XMS PC 4400 + A8V w/ 270FSB?

[BattleMasterX]

I've got an Asus A8V Deluxe motherboard (1009 bios) running an Athlon 64 3200+ at 2.7GHz (270FSB) and was wondering if a gig kit of XMS PC4400 would allow my system to operate at 1:1 for FSB:MEM? I've got some Kingston PC4000 and it just won't cut it, even at 500MHz. I know Athlon platforms aren't always as timing/clock friendly as Intel platforms, so that's why I'm asking. :biggrin:

 

If XMS PC4400 will fit the bill, any idea what timings it should run standard? The A8V has a bevy of options: CL, TRC, TRFC, TRCD, TWR, TRWT, TRAS, TRP, TWCL, Async Latency, Read Preamble, Command Timing. I'd hate to leave any setting to auto.

 

Any help would be appreciated before I make the purchase.

[Wired]

I highly doubt the CPU will OC to PC4000 speeds, let alone PC4400 speeds.

[BattleMasterX]

I highly doubt the CPU will OC to PC4000 speeds, let alone PC4400 speeds.

 

Well in fact an Athlon 64 Winchester can go as high as 2.9GHz for some people that I've seen and easily does 250FSB in most cases. Mine is prime 95 stable at 2.7GHz using a TR XP-120 and Panaflo 85CFM. My FSB is 270 x 4 HTT Multi. I've also gotten it to boot at 285 FSB x 3 HTT, but not prime stable.

 

Anyways, I just need help with wether or not Corsair PC4400 will run the spec'ed timings and speeds with my A8V. I came here because my Kingston ram isn't cutting it and was intrested in Corsair ram, not because I wanted to be told my overclock is "highly doubtful." :mad:

[jsteel44]

I think he did'nt read it properly and thought you had'nt overclocked as yet, luckily you got one of the newer batches of winchesters, i got a few of the first shipped and man were those dogs...4 3200+ and only one hit 2.45Ghz and needed 1.575v! Later samples i've tried one hit 2.8Ghz with 1.55v so that was a tasty treat! but coul'nt be bothered to switch cpus with my 3500+ newie, 600MHz extra (well, 300, the 3500+ does 2.5Ghz @ 1.6v) and that SLK-948U (wish a darn XP120 would fit the neo2 board! only my AV8 has one) being a pain to take off was'nt worth it, and its now sold in a system. :(:

To answer your question, the PC4400 should do its advertised timings once all the other system components are up to it, mainly the cpu and board handling the speeds.

[BattleMasterX]

I think he did'nt read it properly and thought you had'nt overclocked as yet, luckily you got one of the newer batches of winchesters, i got a few of the first shipped and man were those dogs...4 3200+ and only one hit 2.45Ghz and needed 1.575v! Later samples i've tried one hit 2.8Ghz with 1.55v so that was a tasty treat! but coul'nt be bothered to switch cpus with my 3500+ newie, 600MHz extra (well, 300, the 3500+ does 2.5Ghz @ 1.6v) and that SLK-948U (wish a darn XP120 would fit the neo2 board! only my AV8 has one) being a pain to take off was'nt worth it, and its now sold in a system. :(:

To answer your question, the PC4400 should do its advertised timings once all the other system components are up to it, mainly the cpu and board handling the speeds.

 

Well thats good news, but maybe ramguy can confirm it (if corsair did testing on the A8V). I got lucky with my first A64 chip and it's currently doing great at 2.7ghz on just 1.45~1.475v! I would have kind of liked 2.8GHz or 2.9GHz, but that would require me to drop my HTT multi to 3x and have ram running at 560~580MHz which may be a tad much?

[RAM GUY]

From what we have seen if you have a newer version of the MB with an AGP PCI lock you might get close. But AMD platform seems to run better with lower latency memory at a lower clock frequency. Where as, Intel seems to reap the benefits a bit better with higher CPU Frequency. But if you don’t have a working AGP/PCI lock that MB will top out about 210-220 MHz.

[BattleMasterX]

From what we have seen if you have a newer version of the MB with an AGP PCI lock you might get close. But AMD platform seems to run better with lower latency memory at a lower clock frequency. Where as, Intel seems to reap the benefits a bit better with higher CPU Frequency. But if you don’t have a working AGP/PCI lock that MB will top out about 210-220 MHz.

 

I've got a rev 2.00 board, so the lock isn't an issue. But what do you mean by close? Will the mem not run at 2.5-4-4-8 / 550MHz on the A8V?

 

As for which way it runs better, I'll test it both ways (1:1 high latency and 4:3 low latency) and report back.

[RAM GUY]

We have not had a chance to fully test the latest revision of this MB, but what we saw is this MB would not O.C. that high. However, there are a few reporting they have on some of the other forums. You might try at http://www.overclockers.com or http://www.houseofmobos.com and see what some of the other users have to say about this MB.

[Xpman]

Well in fact an Athlon 64 Winchester can go as high as 2.9GHz for some people that I've seen and easily does 250FSB in most cases. Mine is prime 95 stable at 2.7GHz using a TR XP-120 and Panaflo 85CFM. My FSB is 270 x 4 HTT Multi. I've also gotten it to boot at 285 FSB x 3 HTT, but not prime stable.

 

Anyways, I just need help with wether or not Corsair PC4400 will run the spec'ed timings and speeds with my A8V. I came here because my Kingston ram isn't cutting it and was intrested in Corsair ram, not because I wanted to be told my overclock is "highly doubtful." :mad:

 

Ok, let me see if I can help you out. After being pissed :beatchair :uzi: :whip: :flamethro :soapbox: at Corsair for delaying my RMA and some small mix up (but it still pissed me off) with that same ram (PC4400) I'm at least satisfied and pleased to know that the ones I had were in deed bad sticks and the new ones are great.

 

The thing you fail to realize and alot do (believe me I fell for that banana in the tailpipe too.) is the fact that the Winchesters for the most part have crap memory controllers. Only a few get lucky enough to go beyond 250mhz. I thought I was one of them but I'm up to 10x265mhz with the new Corsairs at 2.5-3-3-10 not the stock 2.5-4-4-10. My memory controller tops out at 2.5-3-3-10 270mhz with these. I cannot go to 275mhz stable regardless of multi (8, 9) or ram timings. And that is NOT the rams fault at all. They'll do 2.5-3-3-10 280mhz I suspect and 2.5-4-4-10 290+mhz no doubt if I had a better memory controller like an FX.

 

It's not the board or the ram you have to worry about these days with A64s (at least until the newer ones come out late Feb. or so) it's the stupid memory controller. No way I can do 270mhz at 2.5-3-3-10 with 2.5v on the ram (and these TCCDs HATE higher voltages. I have NO clue why they rate it at 2.75v for A64s) and not even 5mhz more with even 3-4-4-10 and 2.8v. it's the stupid memory controller.

 

The sad thing is that those that get A64 3000s+ and get the typical memory controller, will never know just how far that chip will go. Might even go to 2.8 but you won't know that with the locked multi and a stupid memory controller that mostly allows 250mhz. You follow so far? That's why at least we're ok because our multis are 10.

 

I highly recommend this ram now. It'll do alot more than what it says providing you have the #1 parts to help you get it. A great PSU (like PC P&C) and #1 a decent memory controller on your A64 both will be equally important or might as well give up now. Trust me.

 

First, how do you have the 270mhz right now? I assume you're running either very loose timings of 3-4-4-10 etc or even the stupid 2T? If yes, then the Corsair will whoop some *** once you put it in there. I have OCZ Platinum Rev.2 PC3200 which is incredible for PC3200, I have it's bigger brother coming (PC4200 Plat. which is supposed to even wipe your butt in the mornings after you finish.), G.Skill PC3200/PC4400 and these Corsairs and I have to tell it like it is.. even though Corsair needs a beating so they get some real customer service ala' OCZ's legendary one, this is what I recommend. There's no guess work, you'll get the 270mhz and above that you're after EASY, trust me. I tried them on 2 boards, Epox and this MSI and they kicked ***.

 

The G.Skills sucked and the OCZ Plat. Rev2 is only PC3200 so who knows what you'll get..it's hit/miss with it, I defenitely got lucky (265mhz 2.5-3-3-10). The OCZ EL PC4200 Plat is just too GOD DAMN expensive so forget it. It's over $300 at most places. So stick with the Corsair PC4400C25 I'm sure you'll get what you're after unless you get a bad set like I did at first and then you'll want to choke the customer service but you'll get a good set sent to you.

 

Trust me this is the ram you want..for that price at least.

[BattleMasterX]

XPMan, that actually made a lot of sense and was very insightful. I'll have to post whatever results I come up with when the Corsair I ordered comes. Thanks dude. :D:

[Xpman]

XPMan, that actually made a lot of sense and was very insightful. I'll have to post whatever results I come up with when the Corsair I ordered comes. Thanks dude. :D:

 

Anytime my man. I'm glad it helped. I know it's not easy giving up $280+ for some and not knowing what to expect and what you'll get but you'll be fine with this. Good luck.

[RAM GUY]

XPMan,

Thank you for taking the time to post that. And I am sorry for the mixup with your RMA.

[Yellowbeard]

LMAO :rofl:

 

(believe me I fell for that banana in the tailpipe too.)

 

Great post for sure Xpman.

[Xpman]

LMAO :rofl:

 

 

 

Great post for sure Xpman.

 

Thanks, just trying to help. It's bad enough people BS and lie around forums with their "My G.Skulls do 320mhz at 2-2-2-5 and 2.9v". All that does is make people set these super high expectations from a ram stick or sticks and then they realize they can't get what they heard. I just hate to see or hear of people spending their hard earned money to get a big disappointment when they can't achieve the super high clocks that others boasted or lied about.

 

Most of the reviews on ram at Anandtech and others use FX cpus which is a different story and to make things worse..they don't fully test the ram. All they do is a couple

loops of Sandra Bench and 3DMark. Hell, I can get to 275mhz and benchmark Sandra, 3DMark all great but when I get to 30 min. of Doom3 or AOE: The Conquerors online against the GF..I crash fast..so that's misleading for me to say, "I can get 275 mhz at 2.5-3-3-10 with X brand ram".

 

Yes, ram like G.Skill will do 300mhz but that's 1 stick of 256..very misleading stuff floating around. The Corsair PC4400 gave me what I was after with 1G and 2.55v no bs and again, my memory controller is holding it back. My goal was 270-275mhz with 2.5-3-3-10 and I'm right there with the PC4400..STABLE.

 

RamGuy it's ok..It wasn't your fault and you can only do so much with all of us here asking you things daily. Thanks.

[Xpman]

Hey SpecMike..the stupid Broncos cost me $100 this past weekend. I bet a $5 card with 3 teams and the Broncos went down. I figured they'd at least show up with some pride after what went on last year. They suck. :owned: :soapbox:

 

Now the Pats lose Ty Law..this will be interesting.

[Yellowbeard]

Hey SpecMike..the stupid Broncos cost me $100 this past weekend. I bet a $5 card with 3 teams and the Broncos went down. I figured they'd at least show up with some pride after what went on last year. They suck. :owned: :soapbox:

 

Now the Pats lose Ty Law..this will be interesting.

Would anyone other than me like to see Peyton Manning and Mike Vick in the Superbowl?

[Xpman]

That would be cool with me and new teams too. You never know, it's very possible.

[jsteel44]

soo.. whats this? American rugby? :D: ;):

[Wired]

Go Philadelphia Eagles!!!!!!!!!!!

[Xpman]

soo.. whats this? American rugby? :D: ;):

 

No. American..."FUTBOL". :headbang: :D:

[Yellowbeard]

soo.. whats this? American rugby? :D: ;):

Sorta, but the players are twice as big and twice as fast.

 

I just realized, football talk hijacked this thread :p:

[RAM GUY]

I could not handle English Rugby, they don’t use padding!

:eek:

[BattleMasterX]

So some results from my system.

 

AMD Athlon 3200+ 939 @ 2.7GHz / 1.475v (XP-120 Cooler + 86.5 CFM 120mm Panaflo)

Asus A8V Motherboard w/ 1009 Bios

Corsair TWINX1024-4400C25PT

[bFG Tech] GeForce 6800 Ultra OC @ 400/1.1 (for comparison to [H]ard|OCP 3DMark01 numbers)

 

Note that all ram voltages are auto since oddly enough, auto seems to work the best on this board for stability.

 

270 x 4 HTT, 2:1 Memory Divider

540MHz DDR @ 2.5-4-4-8 2T

Memory Bandwitdh: ~6400MB/s

3DMark01: ~25500

CS:S (640x480, Low): ~190fps

 

270 x 4 HTT, 5:3 Memory Divider

450MHz DDR @ 2.5-3-3-6 1T

Memory Bandwitdh: ~6700MB/s

3DMark01: ~25500

CS:S (640x480, Low): ~191fps

 

270 x 4 HTT, 3:2 Memory Divider

405MHz DDR @ 2-2-2-5 1T

Memory Bandwitdh: ~5800MB/s

3DMark01: ~25500

CS:S (640x480, Low): ~191fps

 

The biggest difference between all settings was the memory bandwidth figures from sisoft sandra. I think if I had a 11:6 memory divider and the ability to run 1T at 500MHz DDR, I would have seen some differences in game benchmarks. I'll try a couple other games that rely more on the CPU/Memory such as UT2K4 and report back if the results differ any. That memory bandwidth has to be good for something! :):

 

Anyways, the PC4400 "C" runs 400MHz 2-2-2-5 1T just fine, which makes it a great investment for low timings or a high clock speed. I experienced a little trouble with stability at 540MHz 2.5-4-4-8 2T, but speaking that running my memory at this speed has little in terms of performance advtanages, it's no big deal.

 

Good stuff! :D:

[zeeter]

So some results from my system.

 

AMD Athlon 3200+ 939 @ 2.7GHz / 1.475v (XP-120 Cooler + 86.5 CFM 120mm Panaflo)

Asus A8V Motherboard w/ 1009 Bios

Corsair TWINX1024-4400C25PT

[bFG Tech] GeForce 6800 Ultra OC @ 400/1.1 (for comparison to [H]ard|OCP 3DMark01 numbers)

 

Note that all ram voltages are auto since oddly enough, auto seems to work the best on this board for stability.

 

270 x 4 HTT, 2:1 Memory Divider

540MHz DDR @ 2.5-4-4-8 2T

Memory Bandwitdh: ~6400MB/s

3DMark01: ~25500

CS:S (640x480, Low): ~190fps

 

270 x 4 HTT, 5:3 Memory Divider

450MHz DDR @ 2.5-3-3-6 1T

Memory Bandwitdh: ~6700MB/s

3DMark01: ~25500

CS:S (640x480, Low): ~191fps

 

270 x 4 HTT, 3:2 Memory Divider

405MHz DDR @ 2-2-2-5 1T

Memory Bandwitdh: ~5800MB/s

3DMark01: ~25500

CS:S (640x480, Low): ~191fps

 

The biggest difference between all settings was the memory bandwidth figures from sisoft sandra. I think if I had a 11:6 memory divider and the ability to run 1T at 500MHz DDR, I would have seen some differences in game benchmarks. I'll try a couple other games that rely more on the CPU/Memory such as UT2K4 and report back if the results differ any. That memory bandwidth has to be good for something! :):

 

Anyways, the PC4400 "C" runs 400MHz 2-2-2-5 1T just fine, which makes it a great investment for low timings or a high clock speed. I experienced a little trouble with stability at 540MHz 2.5-4-4-8 2T, but speaking that running my memory at this speed has little in terms of performance advtanages, it's no big deal.

 

Good stuff! :D:

 

BattleMasterX, what kinda temps do you get with your cpu OC'd to 2.7 @ 1.475v? What is your room temp as well when you measured? I also have an XP-120 heatsink on an A8V Rev2 with a Panaflo Medium fan (86.5 cfm) running 1009 bios. I am also using Arctic Silver 5.

 

I currently am running my 3500+ Winchester at 2.5 @ 1.4v and here are my temps at full load using Prime95:

MB Temp: 23C

CPU Temp: 46C

 

Thanks

[BattleMasterX]

BattleMasterX, what kinda temps do you get with your cpu OC'd to 2.7 @ 1.475v? What is your room temp as well when you measured? I also have an XP-120 heatsink on an A8V Rev2 with a Panaflo Medium fan (86.5 cfm) running 1009 bios. I am also using Arctic Silver 5.

 

I currently am running my 3500+ Winchester at 2.5 @ 1.4v and here are my temps at full load using Prime95:

MB Temp: 23C

CPU Temp: 46C

 

Thanks

 

Room Temp: 71F

CPU Idle: 38C

CPU Load: 43C

 

Really good temps imho.