1x4gb or 2x2gb ?

[srini0603]

I am putting together a htpc. I have an intel mini itx board and it will take upto 8 gig of ddr3 1333 memory.

I am planning to put 4gb of memory on it. Is 1x4gb is good or a 2x2gb is good?

which is advisable?

thanks.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Either combination is fine. What OS are you using?

 

[srini0603]

Either combination is fine. What OS are you using?

I am going to install windows xp now and then a week or two later going to buy windows 7 and install it.

 

[SunnyD]

always go with the higher density if you're buying, if not just for future upgradability.

4x1 would probably work, but keep in mind 4 sticks will put more of an electrical strain on your motherboard as well.

 

[Gillbot]

I am going to install windows xp now and then a week or two later going to buy windows 7 and install it.

64bit i'd hope, to take advantage of the 4gb.

I've always been told the higher volume outweighs the minimal performance gains of dual/triple channel pairs for MOST users.

 

[tweakboy]

Do not get 1GB x4 cuz you cant upgrade in future. 2GB x2 for 4GB then in future you can add another 4GB same kit.

 

[srini0603]

Do not get 1GB x4 cuz you cant upgrade in future. 2GB x2 for 4GB then in future you can add another 4GB same kit.

its not 1GB x4. I only have 2 slots. its 4GB x1.

 

[SunnyD]

its not 1GB x4. I only have 2 slots. its 4GB x1.

OOooohhh, see that's different. You'll end up with slower performance since it will only being a single memory channel with a single 4gb stick.

 

[tweakboy]

I agree with SunnyD


In this case I think the max for your motherboard might be 4GB Im not sure,

But if you can its wise to get another 4GB and make it dual channel and 8GB of RAM ,,, you wont regret it. gl

 

[fffblackmage]

For HTPC use, single channel most likely won't cause any noticeable slowdowns.

 

[Gillbot]

For HTPC use, single channel most likely won't cause any noticeable slowdowns.

this ^

I couldn't tell the difference in 4x1GB or 2x2GB in most typical usage scenarios in HTPC use. This is a case where I suspect the sheer volume means more than the actual throughput, whether it be single or dual channel, etc.

 

[Emulex]

depends if thats 1R or 2R chips and the chipset. a 1R chip might be slightly slower but will use alot less power than the other solutions.

Make sure your chipset is happy with the chip selection.

 

[tweakboy]

What motherboard you have srini ?


I personally havent heard of a 2 slot only ?

For HTCP 4GB is fine. Its fine for gaming too actually.

 

[lmccrary]

Go for the 4gb x 2 and be done with it.

 

[n7]

I'd likely suggest the 2x2 GB route for dual channel vs. single channel, not to mention i imagine you should be able to find decent 2x2 GB kits for a bit less.

I don't really like suggesting buying single DIMMs as it's unlikely you'll be able to buy an identical DIMM in the future.

Not that it's the end of the world to run mismatched RAM, but i'd always try to avoid that scenario to be safe.

If you do decide to go to 8 GB later on, i'd then say sell the 2x2 GB kit, & purchase a 2x4 GB kit.
That's the way i'd always go.

 

[GFORCE100]

I am putting together a htpc. I have an intel mini itx board and it will take upto 8 gig of ddr3 1333 memory.

I am planning to put 4gb of memory on it. Is 1x4gb is good or a 2x2gb is good?

which is advisable?

thanks.

Your Mini-ITX board most surely uses SODIMM memory slots like in laptops. You probably have 2 214pin slots?

Either way, whether you indeed need SODIMM modules or just traditional DIMM modules then the same rules apply. If you want to get the most performance out of the memory (i.e. highest throughput) then you need to install two likewise module (same capacity). If you're not concerned with that you can install dissimilar capacity modules, in which case your RAM will run in asynchronous dual channel mode,

Go for 2x2GB or 2x4GB to save upgrading later. Many here would argue that asynchronous dual channel mode is no big deal, I personally think you might as well use the full potential of dual channel mode if you can.

Some links that might be helpful:

Will my memory run in dual channel mode if I install a 2GB DDR2 SODIMM and a 1GB DDR2 SODIMM?

Do I have to install identical pairs of memory modules to run in dual channel mode

Dual channel - making the most out of memory performance

P.S. Remember about the SODIMM's Vs DIMM's ordeal, you don't want to go buying the wrong type of modules!

 

[srini0603]

OK, I returned the 4gb stick and got 2x2GB sticks and instaled it so that I could use the dual channel.