Tweak RAM?

tw33k · 14 Apr 2010

I bought a Compaq CQ3220AN for work. It has a M2N68-LA (Narra6L) MOBO with 2GB generic 1333 DDR3 and 2GB Corsair 1333 DDR3. Problem is, the RAM is only running in dual channel mode and is running very slow (winsat mem gives a result of around 8900!) I can't do anything in the BIOS as it's locked. I tried the latest AMD Overdrive (even in all compatability modes) but it "failed to start". I tried an older version of AOD and get a different type of error. I need to fix this as copying files over the LAN renders the PC inoperable and takes a very long time (I tested the LAN connection and this PC was using 56% CPU while the XP box I was copying to used only 3%!!!)
Any ideas, apart from a new board (which I'll do if I have to but would rather not spend any more money) I know better than to buy these crappy pre-built rigs! Serves me right I guess.

edit: this should be in Performance and Maintenance not here.

stormy13 · 14 Apr 2010

One reason AOD won't work is it only works with AMD chipset, that board has a Nvidia chipset (nforce 430). As far as winsat I have a feeling if you have a look through here,

What's your memory assessment speed?

it is probably about where it should be.

Being a Nvidia based board it also uses the Nvidia drivers for the onboard ethernet. I would start with have a look in Programs and Features for the Nvidia entry and run the uninstaller. It will pop up a dialogue box asking if you want to uninstall all Nvidia drivers, or only selected ones. What you are looking for should be called something like "Network Management Tools", it is Nvidia's program for its won hardware/software firewall (among other things) and usually more trouble than it is worth. It also isn't needed at all (I never installed on any Nvidia based motherboard I had), so if it is there uninstall just that and see if that fixes the LAN problem. You could also try updating the driver using the one from Realtek as it uses the Realtek RTL8201N chip for it.

If that doesn't fix it it might be easier and cheaper to pick up a cheap NIC card, disable the onboard NIC and use the card.

tw33k · 14 Apr 2010

I can't believe I didn't think of that! Thanks mate, I'll grab a NIC tomorrow
With the RAM issue, I guess I'm just to my DDR2 which performs extremely well https://www.sevenforums.com/663217-post587.html

stormy13 · 14 Apr 2010

If you pick one up just make sure to double check that it is a mostly current one and still receiving driver support.

The motherboard in that Compaq with its nforce 430 board is one that needs to stop being used in those computers as Nvidia as declared all chipset under the nforce 5xx series legacy, and no more driver support.

tw33k · 15 Apr 2010

I still need to work out how to get the RAM running as triple channel. I either need to be able to access the BIOS or find software that'll do it. I've searched high and low without success

stormy13 · 15 Apr 2010

tw33k said:

I still need to work out how to get the RAM running as triple channel.

No such thing with AMD processors yet, dual channel only. If it helps here are the specs on that motherboard,

Motherboard Specifications, M2N68-LA (Narra) Compaq Presario SR5019UK Desktop PC - HP technical support (Germany - English)

tw33k · 15 Apr 2010

When I'm back in the office I'm gonna try this and see what I can squeeze out of it.
btw..thanks but I have the specs

Mellon Head · 15 Apr 2010

stormy13 said:

Being a Nvidia based board it also uses the Nvidia drivers for the onboard ethernet. I would start with have a look in Programs and Features for the Nvidia entry and run the uninstaller. It will pop up a dialogue box asking if you want to uninstall all Nvidia drivers, or only selected ones. What you are looking for should be called something like "Network Management Tools", it is Nvidia's program for its won hardware/software firewall (among other things) and usually more trouble than it is worth. It also isn't needed at all (I never installed on any Nvidia based motherboard I had), so if it is there uninstall just that and see if that fixes the LAN problem. You could also try updating the driver using the one from Realtek as it uses the Realtek RTL8201N chip for it.

If that doesn't fix it it might be easier and cheaper to pick up a cheap NIC card, disable the onboard NIC and use the card.

My wife is having a network speed problem and she's using Nvidia drivers. I'm going to uninstall them tonight and see if it helps. Great advice. Rep added, my friend.