MSI K8N Neo4 Platinum & RAM

[kavok]

I have this motherboard: http://www.msicomputer.com/product/p_spec.asp?model=k8n_neo4_platinum

I've got 2x 512 (identical) in DIMM1/2 and 2x 512 (identical) in DIMM3/4

Dimm 1/2

Patriot 1GB (2 x 512MB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model PDC1G3200+XBLK - Retail

Dimm 3/4

Patriot Signature Series 1GB (2 x 512MB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Dual Channel Kit System Memory - Retail

I originally had only the 2x 512 in DIMM1/2 and they were running at DDR400, now that I have all slots filled the RAM is at DDR200!

Some questions:

1. Is 2gigs of DDR 200 RAM better than 1gig of DDR 400 RAM?

2. According to the chart on the linked page, shouldn't it be running at DDR333, not 200? How do I get it to 333?

3. I want to make sure they are dual channeled, how can I check?

Thanks

 

[Mondoman]

They should be running in dual-channel mode w/all 4 DIMMs filled.
How are you determining the speed the RAM is running at? CPU-Z and PC Wizard 2007 are both decent programs to determine such things, and are free.
You should also read this post on speeds and timings: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/200599-30-memory-nooob-aarrggghh-timings#t1249881

 

[kavok]

The timings are really good on both pairs. 2-2-2-5 and 2.5-3-3-7 I believe.

At the start of my BIOS / POST whatever I see DDR 200 now instead of DDR 400 during the memory check?

 

[kavok]

Even if I alternate they still show up as DDR200 🙁

Dimm1: Pair 1a
Dimm2: Pair 2a
Dimm3: Pair 1b
Dimm4: Pair 2b

Same as:

Dimm1: Pair 1a
Dimm2: Pair 1b
Dimm3: Pair 2a
Dimm4: Pair 2b

My processor is a AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Toledo socket 939 if that helps.

 

[evongugg]

Just raise the speed of the memory in the Bios.
On my socket 939 when I installed 4 sticks of memory the speed dropped from 400 to 333. I raised it to 400 without any problems.
Run memtest86+ and prime95 to be extra sure.

 

[kavok]

Yeah but isn't that dangerous? Couldn't I damage my shiny new RAM?

The confusion, on my end, is why the RAM is DDR200 when my motherboards page specificly says it should be DDR333.

 

[evongugg]

The memory is DDR 400 and is made to run at 400.
So it is safe.

 

[tseska69]

i have this same board. in order for the RAM to work in dual channel mode, all 4 have to be identical. And even, for some reason that i am not clear on, it will only run at 333. I think there is that BIOS tweak you can do, I just haven't bothered. But since you listed the timings and they were different for each pair, it won't run in dual channel mode.

 

[kavok]

I was actually able to get them to run dual channeled 128bit, but only DDR200. Guess ill push the timings to DDR333?

 

[pogsnet]

DDR200 or 200Mhz === DDR400 in actual
There is no such DDR200. DDR266 (133Mhz),DDR333(166Mhz), DDR400(200Mhz)

If you have DDR400 RAM and runs only as DDR333 it is because the chip of your motherboard only supports up to that clock.

 

[kavok]

But my POST said "DDR 400 Dual Channeled 128bit" before, now it says "DDR 200 Dual Channeled 128bit"

 

[Mondoman]

Ignore pogsnet's post. DDR200 is a speed, not a standard, so of course it exists. There are many reasons why RAM rated at DDR400 might run at DDR333 speed. Anyway, just go ahead and adjust the speed in the BIOS, kavok, and see what happens.

 

[kavok]

Okay - will do once I have to restart again.

 

[kavok]

I went into my BIOS and checked the speed - or whatever. The highest the menu would let me go is 250Mhz. I selected 250Mhz and restarted. My POST gave one long continuous beep with no display, reset, repeat etc..

I had to pop out the CMOS batter to get it to boot.