athlonII ram question

SniperDude · 26 Dec 2009 at 17:59

just wondering about what speed DDR3 would be best to use for
with a 240E Athlon II

AMD website says the supported ram from the on-board controller is this...

Type of Memory Supported

X2 - Support for unregistered DIMMs up to PC2-8500 (DDR2-1066MHz) -AND- PC3-8500 (DDR3-1066MHz)

X3 and X4 - Support for unregistered DIMMs up to PC2-8500 (DDR2-1066MHz) -AND- PC3 10600 (DDR3-1333MHz)

does that mean I would have to clock the ram down if I got a higher speed
kit ?

PermaBanned · 26 Dec 2009 at 18:03

Depends on the motherboard mainly, not the CPU. They can often run the RAM at speeds higher than that by overclocking.

SniperDude · 26 Dec 2009 at 18:10

ahh right so if it wasn't to oc at all I wouldn't see any gains from using higher spec ram than listed by AMD due to the CPU limitations in my other post
even if the motherboard did support a higher spec ?

PermaBanned · 26 Dec 2009 at 18:16

Hmm, i've got confused now. Don't AM3 boards have dedicated memory controllers? It's not just the controller though, they have to go 'through' the FSB, which controls the speed. What is your motherboard?

RJC · 26 Dec 2009 at 18:22

The memory controller is on the cpu?

SniperDude · 26 Dec 2009 at 18:23

as far as i understand the memory controller is on the cpu thats whats getting me lol never normally use AMD myself

I don't have the board yet and am trying to work out what I need to order
but i think it might be either of these 2

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-356-AS&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=1481

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-201-GI&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=1481

SniperDude · 26 Dec 2009 at 18:30

http://www.amd.com/us/products/desk...ocessor-model-numbers-feature-comparison.aspx

bout half way down page

Integrated DDR Memory Controller = Yes

PermaBanned · 26 Dec 2009 at 19:09

Yeah, that makes sense. Anyway, if you don't want integrated graphics (as in, you're getting a dedicated graphics card or just using it for internet and word) then i much prefer the Gigabyte 770 chipset board. If it doesn't have to be mATX of course. If the board supports that speed of memory then it should be fine, since no matter what happens the NB is still on there, and that's what 'controlls' the speed.

SniperDude · 26 Dec 2009 at 19:39

its for a HTPC so it must be Matx for the Silverstone GD04 case I have.

no point in getting anything more than PC3-10666 1333MHz unless a bargain?

I have a passive cooled HD2600 xt sitting here but am unsure its worth using as the on-board graphics on most of the boards in my price range seem to me hd4200

blaineoliver · 26 Dec 2009 at 19:49

1333 and tight timings is best, if you can get 1600mhz ram for the same price, or similar, get that and run it at 1333 with tighter timings.

SniperDude · 26 Dec 2009 at 21:54

thanks for you help guys, tight timings it is then

lemzip · 27 Dec 2009 at 16:49

Yep, can confirm that the memory controller on AM3 chips are integrated and generally, if overclocking the Athlon II and lower models have a pita IMC unlike the PHII.

From testing, tight timings @ 1333 with a generally good OC of the NB yields the best results so far for AM3 (Obviously FSB is the leader however NB and tight timings are a close second)