CPU/DDR compatibility?? 2

[elgordo1960]

Hi. This is my first post, I have a question which I can't seem to find the answer for so I thought I would ask the experts.
I have an Athlon 2100+ (266fsb) and 256mb DDR PC2100 (266Mhz)
My MB supports up to PC3200 DDR

I would like to upgrade my memory to 512mb but I'm not sure if I can use PC2700 or PC3200 DDR with this CPU.

Help appreciated.

elgordo!

 

[capT5]

Not positive but I think the motherboard is the determining factor for ram.

 

[micker377]

Read the manual, it will tell you what to use.

 

[cdogg]

Did someone star capT5 by accident?

The motherboard is the "limiting" factor, but the CPU is the determining one. It doesn't hurt to install faster RAM than what your CPU supports. It's just that you'll have to make a trip into the BIOS to make sure it's running in synch with the CPU's FSB.

You could run your memory at 400MHz and leave the CPU at 266MHz, but you may find only minimal gains and some apps/games may even see a decrease in performance due to higher latencies. Play around with the two settings running benchmarks to see which one suits you best.

One thing is that if you plan on mixing your new memory with your old, both will have to run at 266MHz since it will default to the lowest common denominator.

~cdogg
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884

 

[elgordo1960]

Ta, cdogg, that answers my question!

BTW if I install DDR 400Mhz can I set it to 266Mhz in the BIOS so that when I upgrade my CPU I will be able to utilise the DDR 400Mhz??

 

[cdogg]

Absolutely. Makes sense to do it that way.

~cdogg
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884

 

[elgordo1960]

Ta again that's good news.

 

[garebo]

Looks like cdogg should get the star!


Good advice + great people = tek-tips

 

[cdogg]

Nah, it's not something that concerns me anymore after being here over 3 years!


~cdogg
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884

 

[elgordo1960]

Re CapT5 *Star* This is my first post, I was being polite!

 

[paparazi]

cdogg
Surest way to get a star is to say you don't want one lol.

elgordo1960 award stars by all means but uses like cdogg and myself like to see them given for good reasons.
Cheaply earnt stars are a bit embaressing to a veteran like cdogg.
I hope you don't mind me saying this.

Martin

We like members to GIVE and not just TAKE.
Participate and help others.

 

[elgordo1960]

No problem.And I hope I'll be able to help someone in the future!!