Upgrading CPU/Mobo-Will my RAM still work?

[Spools]

Hello all,

I'm looking into upgrading from my Athlon XP1800 (266) and Shuttle AK31A mobo to an Athlon XP3000 (333 Barton) and ASUS "A7V8X-X" KT400 mobo.
I currently have 2 sticks of PC2100 (256mb) and 1 stick of PC2700 (512mb). I realize the 2700 isn't working at full speed but I had an offer I couldn't refuse when I added the stick of 512. If I do this upgrade, will I take a performance hit in my CPU because of my RAM? Am I asking for errors by keeping the lower speed RAM?

[Cricket]

You have a couple of choices.

1. Install all the sticks of RAM and run them at 133MHz (PC2100 speeds) to keep the PC2100 RAM happy but the processor and PC2700 RAM will be underclocked and you'll take a big performance hit.

2. Install all the sticks of RAM and run them at 166MHz (PC2700 speeds) and have the CPU running at the correct speed but the PC2100 RAM will be overclocked and you'll probably get data corruption or a system that doesn't even boot up.

3. Install only the PC2700 RAM and have everything running at the correct speed. Best solution.

Cricket

[JAYMAN]

Very much agreed!

512 is pretty much standard to run everything you need (unless a high end gamer) You should do just fine with option #3 wich is definatly the best choice!

[Spools]

Thanks for the input

Unfortunately, I had to spend $250 on my truck tonight so the whole upgrade thing is on hold But, I'll be taking your advice in the near future.

Thanks again