Questions about 8RDA+

I'm looking at upgrading from my current 1.4ghz Tbird on a K7S5A to an XP2500/333 on the 8RDA+. Please keep in mind when reading these questions that I am not interesting in overclocking anything :) Only looking at this board because it appears to be the cheapest of the Nforce2's

1. Regarding the Nforce2's "dual memory controllers". Some sites say that it's important to populate only the first 2 slots and use identical memory to get the dual memory to kick in. Other sites say that it's pointless since the FSB can't actually move enough data to use the dual memory, and that this feature was intended for the IGP version to service the video system's demands. What's the call? 3*256 would much friendlier to the wallet than 2*512.

2. Memory. Somebody mentioned in another thread that the 8RDA+ doesn't like Corsair XMS. Is it known as being particularly choosy with other brands? Since I'm not going to overclock, was just going to go for some Samsung DDR333

3. Many have said that this board's onboard audio is quite good. Good enough to replace my Sblive Platinum as far as sound quality and features (ie, EAX implimentation)?

Any other thoughts on this combination? Can anybody make a convincing sales pitch for DDR400 seeing as it costs 50% more?

Thank'ee much :)

well let me preface my remarks by saying that i had to RMA my 8RDA+
and am waiting on a replacement now

here goes
1\dual memory really is NOT a big increase unless you are using the IGP having said that using 2 slots is better just not by much
but using IGP its big

2\i have mentioned before the corsair problem before not all corsair memory will not allow it to post but some will it is a known issue
i went with kingston hyper x its cheaper and works very well

3\ well this is conjecture but from all the reading i have done *lots* the sound is very good and better than sb live

Memory wise id go with Kingston HyperX and ddr333 also i started a thread about the sound quality and the mobo appearently has good sound but does not have "soundstorm" for that you need some sort of bracket for 18 dollars from epox, maybe they will fix this in a later edition.

1. To use dual channel, you have to populate memory bank 1 and either memory bank two or three. And you can use three sticks in dual channel, it's just that the third stick would run a bit slower.

2. The 8RDA+ doesn't like Corsair ram. You'd be better getting some kingston hyperX or Samsung.

3. I've heard from some that's it's great, and others that it's ok. It will at least be as good as the SBlive platinum.

The 8RDA+ isn't the cheapest. The 8RDA is cheaper by around 40 bucks or so. I don't know if another brand is cheaper than that. number1sixerfan is right about the dual channel memory and both he and dxi are right about the sound. However I *think* that Epox fixed the Corsair RAM issue with a BIOS release. The latest is dated 03-05-03 which fixed something to do with the Barton chip.

I realize you don't want to do any OC'ing, but the Kingston HyperX rocks and you might want to take a look at prices on it before opting for the Samsung. It's 50 bucks for a 256 module here or $86 for a 512 module here. Both with free shipping.

8rda=$88. The 8rda+ just went down to $99. now that the 8rga has come out! On newegg! Good buy!

wow i might buy one of those and wait for the radeons to drop in price.....

I just read a article that says to use memory bank 1 and bank 3!

Quote:

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Originally posted by rusty c
I just read a article that says to use memory bank 1 and bank 3!

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You can use bank two or three, but bank 1 must be occupied to take use of DCDDR.

Quote:

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Originally posted by number1sixerfan


You can use bank two or three, but bank 1 must be occupied to take use of DCDDR.

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do both ram sticks have to be the same?

Same size? No. Same brand? No, but recommended. Same CAS speed? No, but you'll run at the slower of the 2.