Decision made on cpu and mob. Now the memory

[dr_roberts49]

I recently asked for advice on my new computer build, after running my Pentium III for nearly 3 years. I first want to thank everyone for their excellent advice and knowledge. I've made my decision, but I need some additional advice on the memory choices. Here is what I'm going with:

P4/2.4 CGhz (Newegg $170)
ABIT IS7, Intel 865PE motherboard with 800fsb (Newegg $108)

Here is my concern on the memory. I want to start with 512 megs. My question, is should I buy just one stick of 512 PC3200 DDR or 2 sticks of 256, so I can start using the dual channel mode right away? Or, should I go for the 1 stick of 512, and when my wallet fattens up again, get another stick of 512? Which configuration would give me the best computing power to start with? I'm placing this order tomorrow or the day after. I'm looking at Corsair or Crucial for the memory. Thanking all of you in advance

Robert

[Darthgary]

Save and get some Corsair XMS 3200.

I reccomend saving for 2 512's, Corsair is the best on the planet but comes with a price.

[dr_roberts49]

Thanks, Darthgary. I can only afford to go 512 at the moment, so I guess I'll pass on the dual mode for now, and just buy the 1 stick, and get the other in about a month. Correct me on this if I'm wrong, but if I run in dual mode, and I'm running 2 sticks of 512, my total memory size will be 512, not 1 gig. The same if I was running 2 sticks of 256. The total would be 256, not 512. I need to be sure about this.

Robert

[Darthgary]

Dual channel 512's add to 1024, Dual channel 256's add to 512.


Ps. Your welcome

[WingWizard]

Don't get the corsairs if you're using an IS7; they use new CH-5 chips which have been giving lots of people all kinds of problems.

http://forum.abit-usa.com/showthread...threadid=13877

I would wait on getting the RAM until i can afford a twin pack; those supposedly are "tested" to run together in DDR, so I'd get 2x256 if I were you and then get another 2x256 in the future.

BTW, I have Geil Golden Dragons running at 275 fsb w/a 5:4 divider, and they run great

[JohnE.]

I'd go with the 512 to start and get another 512 later for 1GB Dual Channel. You'll notice a difference in multi-tasking when you go to Dual Channel but until then a single 512 will do you fine. I survived for two weeks on a single 256 until I got my second 256 for 512 Dual Channel.

[dr_roberts49]

Gee guys, I already placed the order around midnight (8/20/03). I'm willing to give it a try. Maybe someone at ABIT has figured it out by now. I'm going to check their board and see. Thanks for the headups.

Robert

[WingWizard]

yep; new bios are on the way next week that fixes the problem

[dr_roberts49]

You got it right, WingWizard. I visited their web site last night. You people are the best!

Robert