How does RAM affect the video card?

[mangina24]

I just built a system a few months ago, 2.66 ghz, 1024mb ddr pc2100, sapphire radeon 9800 np (soon to be pro when i figure it out), asus p4g8x and 5 gig hd.

I've ran 3dmark2003 and it just embarrasses me. It just seems like it should be doing a lot better. While playing games like halo and tribes 2 at full graphics the framerate drops quick and the graphics still suck.

Could this be because of the ram being 2100? How much would I benefit if i upgraded the ram to 2700 or better?

[Dennis Bacon]

the ram is fine... that 5 gig hard drive is prolly killing you.. lol must be like 2000 rpm

[BipolarBill]

If you have a type "C" P4 (hyperthreading), the PC2100 would be a real problem. It has to run out of spec to match the 200MHz system bus. If it's not a "C" processor, it's fine.

Make sure that the case is cooled properly and that old video drivers are completely removed before updating the ATi drivers.

[mangina24]

Haha sorry, that was a 60 gig hard drive. I'm not too sure about the specs, here is the description from new egg (where I bought it)

Intel Pentium 4 / 2.66 GHz Northwood 512K Socket 478 Processor 533MHz Processor Bus Retail
Specifications:
CPU: 2.66 GHz
Type: Pentium 4 Northwood
Cache: 512K
BUS: 533 Mhz
Socket: 478 Retail (Box with Heatsink and fan)

I know my motherboard supports the hyperthreading processors, but I don't know if my processor is an acutal type "C" processor.

[cwin]

Originally posted by BipolarBill
If you have a type "C" P4 (hyperthreading), the PC2100 would be a real problem. It has to run out of spec to match the 200MHz system bus. Ummmmm... what? I wanna know what ya mean! :D

[BipolarBill]

PC2100 RAM specs at 133MHz and is fine for the 533 P4. The 800 P4 requires PC3200.

[cwin]

Originally posted by BipolarBill
PC2100 RAM specs at 133MHz and is fine for the 533 P4. The 800 P4 requires PC3200. I see... now why? :D
I have a: 2.8GHz, 533MHz Bus P4; 512MB PC2100 RAM, Asus P4G8X
No such problems here (lotsa diff ones tho) :t

[BipolarBill]

Originally posted by cwin
I see... now why? Frequency is why. The 200MHz bus on the P4C will strain the 133MHz RAM and errors and odd crashes will occur. It's overclocking the RAM way beyond it's comfort zone.

[cwin]

Originally posted by BipolarBill
Frequency is why. The 200MHz bus on the P4C will strain the 133MHz RAM and errors and odd crashes will occur. It's overclocking the RAM way beyond it's comfort zone
im still learning on the frequencys bit... i just get confused cuz you say 200MHz bus is too much for the 133MHz RAM, yet a 533MHz BUS is fine :D

[BipolarBill]

:rolleyes:

It's not 533MHz, really - it's 133MHz "quad-pumped" for 533MHz total. 200MHz x4 = 800MHz.

[cwin]

Originally posted by BipolarBill
:rolleyes:

It's not 533MHz, really - it's 133MHz "quad-pumped" for 533MHz total. 200MHz x4 = 800MHz.
yea... i worked that out... :D

[mangina24]

Aright so at least now I know the ram isn't an issue.

Since you are so helpful Bill, could you tell me how to reboot from a floppy? I'm in the process of flashing my 9800 non pro to pro but it just tells me to remove the floppy and restart. I don't see any options at start up to boot from the floppy so I'm confused.

Thanks for the help guys :)

[neverwhere]

if it tells you to remove the floppy and restart, then do that ;) you shouldnt be booting from anything when it tells you to remove and restart. Just take all cd's/floppies from the comp and restart windows (windows since you are using Intel chips ;))

[mangina24]

Well I know that, but here are the directions:

"Once you have these files downloaded and installed to a floppy carry out the following procedure:

1) Restart the computer and boot from the floppydisk containing the flashrom and BIOS file until you reach an A:\ Prompt"

I already put all the files on the floppy but I just can't seem to get it to boot fromt he floppy without it giving me the error message.

[BipolarBill]

WHich version of Windows do you have?

[PlatoonSgtElias]

And this is why I dont buy Intel:)

[mangina24]

Windows XP Pro SP1

[BipolarBill]

Take the files off of the floppy. Open My Computer and right-click the floppy drive. Select Format. Select "Create an MS-DOS startup disk". Finish that and copy your files back.

Youi now have a bootable floppy. :)