Mobo vs DDR ram

Hi All,
I am using a mobo, an AsusA7N8X-X, which can not take advantage of DDR memory, so I have 1GB of PC3200 DDR installed which will only work at 200MHz instead of the 400MHz possible with a more advanced mobo. Since I started working on RAW files in Photoshop this has slowed down the processing a great deal.
My question is, for an XP/Photoshop user, would having memory working at 400MHz instead of 200MHz make a noticeable increase in processing speed? If the answer is yes, a new mobo is my next step.
So, for an Athlon XP2500+, any suggestions?

Roger

 

Roger:

Either you have referenced the wrong Motherboard or you have set it up wrong re: memory. That board will take dual channel PC3200 memory which runs at 400MHz - in fact, its supposed to be a pretty awesome board for the money.

 

Hi Rockster,

That's what I thought too when I bought the board!! After trying all possible bios settings I finally went to the Asus web site, (which has to be the slowest loading on the web!), and got this from the FAQ's - quote below.


Q: As I know many nForce2 motherboards support dual channel DDR, I want to confirm whether A7N8X-X supports dual channel DDR or not. Please advice!

A:
According to NVIDIA specification announcement, A7N8X-X doesn't support dual channel DDR technology. If you wish to have this new feature, please use A7N8X/Deluxe or A7N8X-VM.

Annoying - innit!

Roger

 

Have to admit, I didn't believe you. Just checked out the website myself - you are soooooo right. What a burn.

Almost hate to recommend it after reading that but I've had very good experiences with their NF7S boards. Stay away from the latest revision that accomodates Sempron however. That NF7S (not for Sempron revision) will permit you to enjoy dual channel PC3200 and if you have decent memory, you can run that 2500+ Barton at 400MHz with (200x11) and enjoy 3200+ performance. It will run all day long at that speed without breaking a sweat. May want to push your vCore +5%, but thats not a problem either.