Proc FSB backwards compatible?

[Durden]

Hey all

I'm looking into getting a new motherboard and proccessor. Got a 155$ to spend.
Specifically i've been looking at this mobo
Gigabyte GA-7NF-RZ
Specifications:
Supported CPU: AMD Socket A Sempron/AthlonXP/Athlon/Duron Processors
Chipset: NVIDIA nForce2 400 + MCP
FSB: 400/333/266MHz
RAM: 3x DIMM for DDR 266/333/400 Max 3GB

and this proccesor
AMD Athlon XP 2700+, 333MHz FSB, 256K Cache Processor - Retail Model# AXDA2700BOX

Now my question is, I currently have 1x256mb 1x512mb of PC2100 (neither overclockable)
Will this Processor/ram configuration work, and can I/will I have to change the ratio between the ram/proc?

[Yuanji]

either you will have to run a 4:5 divider or your CPU will slow down to match the RAM. either way, your performance will suffer as your CPU needs PC2700 to run at it's spec'd speeds

[TeenPcknowit]

RAM: 3x DIMM for DDR 266/333/400 Max 3GB
mobo support ^

226 = pc2100, your fine.

CPU seems a bit faster than the ram, but that shhould work for you untill you got the money to shellf or pc2700

[Durden]

ok, well then let me ask this, Do you think it will offer performance increase over my current configuration, which is an Athlon XP1800 with the PC2100 ram? Cause I can always go back later on and Get better Ram.

[Yuanji]

Originally Posted by Durden ok, well then let me ask this, Do you think it will offer performance increase over my current configuration, which is an Athlon XP1800 with the PC2100 ram?

i think your best bet would be to run the 4:5 divider but i'm not sure how much better it would perform and it might cause instabilities.

[TeenPcknowit]

I think they are called durons 1800-. the cpu core is different in the Athlon XP so i think you'll see a lil boost.

[Durden]

I think they are called durons 1800-. the cpu core is different in the Athlon XP so i think you'll see a lil boost.

Pretty sure the proccessor i'm running now is the model 6 Palamino 1800+, not a duron, definetly an XP

[Yuanji]

PC 2700 RAM would be a worthwhile investment though.

[TeenPcknowit]

Originally Posted by Durden Pretty sure the proccessor i'm running now is the model 6 Palamino 1800+, not a duron, definetly an XP

The newer processor you have your eye on uses the Thoroughbred core, so I think you will experience a little bit of speed increse. I'de keep pc2700 on fute investment list though . 30 bucks for a 512mg stick at best buy where I live on rebate this week.

[Durden]

Thanks for all the help guys! : )

[mb26]

i'd get pc3200 ram for future compatibility- so u dont come across this problem again next time u want to upgrade.. being as pc3200 is no more expensive and backwards compatible.

if i were u, since u'd have to upgrade the ram anyway, i'd be very tempted to spend a few more $ and get a athlon 64 2800+.. $130 for retail cpu and from $60 for motherboard. u'll notice a *lot* more performance increase than a 2700+ t-bred.. the a64 2800+ performs similarly to the 3200+ AXP.
but if u can't stretch then no matter..

[Yuanji]

Originally Posted by mb26 i'd get pc3200 ram for future compatibility- so u dont come across this problem again next time u want to upgrade.. being as pc3200 is no more expensive and backwards compatible. if i were u, since u'd have to upgrade the ram anyway, i'd be very tempted to spend a few more $ and get a athlon 64 2800+.. $130 for retail cpu and from $60 for motherboard. u'll notice a *lot* more performance increase than a 2700+ t-bred.. the a64 2800+ performs similarly to the 3200+ AXP. but if u can't stretch then no matter..

A64 should perform a little better then even the 3200+AXP because of the revised more efficient architecture.