Ready to build - Please give advice

[Mintakas]

I am ready to build a new system (specs below) , I am confused about selecting DDR. I am not interested in overclocking at this time, just want to be certain I make choices that will work without problems. I have read a lot and I understand DDR basics, but I am confused about the difference between "Twin X" "Dual Pack" and "Dual Chanel Kit". Also I noticed the model number suffix ie:

VS512mb400 C3 and I saw a link in a post that explains, however it was a dead link.

My plan: Asus P4P800-VM ( i865 + ich5,FSB 800, 4x dimm/4 GB pc 3200)

P4 3.0e (fsb 800, L2 1MB, Prescott)

1x Corsair VS512MB400 ( ? 400c3 )

WD 80G-7200 , 8MB - CD-RW - Win XP pro

The Asus manual states that dual chanel configuration is dictated by:

Odd number dimm= single chanel ram, identical pairs = dual chanel.

I would like to start with one dimm now and get another next month. I would wait and buy a pair If this will cause problems.

Thanks in advance for all help and advice :):

[Yellowbeard]

I am ready to build a new system (specs below) , I am confused about selecting DDR. I am not interested in overclocking at this time, just want to be certain I make choices that will work without problems. I have read a lot and I understand DDR basics, but I am confused about the difference between "Twin X" "Dual Pack" and "Dual Chanel Kit". Also I noticed the model number suffix ie:

VS512mb400 C3 and I saw a link in a post that explains, however it was a dead link.

My plan: Asus P4P800-VM ( i865 + ich5,FSB 800, 4x dimm/4 GB pc 3200)

P4 3.0e (fsb 800, L2 1MB, Prescott)

1x Corsair VS512MB400 ( ? 400c3 )

WD 80G-7200 , 8MB - CD-RW - Win XP pro

The Asus manual states that dual chanel configuration is dictated by:

Odd number dimm= single chanel ram, identical pairs = dual chanel.

I would like to start with one dimm now and get another next month. I would wait and buy a pair If this will cause problems.

Thanks in advance for all help and advice :):

Your MOBO is designed to run in dual channel mode for best operation. It will run in single channel mode yet not be nearly as fast or efficient. If it was my build, I would save and buy a TwinX 1024mb PC3200XL kit. That is fantastic RAM at a good price.

 

And, buying your modules at seperate times is not a good idea for a dual channel MOBO. Corsair validates the pairs of RAM together that they sell to make sure that they run fine in a dual channel MOBO. If you buy your RAM seperate you will not get this guarantee. It is also possible/likely that you could get 2 sticks of RAM of the same model, yet different revisions. This can cause problems including a system that is unstable or won't even boot.

 

So, I definitely suggest a dual channel matched pair. Look here: http://compatible.corsairmemory.com/memorysearch.aspx?modelid=132

 

Mike.

[Mintakas]

Thanks Specmike , I had a feeling that would be the answer. I am still courious about this c3 suffix in the model number, and the difference between twin pack and dual chanel kit.

[RAM GUY]

I would suggest maybe you visit some of the posts in our F.A.Q. section, like

What does C2, LL, PT, R or RE stand for in the part#? or

XMS Qualification and Testing! and What, exactly, is TWINX?

I think these should answer most of your questions!

And to add to this, the part# you asked about VS512MB400C3 would be a great value choice with this MB, but I would suggest you consider a kit of modules as Mike suggested or VS1GBKit400 for better performance go with what Mike suggested Twinx1024-3200XL. But it would be best to get the memory you plan on using for best performance.