4 sticks of DDR1 with an AMD set up

sydeccles · 11 Nov 2007 at 15:16

I little help please.

I was going to add some extra memory to my spare setup, an Epox 9NPA ultra with an Opteron 146. currently with 1GB (2x512MB) PC3200 184pin DDR Memory Dual Channel Kit. Overclockers Value memory.

Is it OK to add an extra 2GB (2x1GB) PC3200 184pin DDR Memory Dual Channel Kit to the other 2 slots in the motherboard giving me (2x1GB & 2x512MB) a total of 3GB?

The reason I ask is that I have read (On the Memory FAQ Sticky ) that AMD cpu’s will not handle 4 sticks of memory as well as two.

Thanks in advance for ANY guidance
Syd

jigger · 11 Nov 2007 at 15:52

It might work in single channle but i think you will have problems setting the timings.
Try it you can always pull the 2 512 sticks.

Mongy2130 · 11 Nov 2007 at 21:10

Should work fine in duel channel just make sure you change the memory timings too 2T in the Bios

mame · 11 Nov 2007 at 21:30

Athlon 64s have an on-chip memory controller and its double the work for it to manage 4 sticks. You will be lucky to run it at anymore than 200mhz. Most boards auto-detect it as 166mhz so you have to change it youself. If the memory kits are different you might have to manually slacken the memory timings to the lower spec kit. I wouldnt let it put you off doing it though. Memory speeds dont seem to count as much as you might think

sydeccles · 12 Nov 2007 at 11:02

Thanks for the help, basically looks like its not worth bothering, maybe I should look into the options of new mobo, cpu, with some low cost ddr2.

Final8y · 12 Nov 2007 at 11:15

4 sticks of the same make & size will most likely get you 200mhz no problem & i have not yet seen it not do so, but auto setting will drop you down to 166mhz for compatibility & to make sure you can boot, most times just needing to manually change it to 200mhz.

Final8y · 12 Nov 2007 at 11:20

mame said:
Athlon 64s have an on-chip memory controller and its double the work for it to manage 4 sticks. You will be lucky to run it at anymore than 200mhz. Most boards auto-detect it as 166mhz so you have to change it youself. If the memory kits are different you might have to manually slacken the memory timings to the lower spec kit. I wouldnt let it put you off doing it though. Memory speeds dont seem to count as much as you might think

Depending on your mobo & the quality of your ram overclocks of 260mhz or more is possible with allot of work.
I even manged T1 with 4 sticks.