Which Corsair memory should I buy for my ASUS P4S533 motherboard?

[ThomasWH]

Hi people,

 

I am in urgent need of new RAM, and I would appreciate it if someone read and replied to this rather long post!!!

 

This is my first post, and I am very excited to finally be a part of this forum! I have heard great things about it, and I can't wait to get going!

 

I purchased a complete new PC in 2002. Since then, I have not really upgraded anything, so I am really in the need for new memory, as my old 256 MB doesn't do the cut anylonger in 2005.

 

Heavy apps I use my computer for are Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 and Adobe Photoshop.

 

I figured it's time to go for either 1 GB or 2 GB memory. Corsair memory, of course - as my old Corsair CMX256-3000C2 STILL kicks ***! Though with it's 256 MB's, it's not big enough for 2005 use. I have, however, tried to overclock this ram. I am a beginner in the RAM overclocking business, so I don't think I have gotten anything extra out of this baby, really. But who cares, it's time for some NEW memory now!

 

Which comes down to this:

 

My problem lies in choosing the correct ram for my ASUS P4S533 motherboard. I have used Corsair's search service for finding compatible RAM chips to my motherboard. The results displays a bunch of different RAM chips, ranging from PC1000 to PC5500 speeds.

 

- I am not, til this day, sure of how fast my motherboard is, RAM-wise. PC2700 should be it's max, but this can't be true, as I currently run PC3000 RAM.

 

Why does the Corsair website display PC5500 RAM as compatible with my motherboard?

 

And why am I told by Corsair's website that I should buy RAM that can handle dual channeling? My motherboard does not feature this option (dual channeling).

 

I have come down to the RAM choices below.

 

VS1GB400C3 - Pretty much a perfect fit for my "old" 2002 motherboard?

 

TWINX1024-3200XL - Also a perfect fit, but with good overclocking options? Marked as "best performance" for my motherboard by Corsair's website.

 

 

TWINXP1024-3200XL - Again, a perfect fit with good overclocking options?

 

TWINX2048-3500LLPRO - Isn't this RAM too fast for my motherboard? A waste?

 

Now, as you probably can tell, I am pretty clueless about which RAM I am going to go for. I am also a bit clueless about which RAM is the BEST match for my motherboard. I don't care how much or little the RAM cost, I just want the most bang for my bucks, and I also don't want to buy RAM that is "overkill" for my motherboard, meaning the RAM will not be used to it's max! I hate wasting RAM power, so, I don't want RAM that is "too good" for my motherboard!

 

I also think it's a shame about the missing option for "dual channeling" on my motherboard. How much performance will I loose if I go for dual chanel RAM?

 

I have only 3 RAM slots on my motherboard, so, I would have loved to go for the 1 GB RAM chips. Either the VS1GB400C3 (times two) or the TWINX2048-3500LLPRO in that case.

 

- If I go for the TWINX RAM with 512 MB chips, I will only have ONE slot left, which will leave me with a total of 1.5 GB RAM if I go for another 512 MB chip in the same series. I think it's a slight waste to go for 512 MB chips when there are 1 GB chips on the market. The TWINX2048-3500LLPRO would be perfect in that case, giving me 2 GB of fast RAM! The VS1GB400C3 times two would give me 2 GB or slow ram and also a price that is about half of the TWINX2048-3500LLPRO set.

 

It would be great to go for the TWINX2048-3500LLPRO set, because it's only a few bucks more expensive than the already expensive TWINXP1024-3200XL set. Does anyone know why these two sets cost about the same? Wouldn't it make more sense of the 2 GB faster TWINX2048-3500LLPRO RAM would cost twice as much as the 1 GB slower TWINXP1024-3200XL RAM? These prices makes me want to go for 2 GB of Corsair 3500-LLPRO RAM!

 

Bottom line is; I need helpful tips about getting more memory for my motherboard (ASUS P4S533) - Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

Perhaps there are some other Corsair RAM chips that would be even better for me than the ones I mentioned as well?

 

I would also like to learn how I overclock ram, but that's not important right now, as I need new RAM fast! My PC is too slow with my old 256 MB!

 

Ok, I COULD just skip buying DDR RAM for my 2002 model ASUS P4S533 motherboard and get a new motherboard, a new P4 CPU and of course, new Corsair DDR2 RAM. But this in a whole would cost too much for me right now! That's why I was looking into the VS1GB400C3 set in the first place.

 

However, if I get one of the faster/more expensive DDR RAM sets, I am also considering getting a new Socket 478 motherboard, cause they are dirt cheap these days. This investment would make me able to run the RAM in dual channel mode!

 

I am looking forward to hearing what your people have to say about these matters. I have a feeling that some of the very best memory experts in the world are reading and posting in the Corsair forums! That's why I came here - to get some REAL help! The help I got in Norwegian forums was not helpful at all, so I am counting on you guys!

 

Thanks for reading my post in it's entirety, and talk to you people soon! :)

 

Best Regards,

Thomas Hoifors in Norway

[ThomasWH]

I am still waiting for someone smart to reply! :-)

 

I was thinking.. My motherboard, ASUS P4S533, only supports DDR333 RAM, or PC2700 if you will. What's the point of getting PC3200 RAM if I can't use it? :p And why did people tell me to get PC3000 RAM in the first place for my motherboard back in 2002? HMMM!

 

Best Regards,

Thomas - who is in DESPERATE need of new RAM! :p

[RAM GUY]

Sorry for the delay and welcome to our forum.

 

First thing, This MB will only officially support DDR333 memory, but It will support faster memory just maybe not at the modules rated speed like with our XMS4400C25 for example. You may have to run them at a lower frequency but they should run in this MB.

1. That being said the modules you choose should be based on a few things, probably for most of us its the cost of the module or modulesl.

 

2. Will you Over clock your system? And if so are you an extreme overclcocker?

 

3. Do you plan on upgrading your system anytime soon and if so what is the make and model of MB you are looking at?

[ThomasWH]

Hello Ram Guy,

 

Thanks for your reply! Better late than never! :)

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but, if I use PC3000 RAM (like I run today!) will my motherboard only take advantage of the PC2700 speed of this RAM? Will simply anything above PC2700 RAM be a waste? It kinda thought that maaaaybe my motherboard featured some chips and bits that made it run up to PC3200 RAM in a way! Was I wrong? Why should I even THINK of getting PC4400 RAM, or anything above PC2700 if my mobo really can't take advantake of these speeds?

 

1. Of course price matters, but, it would be cool with RAM that was possible to overclock! But could I even overclock my PC3000 RAM if my mobo doesn't run RAM at a higher speed than PC2700?

 

2. Yes, I will overclock, and I already have. My 1.6 GHz P4 Northwood CPU is running 100% stable at 2.4 GHz, with the boxed cooler. Pretty good. However, I never learned how to overclock RAM. Look at my previous question above in point 1.

 

3. Well, yes, of course I plan to upgrade my system. Who doesn't? We all need new hardware after a couple of years of use. But I am one of those who want to squeeze all the juice out of the old hardware to see what it's good for! I think a 0.8 GHz CPU overclock is pretty good, and I don't need new hardware yet. All I need is a GB or two with new RAM. That's why I'm here! But if I wanted new hardware now, I'd go for the top of the line ASUS motherboard, the P5WD2-E Premium. Which memory would be the top of the lince choice in this case? Some DDR2 800 RAM, for sure. Having all that said, I would also be interested in exchanging my ASUS P4S533 motherboard in a new ASUS Socket 478 motherboard, if it delivers in price vs. value. I need a motherboard with the option of dual channel RAM mode IF I am getting dual channel RAM!

 

I hope you can answer my questions. I know you can! :)

 

Thanks!

Thomas

 

Sorry for the delay and welcome to our forum.

 

First thing, This MB will only officially support DDR333 memory, but It will support faster memory just maybe not at the modules rated speed like with our XMS4400C25 for example. You may have to run them at a lower frequency but they should run in this MB.

 

1. That being said the modules you choose should be based on a few things, probably for most of us its the cost of the module or modulesl.

 

2. Will you Over clock your system? And if so are you an extreme overclcocker?

 

3. Do you plan on upgrading your system anytime soon and if so what is the make and model of MB you are looking at?

[ThomasWH]

:) Hoping for a reply soon! A good reply, so that I can just go out there and get that RAM already! :)

[ThomasWH]

Hey Ram Guy,

 

I don't think you CAN overclock RAM that is rated faster than the max for the motherboard. Why didn't you tell me! For my motherboard, it's no point of getting anything faster than PC2700 RAM. And really, there's no point of getting any other RAM than Value Select RAM. Am I right? I mean, why buy expensive PC3200 RAM (or higher speeds) when the result is PC2700 speed anyway????? :p

[Garvin]

Ram Guy is the official Corsair rep on this site; so he isn't really permitted to push you in any particular direction, just make informed recommendations. He also has a gazillion posts to go through. I don't work for Corsair; so I don't have those constraints. All of the sticks listed as compatible in the Corsair Configurator will run on your board. The Configurator just lists everything, including ram models capable of being overclocked along with your motherboard and cpu (many motherboard-cpu-ram combinations can be overclocked beyond, even well beyond, default rated specs). Ram Guy's advice is totally sound for a number of reasons. As far as I know, they're not making -2700 ram anymore, so those modules can be more expensive than the -3200 models which are easily capable of running at 333mghz(-2700). You mentioned possibly upgrading the motherboard in the future as well. If you buy -2700 ram, you'll be stuck with slower ram on a board of greater capability, negating most of the speed benefits of upgrading the board. If the upgraded board is dual channel capable, not getting a dual channel kit would mean you could be out of luck with -2700 ram as the "dual channel kit" designation simply means that all of the IC's on each stick and between the two sticks match and in the case of Corsair have been tested in an actual dual-channel capable motherboard to run in dual channel mode at their rated latencies and speed. FYI, most memory controllers have a huge problem running in dual channel mode if the IC chips used on the ram sticks do not match. They either won't run at all or will downclock to a crawl. As to what Ram to buy, I'd recommend any of the Corsair dual channel 1 or 2gig kits (if your operating system and system is capable of handling that much ram). If you are not going to overclock much, any of the -3200's will work great as long as they're listed as compatible on the Configurator. If you're going to get into overclocking and are aware of the constraints of heat issues, voltage, and timing then sticks with values higher than -3200 are better choices. I think you'll find going from 256mb to 1gig of ram will be awesome. Good Luck.

 

ps: For future reference, I think you'll find being rude or impatient around here will make ya feel like Tom Hanks on that itty bitty island.

[ThomasWH]

Ram Guy is the official Corsair rep on this site; so he isn't really permitted to push you in any particular direction, just make informed recommendations. He also has a gazillion posts to go through. I don't work for Corsair; so I don't have those constraints.

 

Hello Garvin! Thank you SO much for your highly informative reply! I really appreciate this! It's time I learn how RAM works with motherboards. I do know RAM GUY has a LOT to do, but I am also in a hurry to get new ram, so... I am sorry if things seem a little desperate / rude!

 

All of the sticks listed as compatible in the Corsair Configurator will run on your board. The Configurator just lists everything, including ram models capable of being overclocked along with your motherboard and cpu (many motherboard-cpu-ram combinations can be overclocked beyond, even well beyond, default rated specs). Ram Guy's advice is totally sound for a number of reasons. As far as I know, they're not making -2700 ram anymore, so those modules can be more expensive than the -3200 models which are easily capable of running at 333mghz(-2700).

 

Ok. This is getting interesting. I undestand how all those different RAM modules will work with my mobo, cause they'll just run at a lower frequency (PC2700) to work. The PC2700 RAM is about the same price or slightly more expensive than the PC3200 RAM, so that is fine. However, if I slide PC3200 RAM into my mobo, it is, to my knowledge, not possible to overclock this RAM anywhere above PC2700 cause that's the maximum speed my motherboard will run RAM. Is this correct? This is very basic knowledge. If gotta learn this now, for good! If my motherboard did support, let's say PC3500 RAM, I could've clocked that PC3200 RAM module up to that PC3500 ceiling. Am I correct? :)

 

 

I have overclocked my CPU from 1.6 GHz to 2.4 GHz, so that is fine. But I am yet to learn how I overclock my RAM. I have managed to set the timings on my current PC3000 RAM down to CAS2-2-2-1T, which seems to be working fine. But I haven't done anything with the voltage (which has to be done ON the motherboard physically with a switch!) or any other RAM settings in the bios.

 

But let me get one thing straight. When I inserted my PC3000 RAM into my PC2700 motherboard almost 4 years ago, the RAM was instantly and automatically running at PC2700 cause of the motherboards limitations, right? And I can't possibly make the frequency (MHz) of this RAM module any higher, right? But am I right when I say I have successfully pushed down the CAS settings of my PC3000 RAM on this motherboard?

 

You mentioned possibly upgrading the motherboard in the future as well. If you buy -2700 ram, you'll be stuck with slower ram on a board of greater capability, negating most of the speed benefits of upgrading the board.

 

Yeah, I'm upgrading alright. But not now. In a year or so. But it's very clear that most Socket 775 motherboard today doesn't run DDR RAM, only DDR2 RAM. Am I correct? If this is the case, it won't be a good idea getting fast and expensive DDR RAM for my current motherboard today, as I could never use that RAM in the newest motherboards that do not support DDR RAM, only DDR2 RAM. Is this correct?

 

Right now, I am basically getting RAM that will last a year or so. That's why I want to make sure the RAM is going to work properly, and not be any kind of overkill RAM for my poor old motherboard.

 

Now, I MIGHT go for a new Socket 478 motherboard when I purchase my new DDR RAM in a couple of weeks, if the motherboard is cheap enough, AND can run RAM modules in dual channel mode. THEN it would be a valid point getting faster RAM! Let's say this new Socket 478 motherboard can run PC3200 RAM (DDR400) - Would my current RAM, at PC3000, be able to overclock it's frequency up to PC3200 on this new motherboard? I just have to get the basic facts regarding this very matter, and I'm all good. It wouldn't even be a point of getting good PC3200 RAM for a PC3200 motherboard as this RAM can't be overclocked unless the motherboard supports even higher RAM speeds than PC3200 right?

 

I admit it, I am pretty clueless when it comes to RAM overclocking and RAM speeds in general. I really, really want to learn though!

 

If the upgraded board is dual channel capable, not getting a dual channel kit would mean you could be out of luck with -2700 ram as the "dual channel kit" designation simply means that all of the IC's on each stick and between the two sticks match and in the case of Corsair have been tested in an actual dual-channel capable motherboard to run in dual channel mode at their rated latencies and speed. FYI, most memory controllers have a huge problem running in dual channel mode if the IC chips used on the ram sticks do not match. They either won't run at all or will downclock to a crawl. As to what Ram to buy, I'd recommend any of the Corsair dual channel 1 or 2gig kits (if your operating system and system is capable of handling that much ram). If you are not going to overclock much, any of the -3200's will work great as long as they're listed as compatible on the Configurator. If you're going to get into overclocking and are aware of the constraints of heat issues, voltage, and timing then sticks with values higher than -3200 are better choices. I think you'll find going from 256mb to 1gig of ram will be awesome. Good Luck.

 

Ok. Just tell me the basics about RAM speeds and I believe I'll be fine.

 

ps: For future reference, I think you'll find being rude or impatient around here will make ya feel like Tom Hanks on that itty bitty island.

 

Haha, I'm sorry if I sounded offensife! Was not my intention what so ever. I'm just being tortured by my slow 256 MB Windows XP system, that's all. You can imagine that does something to your temper! :P

 

Thanks again and hope to hear from ya again soon!

 

Best Regards,

Thomas!

[ThomasWH]

Ok. I couldn't wait anylonger, so I just got 1 GB (1x1 GB stick) with Value Select RAM. I don't think it would be possible to overclock "good" PC3200 RAM on this motherboard in any way, anyway, so! :p

 

Am I right?

[RAM GUY]

Yes, and please let us know how you make out!

[ThomasWH]

Yes, and please let us know how you make out!

 

Hi Ram Guy, how are you doing today? Thanks for your interest!

 

I just received my Corsair VS ram and installed it easily. System up and running. But before I loaded Windows XP, I went into the BIOS and cleared all overclocking settings for the CPU - Cause, when I overclock the CPU (FSB) I also overclock the RAM? Right? I am not sure how much overclocking this VC stick is good for. Can you tell me a little about that?

 

Ok, the funny thing is that... I've been running my P4 1.6 GHz CPU at 2.4 GHz ever since I bought this CPU back in 2002. When I sat the CPU speed back down to 1.6 GHz, a few minutes ago, I still noticed some performance increases during booting of XP. Not bad. I guess more RAM was needed in my case (256 MB wasn't enough!) - However, while the system is faster loading some applications with 1 GB RAM and the CPU @ 1.6 GHz stock speed, the system was also faster in GENERAL with 256 MB RAM and the CPU @ 2.4 GHz.

 

I want to overclock my CPU. I don't NEED that 2.4 GHz, cause I know it would be impossible anyway with this COrsair VS RAM installed in my system... But, 1.6 GHz isn't enough for me!

 

Did I choose the wrong RAM? So far, I am not sure about anything. I am going to let the expert(s) find out what will be best for my current setup.

 

Corsair VS 1 GB in effect! So far, it's been ok!

 

Best Regards,

Thomas!

[RAM GUY]

I dont understand your question. Sorry can you bottom line it for me?

[ThomasWH]

Ok, I'll give it another shot! Sorry! :)

 

I have a P4 1.6 GHz "Northwood" CPU running in my PC. I had it running at an overlocked 2.4 GHz with my old RAM, the Corsair CMX256A-3000C2. Yesterday I replaced the Corsair CMX256A-3000C2 RAM with my new Corsair VS1GB400C3 RAM.

 

My question is simply: Is it possible to overclock my CPU when I am running Corsair Value Select RAM in my PC? To me knowledge, I'd say not really. Maybe a slight overclock. Cause when I am overclocking the CPU, I am also automatically overclocking the RAM. Is this correct?

 

My computer is running at the stock speed of 1.6 GHz right now, which is way too slow for me. I don't want to burn my new Corsair VS ram to bits, so that's why I am asking! :)

 

Hope my description of the problem was better this time!

 

Thanks!

Thomas

[ThomasWH]

And, if it turns out it won't be possible to overclock my CPU with the Corsair VS RAM installed in my PC, I will have to sell this RAM to someone and get some new RAM.

 

Hope someone can help me out with this!

 

Best Wishes,

Thomas.....!

[RAM GUY]

Yes but can you tell me the bios settings you have set for both CPU and memory and any performance settings that you may have set?

[ThomasWH]

Right now both CPU and RAM are running at standard factory settings. I reset all overclocking because I don't want to destroy my new Corsair VS RAM.

 

Do yo still need to know details in my bios? Let me know!

 

Well, my PC is slower now than it was before. Which is faster? Corsair VS1GB400C3 RAM vs. Corsair CMX256A-3000C2 RAM: The winner is the 256 MB stick!!!

 

Thank you for your reply!

[RAM GUY]

Well it depends on what you use to determine the memory performance. While our XMS3200C2 will get better performance you will be able to have more applications open with the higher density modules installed. I would go for the 1.0 Gig modules in the long run they will provide best all arround performance over 256 Meg modules.

[ThomasWH]

Yeah! I see. Well, yeah, it's nice to have more RAM. 1 GB is nearly perfect for XP. But XP doesn't really run too well with 256 MB. But I was pretty satisfied with the speed of my 256 MB RAM. Of course, when I had many appliactions running, that speed went straight down the drain and everything because slow, as the disk started swapping virtual memory instead.

 

Well, I still need to know if I can overclock my CPU at all with the VS RAM installed.

 

I have also looked at the TWINX2048-3500LLPRO RAM. It's expensive, around $450 USD in my country (Norway), but it's tempting anyway. Then I wouldn't have to worry about overclocking in anyway way, since that RAM is a total overkill for my motherboard. Haha.

 

Thanks for your feedback man!

Thomas

[RAM GUY]

The MB you have will run the memory at DDR333 and if you over clock the CPU it will increase the memory frequency as well. So yes you can over clock your system. But Our Value Select modules may not over clock as well as our XMS series. But this MB is not going to run much over 150 Mhz so Value Select may be a good choice.

[ThomasWH]

Dear Ram Guy,

 

The post you just wrote tells me exactly what I need to know. Ok, so, my MB does NOT run the RAM much higher than 150 MHz. That's what I've been wondering about all the time! :)

 

So, my Corsair VS RAM at 200 MHz is faster than my MB at 150 MHz, and I can't get ANY RAM to go faster than 150 MHz, right?

 

The 3500LLPRO RAM would just be a total waste of money. Is this correct? Hmmm.

 

What about the timings. My old RAM was still faster than the Corsair Value Select RAM. I believe it's because of the timings.

 

Still wondering if I'm going to stick with my VS RAM or upgrade to something else. I want my system to be as fast as possible with whatever RAM.

 

I just clocked the CPU up from 1.6 GHz to 2.4 GHz. Is my Corsair VS RAM going to survice that CPU overclock? Can I go even higher with my CPU with the VS RAM installed?

[RAM GUY]

The VS Ram will go little over 200MHZ max. So how far will your system goes depends mainly on the CPU and RAM. Just caculate the ratio and bare in mind when you increase the frequency for the CPU it corresponds with the RAM FSB also. So the max is 200MHZ for the VS RAM.

 

I would suggest postponing your upgrade until you're ready for a whole new system. Currently the DDR2 is the next best thing and personally that is what I recommend.