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My parents' new system


BTSchnarfy

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I just got done assembling a new system for my parents about a half hour ago. I think it turned out pretty well considering I spent much less than their budget allowed. They will only use this system for office apps, e-mail, and messing around with the occasional photo or two. Now before I tell you guys what parts I used and show a couple of pics, I should probably explain what they are upgrading from.

 

Old system:

Pentium II 400Mhz (w/ MMX)

OEM motherboard

96MB SDRAM

10GB 5400RPM HD

VooDoo 2 (the original SLi)

4X DVD-ROM drive

4X CD-R/W drive

Gateway 200 mid-tower

17" CRT

Windows 98 SE

 

That system has been in use since 1997, and has now become more of a pain than a benefit. So, I talked them into upgrading to a much better system. I know that by todays standards this new system will still be considered "slow", but look what they are coming from! That's also why I didn't go overboard on any components (it just wasn't necessary). So. . .

 

New system:

AMD Athlon 64 3200+

Foxconn 6100K8MA-RS motherboard

2 x 512 A-DATA DDR400 2-3-3-6

WD 160GB 7200RPM w/8MB cache SATAII

Lite-On Dual Layer DVD-R/W SATA

Rosewill mid tower case w/ 450W PSU

Viewsonic Q171b 17" LCD

Windows XP Pro

 

It's up and Folding now (so I can keep an eye on the temps), so I'll post up pics in a bit. So far so good! :foldon:

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That is going to make a world of difference dude, GREAT JOB!! ;)

I remember going from my 250Mhz PII system to my Athlon and even then the difference was phenomenal...

Edited by Andrewr05

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Well, I seem to only be having one small problem at the moment. The RAM's SPD settings are being detected as 2.5-3-3-8 as opposed to the 2-3-3-6 that was listed on NewEgg. I know NewEgg has had items' specs wrong before, but I even went to the manufacturers' web site to verify the timings. I'll mess with it some more tomorrow, but at 2.7V the memory just will not POST at CAS 2.

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Well, I seem to only be having one small problem at the moment. The RAM's SPD settings are being detected as 2.5-3-3-8 as opposed to the 2-3-3-6 that was listed on NewEgg. I know NewEgg has had items' specs wrong before, but I even went to the manufacturers' web site to verify the timings. I'll mess with it some more tomorrow, but at 2.7V the memory just will not post at CAS 2.

 

 

It's because the motherboard sets it to the settings that it thinks is suitable for the RAM, it's most likely that the settings in the bios are set to "Auto" thats why. Change the settings from "Auto" to "Manual", and then choose what timings you want the RAM to run at yourself. This is usually found in the "Advanced Chipset Features" category in the BIOS.

Edited by QueenzPCfreak90

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It's because the motherboard sets it to the settings that it thinks is suitable for the RAM, it's most likely that the settings in the bios are set to "Auto" thats why. Change the settings from "Auto" to "Manual", and then choose what timings you want the RAM to run at yourself. This is usually found in the "Advanced Chipset Features" category in the BIOS.

 

I am well aware of how to adjust RAM timings. What I am saying is, if I set the RAM to run at its advertised timings of 2-3-3-6, it will not POST. Even in CPU-Z, it's reading the SPD settings as 2.5-3-3-8 @ DDR400. I'll up the voltage a smidge tomorrow to see if that helps the situation any. Anyways. . . some pics I promised:

 

post-17120-1169351579_thumb.jpg post-17120-1169351607_thumb.jpg post-17120-1169351613_thumb.jpg

 

post-17120-1169351624_thumb.jpg post-17120-1169351634_thumb.jpg

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http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showth...hlight=ram+list

PC3200 --chip--> Winbond CH-5, Samsung TCCC

PC3200 --chip--> Special Edition Winbond BH-5

 

there is a possibility that the ram modules are winbond ch5/bh5 which would mean the timings could be tightened up with voltages around 2.95-3.5v (with a fan)... tccc is more likely to stick at 2.5-3-3-x or looser depending on speed

 

btw... the difference in ram timings in regards to ensuing performance is surprisingly small... so even if you end up with 2.5-3-3-8... it's not exactly a kick in the teeth

Edited by hardnrg

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Thanks for the info hardnrg. I know that timings really don't matter all that much on Athlon 64 systems, but it guess it's just one of those things that will bug the hell outta me if it doesn't work. But, I won't be returning the RAM if I get stuck using it at the current settings. It is, after all, just an office rig.

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