Newbie Ram Question

T

Timmorgz78

New Member
I have recently bought a new computer with an Asus P5GC-MX 1333 motherboard, It came with 2GB of DDR2 533 (PC2-4200). These are the specs that I have found on the Motherboard

Chipset: Intel 945GC
Supported DRAM Types: DDR2 SDRAM only
Module Types Supported: Unbuffered only
Error Detection Support: Non-ECC only
Graphics Support: PCI Express x16
Max Component Density: 1024
USB Support: 2.x Compliant
240-pin DDR2 DIMM Banking: 2 (2 banks of 1)
DDR2 SDRAM Frequencies: PC2-3200 and PC2-4200
Max Unbuffered DDR2 SDRAM: 2048MB

I'm looking to upgrade the ram, but is it true that my motherboard can only support 2gbs? (Don't know if this should go in the motherboard section) But even if that is the case would a DDR2 PC2-5300 running at 667 at the same GB's have any great impact on the performance. I am really just using the computer as a MMO RPG gaming computer. Would it also be possable to put in 4GB's even though some of it might not be used?
Thanks for any help you can offer
 
Save this link for reference since it's the main support page for that model board. http://support.asus.com/download/download.aspx?SLanguage=en-us

The specifications shown in the user manual you can download online as well as what should have come with the system show only two dimm slots seeing a 2gb max. Apparently that's a micro atx board there.

For running a board with 4gb or more of memory most will elect to upgrade to a 64bit edition of Vista at this time since a 32bit edition of either XP or Vista will only see upto about 3-3.12gb of ram. Many simply add a third 1gb dimm on a four dimm slot board for the 3gb total over 2gb for an extra gig of memory while staying with a 32bit edition.

For adding additional memory there you would have to swap out the present board for another newer model even seeing 4 dimm slots. The key to success when going to buy or build any new system is to first look at specifications a prebuild offers as well as expandability or to preplan a custom case where you have endless options.
 
Timmorgz78 said:
I have recently bought a new computer with an Asus P5GC-MX 1333 motherboard, It came with 2GB of DDR2 533 (PC2-4200). These are the specs that I have found on the Motherboard

Chipset: Intel 945GC
Supported DRAM Types: DDR2 SDRAM only
Module Types Supported: Unbuffered only
Error Detection Support: Non-ECC only
Graphics Support: PCI Express x16
Max Component Density: 1024
USB Support: 2.x Compliant
240-pin DDR2 DIMM Banking: 2 (2 banks of 1)
DDR2 SDRAM Frequencies: PC2-3200 and PC2-4200
Max Unbuffered DDR2 SDRAM: 2048MB

I'm looking to upgrade the ram, but is it true that my motherboard can only support 2gbs? (Don't know if this should go in the motherboard section) But even if that is the case would a DDR2 PC2-5300 running at 667 at the same GB's have any great impact on the performance. I am really just using the computer as a MMO RPG gaming computer. Would it also be possable to put in 4GB's even though some of it might not be used?
Thanks for any help you can offer
Click to expand...

The board has only 2 Memory slots. Has a 4 gb Max of DDR2 677. You would have to use two 2gb. sticks of DDR2 677 if you want to run the boards Max.

2 x DIMM, max. 4GB, DDR2 667/533 MHz, non-ECC, un-buffered memory
Dual channel memory architecture

http://www.asus.com/products.aspx?modelmenu=2&model=1768&l1=3&l2=11&l3=498&l4=0
 
Thanks

Thanks for pointing that out, I'm soo new to computers it isn't even funny. I have probably around 1 million questions that probably don't need answers, haha. The maximum on the Mobo is 677 I'm guessing I't would be pointless to put in an 800. Now on to find some 2x2048 DDR2's

thanks
(and sorry for the triple post.... that usually doesn't happen...)
 
Before rushing out to buy 2gb dimms you may want to take a closer look at which P5GC-MX model you actually have. The board there came with 2gb of 533mhz memory quite likely since that board may be the DDR2 533/400 version while the others seeing the same number run 667 or 1333 even.

Have a look at a portion of the user manual's specifications which show a 2gb max of 533.



Take a real good look at the exact model number in case it turns out to be the one specified here. If we scroll down the list of boards seen at http://usa.asus.com/products.aspx?l1=3&l2=11 we come to a P5GC-MX/1333 model first. There's also a P5GC-MX SE model as well.
 
PC eye said:
Before rushing out to buy 2gb dimms you may want to take a closer look at which P5GC-MX model you actually have. The board there came with 2gb of 533mhz memory quite likely since that board may be the DDR2 533/400 version while the others seeing the same number run 667 or 1333 even.
Click to expand...

He said he has the P5GC-MX 1333. Plus neither model will run 1333 memory. The 1333 on the P5GC-MX 1333 referes to the FSB not the memory.

But I,m out of this one too. Not going to post anymore in this thread unless Timmorgz78 post back. Not playing your tick for tact B/S games anymore.
 
Timmorgz78 said:
Thanks for pointing that out, I'm soo new to computers it isn't even funny. I have probably around 1 million questions that probably don't need answers, haha. The maximum on the Mobo is 677 I'm guessing I't would be pointless to put in an 800. Now on to find some 2x2048 DDR2's

thanks
(and sorry for the triple post.... that usually doesn't happen...)
Click to expand...

As a rule of thumb ignore everything pc_eye posts....
 
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...-details.asp?EdpNo=3883595&sku=SYXS-DC-981002

This is the computer from tiger direct, As you can see there are some typos regarding which Ram they put in, the one in the paragraph says 667 and the one in the specs read 533. I've found a site for the correct motherboard, the 1337 http://usa.asus.com/products.aspx?modelmenu=2&model=1768&l1=3&l2=11&l3=498&l4=0. My question is if I did buy the 2x2gb DIMMs am I restricted to just 677 or 533 or can I upgrade to 800. Or will the 800 only read at 677?
 
ukulele_ninja said:
As a rule of thumb ignore everything pc_eye posts....
Click to expand...

I read what he said and it was very helpful, I have read already about the 32 bit OS only reading 3gbs and upgrading to 64 bit is an option. I'm just more concerned about the exact type of Memory I can use to max the board out.
PC-eye you're very informative and resourceful. And ninja thanks for the sarcastic comment. Much needed by the way... :)

And Stranglehold has been very informative as well, Thanks for all you've looked up
 
Last edited:
Timmorgz78 said:
And ninja thanks for the sarcastic comment. Much needed by the way... :)
Click to expand...

The thing what ukulele_ninja said about PC eye. Its like being lost and asking for directions. You might get there, you might not. Just dont take anything for granted. Might be best to stop and ask someone else alone the way.
 
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