Dell 400SC RAM questions

crazyray · September 11th, 2003, 03:35 PM

I recently purchased this Dell system that was intended for use as a server. I installed Windows XP Pro without trouble, using the drivers provided by Intel for the D875PBZ board.

It is well-known that this board will run non-ECC RAM in dual channel mode. I purchased some very expensive OCZ RAM from Newegg that came in a matched pair of 256 sticks of "3200". The computer runs fine with this RAM, but reads it as DDR333, not DDR400! The BIOS does not allow me to alter the default settings of the RAM. (I assume the computer is reading SPD and using default settings).

Apparently, OCZ is one of those manufacturers that sells 2700 RAM they know will run stable at 3200. Am I wrong to feel I've been cheated here? Is there something I don't understand?

Thanks for any help.

crazyray · September 11th, 2003, 07:17 PM

Use of Samsung PC3200 RAM results in recognition of the RAM as DDR400 in the BIOS. Use of Kingston HyperX PC3200 gives DDR400 in the BIOS.

I am returning the OCZ RAM to Newegg understanding that I'll end up probably eating a restocking fee as well as the shipping. OCZ, to their credit, was sympathetic, but I will not believe that anyone but myself will pay for this except yours truly.

If you are one of the thousands that bought a Dell PE400SC for desktop use, be aware that OCZ's "Dual Channel" PC3200 RAM will not give you the expected performance in this box.

sevenal · September 12th, 2003, 12:42 AM

How much of a performance loss?
I got the same ram
DDRAM 256X2|32X64 C2 3200 ELDCKOCZ% times 2
1GB $316
Same 400SC Server

crazyray · September 12th, 2003, 05:03 PM

I didn't reply to your questions about OCZ RAM because I was concerned about just this kind of issue. My son had bought OCZ for a home built and had very good luck, but his mobo allows for tweaking RAM settings. My 'puter ran great with the OCZ ; I cannot even guess as to potential loss of performance. It just rubbed me the wrong way to find out that this VERY expensive RAM wasn't exactly what it was cracked up to be...

It looks like Newegg will hit me up for restocking fees. That don't seem right either.

crazyray · September 17th, 2003, 05:07 PM

Purchased Kingston KHX3200AK2/512 RAM and installed it in dual channel mode. It reads as 400 in the BIOS, unlike the OCZ RAM I tried previously. My Dell 400SC is now running beautifully, quiet as could be and faster than anything this ol' dog has used before.

A damn good deal.

rembert412 · September 27th, 2003, 10:43 PM

Can anyone help me in this
I have recently purchased dell 400sc and and installed Windows XP prof. and replaced the 128 mb memory with 2 corsair 512 mb 400 mhz 184 PIN DIMM modules. The computer system information shows 1024 MB memory and the BIOS setup also reads it as 1 GB momory at 400 mhz but in a single mode. My question how can it change it to dual mode if possible or I need to get a diffferent brand. I am a novice and would appreciate all help.
thanks in advance
rembert412

rembert412 · September 28th, 2003, 12:54 AM

Can anyone help me in this
I have recently purchased dell 400sc and and installed Windows XP prof. and replaced the 128 mb memory with 2 corsair 512 mb 400 mhz 184 PIN DIMM modules. The computer system information shows 1024 MB memory and the BIOS setup also reads it as 1 GB momory at 400 mhz but in a single mode. My question how can it change it to dual mode if possible or I need to get a diffferent brand. I am a novice and would appreciate all help.
thanks in advance
rembert412

Mntsnow · September 28th, 2003, 04:31 AM

You need to change the way your memory is installed in the motherboard.....You must not have the "banking" correct.....

One stick will be Vertical and the other will in the tilted slot....Take notice they use like colored memory "clips" for the banks that are to be used together.

rembert412 · September 28th, 2003, 12:24 PM

Thank you Mntsnow
That fixed it
rembert412

Clearanceman · October 7th, 2003, 01:02 PM

So for dual mode, you want to fill slot 1 and 2 or 3 and 4? Is it faster with 1 and 3 ro 2 and 4? Just wondering because I have Corsair valueram running in 1 and 2 and it runs 400 dual but I only get about 4500-4600 in sandra 2004 whereas with single channel I get 2900. Do I have the sticks in the wrong slots? The other thing I have noticed is save your money on ram and get Corsair valueram or Mushkin valueram or or crucial cas 3. Because it all runs the same as the fastest ram out there. I had a stick of PC3200 Cas 2 Corsair XMS and I put it in and it benched at 2900. Then I put the valueram in the same slot and it benched at 2900. So save your money. Any way to improve the dual memory controller performance? 4500-4600 sems low when single mode gives me 2900.