Thanks Tom. The problem I have is that Newegg doesn't even list that they
OFFER the 512MB Buffalo Tech PC3700 Winbond part, but I still got one. I'm not complaining about that, but it makes it very difficult for me to get another if I return my Micron-chipped DIMM. I already called them, and the support person (who I don't really blame) can only tell me that there is one part number for a BT PC3700 512MB DIMM. But with all that, is the evidence so conclusive that mixing is a bad idea, that I would just be better off returning the Winbond version and getting a second Micron? (which would match their listed part number) TomG wrote in message news:O40Db.7872$F22.2759@lakeread02... this is the second time that it has been posted in the group that NewEgg has done this very thing with ram. I have had good results with NewEgg in the past but if they start making a habit of screwing around with orders like this, making obvious undesirable choices in terms of product combinations, then they will quickly loose favor with me. I would also figure that NewEgg would not want folks posting negatively about their experiences with regards to purchasing from them... -- Thomas Geery Network+ certified ftp://geerynet.d2g.com ftp://68.98.180.8 Abit Mirror ----- Cable modem IP This IP is dynamic so it *could* change!... over 120,000 FTP users served! ^^^^^^^ "Jean Fouinon" wrote in message ... On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 10:27:42 -0500, "Tony" wrote: Will it hurt if I keep both of these DIMMS in the system together, or should I send one back and get another to match? If the latter, which one do I keep? I would send one back and have it matched with the Micron. I would also chew out the seller for selling you a product you never requested. Um, someone buys two sticks of ram it is just a given that people want two indetical sticks and not mismatched pairs. It's like soneone selling you a pair of tires and they are of two different brands and quality. |
#6
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"Tony" wrote in message ... Skid, I did see your previous response, but you may not have seen mine g. I did not order the 256MB DIMMS; I ordered two 512MB DIMMS. Newegg does NOT list a part number for 512MB Winbond part, but I got one anyway. This kind of makes it hard for me to ask for another one. Buffalo Tech still lists the Winbond PC3700 on their site, which I linked in the earlier post. If NewEgg can't get it for you, maybe B.T. could arrange a swap. There's nothing wrong with the Micron, it just doesn't offer quite the performance because the timings aren't as tight. No matter what you do, make sure you get a matched set. Otherwise you're asking for trouble. |
#7
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Skid wrote in message news:Pz0Db.548838$Fm2.518128@attbi_s04... "Tony" wrote in message ... Skid, I did see your previous response, but you may not have seen mine g. I did not order the 256MB DIMMS; I ordered two 512MB DIMMS. Newegg does NOT list a part number for 512MB Winbond part, but I got one anyway. This kind of makes it hard for me to ask for another one. Buffalo Tech still lists the Winbond PC3700 on their site, which I linked in the earlier post. If NewEgg can't get it for you, maybe B.T. could arrange a swap. There's nothing wrong with the Micron, it just doesn't offer quite the performance because the timings aren't as tight. No matter what you do, make sure you get a matched set. Otherwise you're asking for trouble. Yes, I was thinking of going straight to BT, since Newegg doesn't offer the WB part directly. I'll give them a call on Monday. |
#8
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there are other posts in the group where a link was posted to NewEgg's
listing for that ram. -- Thomas Geery Network+ certified ftp://geerynet.d2g.com ftp://68.98.180.8 Abit Mirror ----- Cable modem IP This IP is dynamic so it *could* change!... over 120,000 FTP users served! ^^^^^^^ "Tony" wrote in message ... Thanks Tom. The problem I have is that Newegg doesn't even list that they OFFER the 512MB Buffalo Tech PC3700 Winbond part, but I still got one. I'm not complaining about that, but it makes it very difficult for me to get another if I return my Micron-chipped DIMM. I already called them, and the support person (who I don't really blame) can only tell me that there is one part number for a BT PC3700 512MB DIMM. But with all that, is the evidence so conclusive that mixing is a bad idea, that I would just be better off returning the Winbond version and getting a second Micron? (which would match their listed part number) TomG wrote in message news:O40Db.7872$F22.2759@lakeread02... this is the second time that it has been posted in the group that NewEgg has done this very thing with ram. I have had good results with NewEgg in the past but if they start making a habit of screwing around with orders like this, making obvious undesirable choices in terms of product combinations, then they will quickly loose favor with me. I would also figure that NewEgg would not want folks posting negatively about their experiences with regards to purchasing from them... -- Thomas Geery Network+ certified ftp://geerynet.d2g.com ftp://68.98.180.8 Abit Mirror ----- Cable modem IP This IP is dynamic so it *could* change!... over 120,000 FTP users served! ^^^^^^^ "Jean Fouinon" wrote in message ... On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 10:27:42 -0500, "Tony" wrote: Will it hurt if I keep both of these DIMMS in the system together, or should I send one back and get another to match? If the latter, which one do I keep? I would send one back and have it matched with the Micron. I would also chew out the seller for selling you a product you never requested. Um, someone buys two sticks of ram it is just a given that people want two indetical sticks and not mismatched pairs. It's like soneone selling you a pair of tires and they are of two different brands and quality. |
#9
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"TomG" wrote in message
news:O40Db.7872$F22.2759@lakeread02... this is the second time that it has been posted in the group that NewEgg has done this very thing with ram. I have had good results with NewEgg in the past but if they start making a habit of screwing around with orders like this, making obvious undesirable choices in terms of product combinations, then they will quickly loose favor with me. I would also figure that NewEgg would not want folks posting negatively about their experiences with regards to purchasing from them... I just purchased a few items from them. I noticed the HDD I got (a WD800JB) was a used one. I could tell because one of the mounting holes was stripped and there were scratches around some of the other holes. I don't know if Newegg knew about this, or if WD just repackaged it. However, I ran some tests on it, and it works just fine, so I went ahead and used it rather than going through the headaches or RMA'ing it. Another thing that ****ed me off was that I placed the order at 6:30 last Monday morning CST. A half hour later they updated their website with sale prices on THREE of the items I purchased, but I didn't get the sales price. Would've saved me at least $15. |
#10
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"Skid" wrote in message
news:Pz0Db.548838$Fm2.518128@attbi_s04... "Tony" wrote in message ... Skid, I did see your previous response, but you may not have seen mine g. I did not order the 256MB DIMMS; I ordered two 512MB DIMMS. Newegg does NOT list a part number for 512MB Winbond part, but I got one anyway. This kind of makes it hard for me to ask for another one. Buffalo Tech still lists the Winbond PC3700 on their site, which I linked in the earlier post. If NewEgg can't get it for you, maybe B.T. could arrange a swap. There's nothing wrong with the Micron, it just doesn't offer quite the performance because the timings aren't as tight. No matter what you do, make sure you get a matched set. Otherwise you're asking for trouble. I do agree that Newegg shouldn't have sent 2 mismatched components out. However, this "matched pairs" baloney is really complete nonesense conjured up by the ram suppliers to generate a couple of extra bucks. It really doesn't matter 2 hoots what brand of memory you have for each of the 2 sticks. Whilst on the subject, it also doesn't matter a sausage how the SPD is programmed either. All that matters is how fast each stick will go, and at what timings. If each stick will do (say) 225MHz at (say) 7-3-3-2, then it really matters not who made them, nor what the SPD programming is. Whack them both in together and 99% (maybe 100%) of the time they will work fine. Chip. |
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