2gb ram, 2x1gb sticks or 4x512

[socK]

Probably going to build a new comp within the next few weeks and probably going with 2 gigs of ram. My first thought was to get 2, 1gb sticks, then i read stuff about some people using 4 512 sticks. Is there any advantage with 4 512 sticks?

Thx for your input



socK

 

[Qonfused]

You may get a little more dual-channel but, eh, that takes up all your slots. I'd go with 2x 1GB.

 

[s0ulcal12]

Yeah i would just go with 2-1024....there no advantage with 4- 512. Only it may be cheaper if someone has 2-512 already.

For me i have 2-512 right now...thinking about switching to 2-1024(I CANT RUN FEAR HOW I WANT TO) and using my current ram for another rig.

 

[(cf)Eclipse]

rig in question? a64's dislike 4 sticks of ram in almost all cases

 

[beowulf7]

No doubt about it: 2x1 GB, esp. if you don't already have 2x512 MB RAM sticks.

Wasn't there a huge thread on 2x1 vs. 4x512? I'll have to look for it.

Edit: I did a search and found this thread.

 

[gman]

rig in question? a64's dislike 4 sticks of ram in almost all cases

About the memory controller, what happens is that Athlon 64 processors have a limitation. When four DDR400/PC3200 memory modules are installed on the system, they are accessed at 333 MHz and not at 400 MHz. This was corrected on Venice and San Diego cores: on CPUs based on these cores the processor accesses the four memory modules at 400 MHz.

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/239

 

[Cabezone]

About the memory controller, what happens is that Athlon 64 processors have a limitation. When four DDR400/PC3200 memory modules are installed on the system, they are accessed at 333 MHz and not at 400 MHz. This was corrected on Venice and San Diego cores: on CPUs based on these cores the processor accesses the four memory modules at 400 MHz.

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/239

On my X2 4400+ with 4x512 I have to manually set it to 400mhz, but it works fine. I also tested my system with 1T and 2T timings. I had no no difference in FEAR and only a 50 point gain with 1T in 3dMark05.

 

[(cf)Eclipse]

About the memory controller, what happens is that Athlon 64 processors have a limitation. When four DDR400/PC3200 memory modules are installed on the system, they are accessed at 333 MHz and not at 400 MHz. This was corrected on Venice and San Diego cores: on CPUs based on these cores the processor accesses the four memory modules at 400 MHz.

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/239

don't forget that you'll have to raise command rate to 2T too. also, i've seen revE cpu's not be able to do 200mhz with 4 sticks in. whether it's the limitation of the memory controller or the mobo.. i can't tell without actually playing with it myself.