nForce2 (Ultra) 400 and DDR module compatibility

[Wolfi]

Since the nForce2 (Ultra) 400 memory controller is known to be a bit picky
about the modules it will properly deal with, are there any first hand
experiences available here, about how well it can do with 512MB DDR400(+)
modules, which are built with either:

- 8× 512Mb-chips 64M (8k×2k×4bnk) × 8bit, single sided/banked or
- 8× 512Mb-chips 32M (8k×1k×4bnk) ×16bit, double sided/banked or
- 16× 256Mb-chips 64M (8k×2k×4bnk) × 4bit, single sided/banked or
- 16× 256Mb-chips 32M (8k×1k×4bnk) × 8bit, double sided/banked

What I understand so far, the first 2 variants are still very rare (those
chips by now are usually only used for 1 and 2GB modules), while the last
variant seems to be the most commonly offered one for the higher quality
6-layer no-names and brands, but apparently for cheap, 4-layer modules the
last but one version seems to be quite common.
Is this observation correct so far?

So how well then is it dealing in real life with 4-layer and 6-layer CL2,
CL2.5 and CL3 no-name modules, made with any those different chip
combinations and are there any significant differences in this respect
between the single and dual channel modes/versions and additionally also
with a mix of same sized but differently organised modules, according to the
above listing (which shouldn't, since there are two independent memory
controllers, one for each channel) for that controller?

Wolfi

 

[S.Heenan]

Since the nForce2 (Ultra) 400 memory controller is known to be a bit
picky about the modules it will properly deal with, are there any
first hand experiences available here, about how well it can do with
512MB DDR400(+) modules, which are built with either:

Crucial PC3200-all sizes to 512MB non-ECC unregistered
Corsair Value PC3200 -all sizes to 512MB non-ECC unregistered
Mushkin Blue/Black Level One 512MB PC3200 non-ECC unregistered
Corsair XMS PC3200-all sizes to 512MB PC3200 non-ECC unregistered
Various PC2700 modules from these companies.

I've used all of the above on Asus and Abit NF2 Ultra 400 boards, with good
results. I believe most problems are a result of not setting correct timings
for a given speed. IOW, newbies tend to run async using SPD, which is often
a no-no, regardless of the chipset.

 

[Ed]

I've used all of the above on Asus and Abit NF2 Ultra 400 boards, with good
results. I believe most problems are a result of not setting correct timings
for a given speed. IOW, newbies tend to run async using SPD, which is often
a no-no, regardless of the chipset.

Yep, keeping the FSB and Ram in sync is the key.

Have had mine for almost a year now and it's been flawless.
Ed

 

[Wolfi]

Crucial PC3200-all sizes to 512MB non-ECC unregistered
Corsair Value PC3200 -all sizes to 512MB non-ECC unregistered
Mushkin Blue/Black Level One 512MB PC3200 non-ECC unregistered
Corsair XMS PC3200-all sizes to 512MB PC3200 non-ECC unregistered
Various PC2700 modules from these companies.

Well, these all are the high(er) priced, quality highe-end brand type modules.
What about experiences with spot-market, bulk no-name modules in 4- and 6-layer
design?

I've used all of the above on Asus and Abit NF2 Ultra 400 boards, with good
results. I believe most problems are a result of not setting correct timings
for a given speed. IOW, newbies tend to run async using SPD, which is often
a no-no, regardless of the chipset.

That actually might be good advice.

Wolfi

 

[S.Heenan]

Well, these all are the high(er) priced, quality highe-end brand type
modules. What about experiences with spot-market, bulk no-name
modules in 4- and 6-layer design?

Don't do it.

That actually might be good advice.

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-146-532&depa=1
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-150-606&depa=1

Fry's, the American chain, often has good quality RAM on sale.
Either of the above will be fine in an Nforce2 Ultra400 board. Stay away
from generic RAM and get a good power supply, if you don't already have one.

 

[George Macdonald]

Well, these all are the high(er) priced, quality highe-end brand type modules.
What about experiences with spot-market, bulk no-name modules in 4- and 6-layer
design?

From what I see at a glance at the DDR-SDRAM market, at the higher speed
grades, e.g. PC3200, there's not a lot of generic stuff around... not like
there used to be in the PC-100 and even PC-133 days. Clue: you can't
solder it up in your basement and you need to be able to get "select" high
quality chips... and sort them yourself if you want to offer premium and
mid-grade DIMMs. IOW more than ever, you get what you pay for and in fact
you pay $25. more for peace of mind... big deal!

This subject has been hashed over umpteen times here and with the timings
and margins on current memory channel devices, it's a big risk to not buy
from a mfr who actually has some brick & mortar presence. I've given up
taking a chance on generic modules in the hope that they might be "just
fine". I've used Kingston PC3200 modules - Hyper-something - in a nForce2
400 mbrd with no problem but I'd happily use Corsair, Crucial or Mushkin.

Rgds, George Macdonald

"Just because they're paranoid doesn't mean you're not psychotic" - Who, me??