DDR400

[wolverin0]

I've got a problem with a client's PC
This is his MB
http://www.msi.com/index.php?func=proddesc&maincat_no=1&prod_no=569

I installed a DDR400 1GB RAM Module, but I can't get it to recognize it, only 512MB is recognized, and with other motherboards works just fine.

I can't really understand that table wich shows FSB/Memory Clock and DDR's. When i set the FSB at 800, it doesn't boot.

This is are the CPUZ images, how should i set it, or what should i do?

Thanks in advance.

 

[o1die]

Set it at 200, which equals 400 speed. For most readouts, ram speed is determined by multiplying the setting by 2. Can't help you on your board capacity problem. Some boards are picky about brands or single versus dual sided ram. Use cpu-z to check actual ram speed. For pc3200 ddr, it will list it as 200.

 

[wolverin0]

the mobo supports up 4GB, it has 4 slots, so its not a capacity problem
i set it at 200mhz and still 512mb, set the fsb at 800mhz, and it doesn't boot

 

[The_OGS]

the mobo supports up 4GB, it has 4 slots, so its not a capacity problem
i set it at 200mhz and still 512mb, set the fsb at 800mhz, and it doesn't boot

First of all, your CPU runs on 133MHz FSB (533QDR).
No, it probably won't POST at 200MHz FSB (800QDR).
So your memory will then run at 166MHz (333DDR).
This is where the 4:5 ratio comes from, it is describing 133:166.
You will not get 200MHz (400DDR) memory speed unless you have a 200MHz FSB CPU.
It is important that you run the memory in dual-channel (128-bit) mode.
This will double the effective speed of DDR333 to the equivalent of 666MHz operation, ie. 5.4GB/s bandwidth (2 x PC2700 in dual-channel).
In dual-channel, the memory bandwidth is greater than the CPU requires, by a comfortable margin.
In single-channel mode, which you are using now, this is not so! You are getting only 2.7GB/s.
You must fill both your memory banks symetrically, so they match.
Therefore 2 x 512MB works much better than 1 x 1024MB, capish?
So all you really require is 2 x any DDR333 (PC2700) memory, but is is possible that a faster DDR400 memory will offer tighter timings at the reduced 333MHz speed.
So it's good to use DDR400 if you can...
More important than how many GB of memory you have - if you're not getting dual-channel operation, forget it.
If you mix different memory stick sizes, speeds and configurations asymetrically across dual channels, you sometimes get these funny results you are reporting.
Some motherboards do not like single-sided 1GB sticks of RAM... etc.
Keep in mind, you must be aware to config memory in BIOS if required.
Regards

 

[wolverin0]

First of all, your CPU runs on 133MHz FSB (533QDR).
No, it probably won't POST at 200MHz FSB (800QDR).
So your memory will then run at 166MHz (333DDR).
This is where the 4:5 ratio comes from, it is describing 133:166.
You will not get 200MHz (400DDR) memory speed unless you have a 200MHz FSB CPU.
It is important that you run the memory in dual-channel (128-bit) mode.
This will double the effective speed of DDR333 to the equivalent of 666MHz operation, ie. 5.4GB/s bandwidth (2 x PC2700 in dual-channel).
In dual-channel, the memory bandwidth is greater than the CPU requires, by a comfortable margin.
In single-channel mode, which you are using now, this is not so! You are getting only 2.7GB/s.
You must fill both your memory banks symetrically, so they match.
Therefore 2 x 512MB works much better than 1 x 1024MB, capish?
So all you really require is 2 x any DDR333 (PC2700) memory, but is is possible that a faster DDR400 memory will offer tighter timings at the reduced 333MHz speed.
So it's good to use DDR400 if you can...
More important than how many GB of memory you have - if you're not getting dual-channel operation, forget it.
If you mix different memory stick sizes, speeds and configurations asymetrically across dual channels, you sometimes get these funny results you are reporting.
Some motherboards do not like single-sided 1GB sticks of RAM... etc.
Keep in mind, you must be aware to config memory in BIOS if required.
Regards

so I can't use this 1GB module? Its the only thing i have..
theres no way to get it at full capacity?

 

[o1die]

I would sell the stick on craigslist if it won't work. Go to msi's website and see if they list any ram recommendations with 1 gb capacity. You may also find a newer combo on craigslist that will meet your needs.

 

[The_OGS]

so I can't use this 1GB module? Its the only thing i have..
theres no way to get it at full capacity?

Try taking out all other sticks and running it by itself.
If it shows 512 MB then your mobo doesn't like it.
There are often new BIOS's available for legacy motherboards that claim to improve memory compatibility.
It is possible that your mobo recognizes 1GB sticks, but only if they're double-sided.
Again, 2 x 512MB would be so much better.
Good luck,
L8R