1gb vs 2gb...

[swamyg1]

Right now I have 2 X 512 Corsair XMS PC3200 running in dual channel...

Would it be better for me to add 2 more sticks of 512... or get 2 X 1gb instead?

Will I see a heavy performance increases? I am a Designer working a lot with Adobe and Macromedia Products... any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

I'm just trying to figure out if it would be worth the upgrade... and which way to go if it is.

Thanks!

 

[Googer]

Originally posted by: swamyg1
Right now I have 2 X 512 Corsair XMS PC3200 running in dual channel...

Would it be better for me to add 2 more sticks of 512... or get 2 X 1gb instead?

Will I see a heavy performance increases? I am a Designer working a lot with Adobe and Macromedia Products... any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

I'm just trying to figure out if it would be worth the upgrade... and which way to go if it is.

Thanks!

Four Sticks of 512MB would perform at a slower memort timing, but on an AMD system that is not very noticeable. Personaly I would Keep the two 512MB sticks and add the two 1GB DIMMs for a total of 3GB. Just make sure that each channel (eh-hem memory controller) has 1.5GB or One Sitck of 512MB and one 1GB DIMM.

 

[HannibalX]

Do you monitor your memory useage? I have 3GB in my machine, so far nothing I had run has used more than 1.5 GB. If you have apps that will use all that memory go for it - most people don't though.

 

[swamyg1]

Unfortunately 3gb will not be an option right now... plus I personally think that is overkill. Would I benefit from adding just one stick of matching 512... giving me a total of 1.5? What about running those 4 sticks of 512? I want to do get the best performance for the lowest amount of financial investment... so if I got the 1 X 2gb i would sell my existing 2X512...

would like some more opinions pleeez...

 

[F1shF4t]

Running 4 memory sticks does not work really well, like i'm limited to 180mhz, but i just made the timings tighter. Either way i didn't notice any performance drop having to run it at lower speed and T2 command rate, but having an extra gig of memory is sure usefull.

 

[whitelight]

newegg has corsair 2gb (2x1gb) for $119 after $40MIR. after you sell your ram and get the MIR, it'll be an investment of about $60?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145575

 

[KoolDrew]

With 4x512 you would be forced to run 2T. Go with 2x1GB. For designing I would think the extra RAM would help. Especially with Photoshop.

 

[Insidious]

I'm running 4X512 on each of 3 X2 computers right now.

I found that memory bandwidth doesn't make much of a difference overall with these processors. (It's all about CPU clock)

It's been working fine and I think you would have to use a benchmark tool to see any slowdown due to timings.

-Sid

edit: (2GB vs. 1GB made a difference as I could find the HD (VM) once in a while with only 1GB)

 

[allanon1965]

i second that, I run 4X512 in my athlon 64 3000+ and see a huge improvement in my flight sims and no difference in 1T to 2T, running 2T in dual channel.....

 

[swamyg1]

Yes, right now I'm running 1t at 2.5-3-3-6 on a AMD 3800 x2 and I like it... I would hope to keep the same speed and beef up my memory, one quick question though....

If I add just one matching stick of 512 would I still be able to run in 1t? I think that deal at Newegg is pretty sweet though, just may have to jump on it.

Thanks again!

 

[deathwalker]

I would stay away from 4 sticks of memory if you are focused on performance.

 

[Insidious]

I run 2.5 3:3:9 (2T) with four, so you should be able to do that OK. (edit: timings OK, I don't know about 1T... I would guess so since you'll be in 64-bit mode)

BUT I think if you run with a total of 3 sticks, you will come out of dual channel mode and that might make a noticable difference.

-Sid

 

[KoolDrew]

f I add just one matching stick of 512 would I still be able to run in 1t?

You can run 1T, but you won't be able to run in dual-channel.

 

[swamyg1]

I decided to go for the Newegg deal... 2 X 1gb sticks for $119 AR is super hot IMO.

Thanks for the input guys!

 

[KoolDrew]

Originally posted by: swamyg1
I decided to go for the Newegg deal... 2 X 1gb sticks for $119 AR is super hot IMO.

Thanks for the input guys!

Good choice. :thumbsup:

 

[Insidious]

:beer:

You'll be happy with the upgrade

:thumbsup:

 

[alimoalem]

so how much are you selling your old ram for now?