As a 32-bit operating system, Windows XP can only handle a maximum of 4 GB of RAM. So far, so clear – but, similar to the RetroBooks, the PC should ultimately be quad-bootable, and everything after XP can address significantly more RAM in the 64-bit version. Besides, 4 GB of RAM with quad channel seems a bit strange – four 1 GB sticks, or what?
The maximum configuration without ECC on this board is 8 DDR3 sticks with 8 GB capacity each – 64 GB in total*. Pretty impressive for a 12-year-old system.
Fast RAM, matching the CPU rarity
At the time of the search, RAM was very cheap, especially the “old” standards such as DDR, DDR2, and DDR3. So I ended up buying two 32 GB kits (CMY32GX3M4A2400C11) on eBay, each consisting of four brand new Corsair Vengeance Pro modules with 2400 MHz, CL11 Volt XMP profile in red, which came directly from China. I suspect overproduction or stock items, as no discrepancies could be found upon closer inspection.
I chose red so that everything would match the motherboard, which is also red and black. The red component is made of aluminum and can be easily removed if necessary.
⧉ CorsairThe exact configuration of these memory modules is:
- DDR3-1333 as JEDEC basis with 1.5 volts
- XMP v1.3 on DDR3-2400 with 1.65 volts
- Clock rates with XMP then 11 – 13 – 13 – 31 CR2
I paid around €140 for all eight bars, but now the same kits cost more than double that at the same retailer. I was lucky.