BTSchnarfy Posted January 21, 2007 Posted January 21, 2007 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! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrewr05 Posted January 21, 2007 Posted January 21, 2007 (edited) 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 January 21, 2007 by Andrewr05 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crow47 Posted January 21, 2007 Posted January 21, 2007 Nice. Still trying to get my dad into upgrading from our old 400mhz mac. Yeah, I know, pretty rough. Luckily I have my computer. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Queenz Posted January 21, 2007 Posted January 21, 2007 I remember going from a 450MHz K6 to a P4 OMG BIG DIFFERENCE!!!!!!!!!!!! The experience I had feeling it was heart throbbing! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BTSchnarfy Posted January 21, 2007 Posted January 21, 2007 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Queenz Posted January 21, 2007 Posted January 21, 2007 (edited) 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 January 21, 2007 by QueenzPCfreak90 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BTSchnarfy Posted January 21, 2007 Posted January 21, 2007 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: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hardnrg Posted January 21, 2007 Posted January 21, 2007 (edited) 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 January 21, 2007 by hardnrg Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BTSchnarfy Posted January 21, 2007 Posted January 21, 2007 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hardnrg Posted January 21, 2007 Posted January 21, 2007 stick a fan on it and give it all the volts the foxconn can muster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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