Running A64 with 2x1GB PC3200 modules!?

[Mikael]

The question is in the thread title. I'm asking this for a guy that I know who's building an A64 system. He wants to put two 1GB modules on a VIA K8T800 based motherboard paired with a 3200+. Will this be possible? What memory can you recommend?

I actually asked this question on Futuremark's forums first, but they couldn't answer it...

[halcyon]

I can barely run 2 x 512 MB on my mobo at stock speed and make it prime stable.

Running a lot of memory on A64 (non-FX) boards can be really tricky.

I'd go socket939/FX or Socket940/Opteron myself, as they have two channels and the latter handles higher memory counts even better.

[Shade00]

You can probably achieve some sort of stability by running the modules at a slower speed. On my A64 board, I could only run one 512mb module in one of the slots and have it work at 200mhz. Any other slot would error out in memtest unless I cranked it down to 166mhz.

[Mikael]

But what kind of motherboards are you guys using? I heard that Nvidia has more memory problems than VIA...

Update: My pal now wants to use three 512MB sticks instead. Will it pose any problems on a VIA board?

[halcyon]

I think the problem with memory on Athlon64 is _probably_ due to the memory controller as there is no termination on DDR slots (hence I don't see big differences in motherboards).

I'm using Shuttle AN50R rev.1.3 with 2x HyperX PC3200 (non-A, BH-5) 512 MB sticks in slots 1&2. I have tried other slots as well, but those two were the ones that gave me Memtest stability.

[Tyberius]

I havent had any problems running 2x512mb Mushkin Lvl 2 on my A64 NF3-150 board...the only limitation ive seen is that it doesnt like higher memory clocks than 210mhz with that much RAM so i have to use the ram dividers, but if you plan on runnin it stock, i wouldnt expect you to see too many problems, at least i havent

[halcyon]

I just tried with 2 x 512 MB Kinston Valueram (DDR400/CAS2.5) as well.

No go.

Either the mobo/bios or the mem controller in pre-CG-stepping Athlon64 chips is REALLY finicky.

[PimpJack]

I used 2x1gb on a shuttle xpc a64 and it worked great up to 210fsb. This was on NF3 and 3200+. I got the platinum twinpack corsair from zipzoom fly. I believe it was 3200 ram but it had to run cas 3 or 2.5 i can't remember. I know c2 wouldn't boot/

[Inigmatics]

I'm using the VIA chipset and have 2x512 running at 220fsb at tight timings no problem. It really depends on your board and ram. If he's gonna get the VIA, I don't think he'll have a problem.

Why does your friend feel the need for so much ram?

Good luck with the comp build up. I htink your friend is really gonna like his new computer.

[Alex08]

using shuttle a64 xpc as well w/ buffalo 2x512mb of ch5 mem at 7-3-3-2.5 @ 2.7v, however they run better timings on a nforce2 chipset(ie. 2-2-3-11). prime95'ed and memtested.

paid $145 for the set.