Asus M4A785D-M PRO. Which DDR2?

RibTickler · 23 Nov 2009 at 18:49

Just bought a Asus M4A785D-M PRO + Athlon 5000+ 45nm.

AMD say the top DDR2 it can handle is 800mhz. I hope to unlock it to Quad core. Would it then work with DDR2 1066? Or best stick to DDR2 800?

Asus have a Memory Qualified Vendors List.

Is it best to stick with the list, or would any DDR2 800 work?

What 8GB.

Any ideas would be helpful.

cmndr_andi · 23 Nov 2009 at 19:30

From my experience, the memory they test is very limited. Pretty much any RAM of the correct speed will run. Personally, I would suggest this.

To get 8GB, just get 2 of these kits. Though bear in mind that using 4 sticks will limit your overclocking compared to using 2.

RibTickler · 23 Nov 2009 at 20:01

cmndr_andi said:
From my experience, the memory they test is very limited. Pretty much any RAM of the correct speed will run. Personally, I would suggest this.

To get 8GB, just get 2 of these kits. Though bear in mind that using 4 sticks will limit your overclocking compared to using 2.

Why does 4 sticks limit overclocking?

Would i be better off then with just 2 x 2gb or 2 x 4GB?

Internet + gaming only. Will be trying out windows 7.

cmndr_andi · 23 Nov 2009 at 20:17

From my understanding, more occupied memory slots puts more strain on the memory controller. As the memory controller is on the CPU on Athlons, this equates to more heat, more volts and less overclocking headroom. If you don't care too much about overclocking then I wouldn't worry too much, 4 sticks should run fine @ stock.

Ideally, 2x4GB is best, but 4GB DDR2 sticks are tough to get hold of and rather expensive. However, for the above uses I can pretty much guarantee you that you won't need any more than 4GB of RAM.