2 x 1GB or 4 x 512MB???

[techfuzz]

I just purchased an Epox 9NPA+Ultra motherboard and an Athlon 64 3000+ (Venice). I already have 2 x 512MB, but I want 2 GB. I have read some reports that said with 4 sticks the memory drops to 333 MHz, but that is no longer true with Rev. E chips? What's the word on this? Should I go with 2 x 1GB or just buy another 2 x 512MB?

techfuzz

 

[spiritwalker2223]

With a venice core it will not clock your ram down to 333mhz. But it will run it at 2T.

You can get 2 1GB sticks, but that's quite pricey (for decent timings).

 

[techfuzz]

Well then I guess my next question is, what would be the better performance?I think I read somewhere that if you got 500 MHz memory instead of 400 MHz, you could run the memory at a higher rate or something like that. If I went with 4 x 512MB that ran at 2T, but at a higher frequency would it be better than 2 x 1GB that ran at 1T at 400 MHz?

techfuzz

 

[Bona Fide]

Originally posted by: techfuzz
Well then I guess my next question is, what would be the better performance?I think I read somewhere that if you got 500 MHz memory instead of 400 MHz, you could run the memory at a higher rate or something like that. If I went with 4 x 512MB that ran at 2T, but at a higher frequency would it be better than 2 x 1GB that ran at 1T at 400 MHz?

techfuzz

It's not a clear science, but 4x512MB of DDR500 memory would probably perform similarly to 2x1GB of DDR400 memory. But, you would have to run your HTT at 250MHz for it to make any difference. So if your processor is not yet overclocked, you will be doing so.

 

[funkymatt]

with nforce chipsets, it's always better to use as little banks as possible. if you use all 4, on some chipsets, it won't let you use your memory at full speed.

 

[techfuzz]

Originally posted by: Bona Fide
It's not a clear science, but 4x512MB of DDR500 memory would probably perform similarly to 2x1GB of DDR400 memory. But, you would have to run your HTT at 250MHz for it to make any difference. So if your processor is not yet overclocked, you will be doing so.

Well then, this does complicate matters. I just got everything and I haven't even tried overclocking it yet so I'm not sure what it can do yet. Maybe it would be easiest (but possibly more expensive) to go with 2 x 1GB and get some better memory like the higher-end Corsair or whatever.... Decisions, decisions...

techfuzz

 

[Bona Fide]

I'd go with 2x1GB of some value stuff if you're on a budget. The extra RAM will make a difference.

 

[orangat]

2x1Gb is good but getting good timings is going to be expensive. I went with 512Mb modules initially because the only available 1Gb sticks were cas3 or even 4.

 

[JBT]

I'm pretty sure you can get Patriot PC3200 2x 1GB PC3200 sticks for 2-3-2-5 timmings for about $199. Check the hot deals forum.

 

[spiritwalker2223]

funkymatt, it's not the chipset that causes your ram to clock down when you have 4 sticks of ram it's your cpu. AMD fixed this problem with venice.

That's a good price on that Patriot ram. Hmmm...