Hmm...if it lowers the cost (though this is probably going to be ridiculously expensive), why not. Then again...what do you do if one of the integrated modules goes bad? Still, the increased level of access might be worth it (bench, first) if you don't really need 4GB.
http://www.trustedreviews.com/cpu-memor … ard-RAM/p1
http://www.asus.com/products.aspx?l1=3& … odelmenu=1
http://www.asus.com/news_show.aspx?id=7819#
http://www.geek.com/asus-introduces-int … therboard/Asus released its latest in the Intel P35 chipset motherboards called the P5K3 Premium and in so doing removed the need for you to buy any RAM.
Click here to find out more!
The reason for this is the company has decided to ship the board with RAM already integrated and covered by a new heatsink and heatpipe system called the Perfect T-Tree Design. You get 2 GB of 1333MHz DDR3 memory in two 1 GB modules. To sweeten the deal, Asus also claims the memory can be overclocked to 1500MHz and you get up to 50% random access performance improvements over your typical separate RAM module installations.
The overclocking and performance increases are down to this Perfect T-Tree Design, according to Asus. The heatsink and heatpipe help with the overclocking, but the performance gain is due to a tweaked memory controller. Because the RAM is mounted directly on to the board, Asus has managed to get the controller accessing both memory modules at the same time rather than the standard method usually used where the memory only gets accessed once across all modules (fly-by design).
Read more at TrustedReviews.com and the Asus press release.
Matthew’s Opinion
When I first read this article, I thought permanently attaching the RAM to the motherboard was ridiculous and stopped all future upgrade paths. Then I looked back on my last four computer builds and realized every new machine had required new chips, motherboards, and RAM in order to classify as up-to-date. So, this may just be a good idea, if–and it’s a big if–the performance gains are clear and the motherboard + RAM combination saves you a bit of money.
The P5K3 Premium is offered as a board for enthusiasts after performance, but why doesn’t Asus do this for its standard range of boards as well? It would save people new to PC building some hassle finding out which RAM they need and offer them a performance boost as well (if the Asus claims are true).
I think this is an idea Asus needs to work on and offer similar solutions across its range. Enthusiasts may scoff at being tied into RAM, but they are also the people who may consider an upgrade including new CPU, motherboard, and RAM and therefore this may be a valid option.
http://www.trustedreviews.com/cpu-memor … ard-RAM/p1
http://www.asus.com/products.aspx?l1=3& … odelmenu=1
http://www.asus.com/news_show.aspx?id=7819#
Last edited by unnamednewbie13 (2007-08-05 21:53:26)