2 x 512MB Kingston PC3200 won't run at 400MHz

Jimmy 2004 · Sep 25, 2005

I recently bought a new Kingston PC3200 512MB memory module to upgrade my PC. The memory I already had was the exact same product number, the only difference is that only the original one actually has the kingston memory chips (can't remember the name of the other one I'm afraid). My problem is that when I have both the modules installed at the same time, the most my motherboard will let them run at is 333MHz, not 400MHz like they should. Even if I manualy set the speed, it will still load at 333MHz which is really confusing.

Both of the RAM modules run fine individually at 400MHz - they will each go for hours and never crash, but when together, although I have no stability problems, they won't run at 400MHz. My motherboard is an Asus K8N, and other than this I have no real problems at the moment. I'd appreciate any help.

Jim

djbbenn · Sep 25, 2005

Are you saying you have 2 sticks in it? If it was 4 they will run at 333. You have to overclock on most boards to get them running at 400. But with two...

-Dan

Darksaber · Sep 25, 2005

well crazy thing with my old A7N8X was that I had to lower the CL from 3 to 2,5 to get mine to run stable...was Kingston as well (check my sig...same sticks)

cheers
Vahid

bobyjo · Sep 26, 2005

Jimmy 2004 said:
I recently bought a new Kingston PC3200 512MB memory module to upgrade my PC. The memory I already had was the exact same product number, the only difference is that only the original one actually has the kingston memory chips (can't remember the name of the other one I'm afraid). My problem is that when I have both the modules installed at the same time, the most my motherboard will let them run at is 333MHz, not 400MHz like they should. Even if I manualy set the speed, it will still load at 333MHz which is really confusing.

Both of the RAM modules run fine individually at 400MHz - they will each go for hours and never crash, but when together, although I have no stability problems, they won't run at 400MHz. My motherboard is an Asus K8N, and other than this I have no real problems at the moment. I'd appreciate any help.

Jim

In order to achive a dual channel 400mhz memroy subsystem, you must have a matched pair of sticks exactly the same chips and latency. If they do not match, the chipset will default to 333mhz. This is a preprogammed thing in the chipset. The only way to get dual channel trade the last stick for another that matches the old one. If that cannot be ackomplished, sell the memory you have and purchase a matched pait of sticks.

djbbenn · Sep 26, 2005

His board is a 754. They don't support dual channel anyways. I was reading that those board will only support 1 modual at 400MHz. Don't know if its true, but it seems to be in your case.

-Dan

Jimmy 2004 · Sep 26, 2005

Thanks for the help - I do only have the 2 sticks by the way. I guess what you say about my motherboard only supporting 1 stick at 400MHz must be right... I'll try having a quick play with the CL anyway. I think it's at 2,5 at the moment. How much difference will it be between 333MHz and 400MHz anyway - I wouldn't like to think that my upgrade was giving little or no performance advantages to me.

Don__1 · Sep 26, 2005

What is the make and model of your motherboard Jimmy ?

Jimmy 2004 · Sep 26, 2005

An Asus K8N - like Dan says it is socket 754. I've included a pic of a page from the manual. Sorry about the quality. I am definately using slots 1 and 2 and I think both pieces of memory are double sided.

Don__1 · Sep 26, 2005

Do you run the FSB higher than 200Mhz to achieve your CPU overclock and then use a ratio to try to keep them memory at 200Mhz ?

Jimmy 2004 · Sep 26, 2005

I don't think I use a ratio to keep the memory at 200MHz. I have the FSB at 220MHz but I don't think I have any option to change the memory ratio. But if that was causing the problem wouldn't it have an effect on the memory with just the one module in. Both of them do work by themselves... but when I put both in together I get the problem.

Don__1 · Sep 26, 2005

Jimmy 2004 said:
I don't think I use a ratio to keep the memory at 200MHz. I have the FSB at 220MHz but I don't think I have any option to change the memory ratio. But if that was causing the problem wouldn't it have an effect on the memory with just the one module in. Both of them do work by themselves... but when I put both in together I get the problem.

Don't know, what does it do at stock 200Mhz FSB with 2 sticks in ?

Jimmy 2004 · Sep 26, 2005

Thanks for the tip - just gave it a go and unfortunately it didn't work - the pc still loaded at 333MHz.

Jim

Don__1 · Sep 26, 2005

Mmmmm. And does CPUZ say that both sticks are proper PC3200 ?

http://www.cpuid.org/cpuz.php

Jimmy 2004 · Sep 27, 2005

Both of them register as being PC 3200. I tried using the recommended timings and turning down my CPU overclock but the PC still only works at 333MHz. Not looking to hopeful. When I do overclock the FSB the memory is running at 366MHz, but I don't seem to be able to reach 400MHz.

bobyjo · Sep 27, 2005

DDR400 & PC3200 is only a rated speed of the memory chips.
DO you know which chips are on these sticks?
This is important, not all chips work in every board.
Did you go to the mfg site and check with thier configerator and see exactly which memory is supported by your board?

Jimmy 2004 · Sep 27, 2005

Both of the numbers on the stickers are KVR400X64C3A/512.
On one of the sticks the chips are Kingston and the number is (i think - not completely sure which one I need) D32028DL3T - 5A
The other is Elphida and the number is DD2502AMTA.

Which site should I check these on then?

I would have thought that if they weren't supported they wouldn't at 400MHz at all. My problem is that 2 modules won't work together at 400MHz.

bobyjo · Sep 27, 2005

The best way to clairify this, would be to call the mfg and talk to tech support. They can tell you exactly which chip is on the stick. Since you have two different brands, you would need to call both mfg about this.

Don__1 · Sep 27, 2005

Yep, looks like the 2 sticks don't like each other when used in your board.
And your statement in the first post about both sticks being identical is wrong.
There seems to be a significant difference between the two that causes the board to only allow 333Mhz when used together.

Jimmy 2004 · Sep 28, 2005

Don__1 said:
Yep, looks like the 2 sticks don't like each other when used in your board.
And your statement in the first post about both sticks being identical is wrong.
There seems to be a significant difference between the two that causes the board to only allow 333Mhz when used together.

Sorry about that... it was a bit misleading I guess. I was trying to imply that they were the same number from the same manufacturer... does sound possible that it could be a difference between the two sticks. A bit suprising considering that they are the same manufacturer.

What actually is the performance difference between 333MHz and 400Mhz? I hope it is better to have 1gig of 333 than 512 of 400MHz?

bobyjo · Sep 28, 2005

FYI::
The chips must be made by the same mfg, the PCB's the same, and the timing setup the same.
The only of being sure of this is to purchase a matched set of Dual Channel.
There are some mfg that say thier mfg tollerances are so close that you may order two of a certain stick and they will work as dual channel.
I keep mentioning DUAL CHANNEL even though you do not have dual channel capabilities.
This is just an example of getting a pair of sticks that will run together.
No problems in attaining the default speed of 400.

Jimmy 2004 · Sep 28, 2005

I know the timings are the same... but I guess the rest are different probably :-(. I guess I'll just have to stick with the speed I get from increasing the FSB. Have to be sure to get a Dual Channel pack next time. Thanks for all the help.

Darksaber · Sep 29, 2005

have you tried changing the CL from 3 to 2,5? I know, it sounds strange...but that worked for me on my Asus A7N8X back in the days. Was Kingston as well, the Valueram series.

cheers
Vahid

Don__1 · Sep 29, 2005

I spoke to a friend yesterday who has the same motherboard. He is running 2 IDENTICAL modules at PC3200 speeds with no problems at all.

To satisfy yourself, do you have a friend with 2 identical memory modules who would be willing to let you use them to test things ?

Jimmy 2004 · Sep 29, 2005

Thanks for all the help - my CL has been at 2,5 for ages, even though the sticks are rated at 3 I tried to give slightly more agressive timings, but I've tried these at 2,5 and 3 with no change.

I'll try and find a friend with identical modules, not sure of anyone I know that does have 2 but I'll check. Looks like it must be the slight difference that the motherboard doesn't like.

fflex · Dec 18, 2005

I don't want to hijack this thread.... but...

I got the exact same problem as the threadstarter, except i got a pair of Corsair TwinMx 1024 mb 3200. These modules are designed to work in dual channel, and it won't go past 333 bus speed. I got the same board alos, the Asus K8N s754...

Anyone have got a clue?

Thx in advance

System Name	Jimmy 2004's PC
Processor	S754 AMD Athlon64 3200+ @ 2640MHz
Motherboard	ASUS K8N
Cooling	AC Freezer 64 Pro + Zalman VF1000 + 5x120mm Antec TriCool Case Fans
Memory	1GB Kingston PC3200 (2x512MB)
Video Card(s)	Saphire 256MB X800 GTO @ 450MHz/560MHz (Core/Memory)
Storage	500GB Western Digital SATA II + 80GB Maxtor DiamondMax SATA
Display(s)	Digimate 17" TFT (1280x1024)
Case	Antec P182
Audio Device(s)	Audigy 4 + Creative Inspire T7900 7.1 Speakers
Power Supply	Corsair HX520W
Software	Windows XP Home

Processor	AMD 5800x
Motherboard	ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero
Cooling	Custom Water Loop
Memory	32GB G.Skill Trident Z neo
Video Card(s)	Sapphire Vega 64
Storage	Sabrent Rocket 4 NVMEs / SSDs
Display(s)	27" AOC AG271QX
Case	Phanteks Enthoo Evolve
Audio Device(s)	SoundBlaster AE-7
Power Supply	EVGA SuperNova 750
Software	Windows 10

System Name	Meshlicious Monster
Processor	Intel Core i5-10600T
Motherboard	MSI Z490I Unify
Cooling	NZXT Kraken Z53 with 2x Noctua Redux 1300 RPM PWM fans
Memory	ADATA 16 GB 3200 Mhz DDR4
Video Card(s)	MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Gaming X Trio
Storage	TeamGroup 1TB NVMe SSD
Display(s)	Asus ProArt 27" 1440P, 75Hz
Case	ssupd Meshlicious with mesh side panels
Power Supply	Fractal Design Ion 660 W Platinum ATX
Mouse	Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro Wireless
Keyboard	Microsoft Sidewinder X4 Keyboard
Software	Windows 10 Home

System Name	My Stuff
Processor	A64 X2-4400
Motherboard	DFI LP NF4 Sli-D
Cooling	CNPS9500CuLed
Memory	OCZ 2x1gb Platinum
Video Card(s)	VisionTek HD3850 512
Storage	WD 500gb SATA3
Display(s)	Samsung 22" LCD
Case	Tsami Dream
Audio Device(s)	Onboard w/Logitech 5.1's
Power Supply	OCZ GameXStream700 Watt
Software	XP Pro SP2

Processor	AMD 5800x
Motherboard	ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero
Cooling	Custom Water Loop
Memory	32GB G.Skill Trident Z neo
Video Card(s)	Sapphire Vega 64
Storage	Sabrent Rocket 4 NVMEs / SSDs
Display(s)	27" AOC AG271QX
Case	Phanteks Enthoo Evolve
Audio Device(s)	SoundBlaster AE-7
Power Supply	EVGA SuperNova 750
Software	Windows 10

2 x 512MB Kingston PC3200 won't run at 400MHz

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