2 x 512MB RAM or 1GB Stick?

[jlee1784]

Should I get 2 sticks of 512MB ram to add onto my already 2x512MB Ram
or should I get just 1 stick of 1GB Ram?

 

[Rip the Jacker]

You should get 2x sticks of 1 GB RAM.

 

[imported_Kensai]

Depends on your system.

 

[AristoV300]

Why do you need 2 gigs of RAM. 1 gig sticks are way overpriced. If you are running dual channel stick with pairs.

 

[Baked]

You already have a Gig, use the extra money to buy something else.

 

[DanDaMan315]

I wouldn't get anymore ram, because running 3-4 sticks will slow down your system more than having 2gb is going to help.

 

[jlee1784]

Sorry guys, maybe should've given some specs.

AMD athlon 64 3200+
2x512MB RAM dual channel memory mode

I'm a graphic designer and am happy with my computer's performance
but I could still definitely use more memory. I'll have 2-3 Adobe
programs running at the same time and sometimes I need things like
filters or saving to run faster.

I was told 2 x 1gbRAM sticks were a good choice/recommendation
and just sell my 2 x 512MB ram...does this sound like the best solution?

 

[aatf510]

Originally posted by: jlee1784
Sorry guys, maybe should've given some specs.

AMD athlon 64 3200+
2x512MB RAM dual channel memory mode

I'm a graphic designer and am happy with my computer's performance
but I could still definitely use more memory. I'll have 2-3 Adobe
programs running at the same time and sometimes I need things like
filters or saving to run faster.

I was told 2 x 1gbRAM sticks were a good choice/recommendation
and just sell my 2 x 512MB ram...does this sound like the best solution?

If you don't mind those little extra cash, then YES!!

 

[jlee1784]

When I want to order from, let's say, newegg.com
does it matter if I get just two quantities of 1GB Ram
or should I get the ones that say
"2GB (2 x 1GB ram)"

i mean, does it really make a difference as long as I get the same brand?

 

[DanDaMan315]

Get IDENTICAL ram for maximum stability.

 

[Promethply]

Originally posted by: jlee1784
When I want to order from, let's say, newegg.com
does it matter if I get just two quantities of 1GB Ram
or should I get the ones that say
"2GB (2 x 1GB ram)"

i mean, does it really make a difference as long as I get the same brand?

As long as you get the same brand and specd RAMs, let's say

2 X 1GB Corsair XMS RAMS (only as an example), it'll work fine.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Isn't it just a myth that the dual channel kits work better? Well dual channel kits have been tested and what not to work together, but any 2 same sticks of ram will work nicely. I think its a matter of price in the end. Dual Channel kits are mostly made for newbies so that they just buy those. Other times though they are quite closely priced (i.e. OCZ VX) as 2x sticks.

 

[aatf510]

Definately just a myth.

 

[Tostada]

So you have 2x512MB and you're looking to upgrade to 2GB total?

Your options are

1) Get another 2x512MB and run 4x512MB. Running four sticks is said to reduce stability, but this is mostly an issue with crappy motherboards and overclocked systems. Your memory is only as stable as the weakest chip and the board's ability to make them get along, so this is a real issue to people pushing their memory speed/timings. Running four sticks also forces your system into 2T command rate, and although there's a nice thread proving saying it's not that big a deal, it's something to avoid if you can.

2) Get a single 1GB stick, and then you'd be running three sticks of mixed memory. Does that even work in dual channel on an A64 like it does on the NF2 chipsets? Even if it does work, it's not better than the first choice, so you'd be better off saving some money and staying with 2x512MB (since it's cheaper than 1x1GB)

3) Sell your 2x512MB and get 2x1GB. This is the best choice if it's not too much of a hassle.

If you're not overclocking or anything, though, and you have two empty slots, there's really nothing wrong with just getting another $80 2x512 kit. It's $20 less than a 1GB stick, and you're not going to notice the difference. I'm using a 1GB stick so I can upgrade to two 1GB sticks later, but that's really just because I'm a big geek and worry about a lot of stupid little details that don't make much difference (just like 90% of the people on here which is why most people will tell you to ditch your old memory). In reality it's no big deal.

 

[MobiusPizza]

Originally posted by: AristoV300
Why do you need 2 gigs of RAM. 1 gig sticks are way overpriced. If you are running dual channel stick with pairs.

They aren't over priced at all.
The only bad about 2GB RAM is that the doublie sided 1GB RAM, CAS latency is usually around 3 instead of 2, or 2.5

CORSAIR ValueSelect 1GB 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 $95.89

GeIL Ultra 2GB (2 x 1GB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Dual Channel Kit $181.93

 

[FlyingPenguin]

Realistically, unless you're running Photoshop or some other VERY memory intensive apps (VMWare for example) there's absolutely no need for more than 1Gb now. Save your money.

You always want matched pairs if your mobo runs dual channel mode.

 

[MobiusPizza]

Well but even games does require quite a bit of RAM.
If you have much background programs running, for example, Firefox/IE, Norton Anti Virus, Bit Torrent Clients, FTP servers, etc; It does help when you got more RAM. When you check the task manager even Firefox stack up 50MB of RAM esp multiple tabs with flash movies

 

[jlee1784]

I'm thinking about just getting this:
Geil Value 2 x 1GB DDR400 184-pin DDR SDRAM Dual Channel Kit PC3200

I've read some good reviews on it and am wondering what you guys think...

 

[Vegito]

Originally posted by: FlyingPenguin
Realistically, unless you're running Photoshop or some other VERY memory intensive apps (VMWare for example) there's absolutely no need for more than 1Gb now. Save your money.

You always want matched pairs if your mobo runs dual channel mode.

thats pretty true... i got 3 on my pcdl and i have 2 vm session and adobe premier at the same time..

 

[Zucarita9000]

Originally posted by: DanDaMan315
I wouldn't get anymore ram, because running 3-4 sticks will slow down your system more than having 2gb is going to help.

I'm running 4 sticks (2GB) and my system is actually a lot faster. I don't hit the page file even after several hours of heavy Photoshoping.

All that "2GB is overkill, will slow down your system" is total bs.

 

[jlee1784]

oh yeah, i know. 2gb is not overkill if ur computer hardware can manage it. That's why they make sticks that big, for chrissakes..

but yeah, i'll have photoshop, illustrator, and a lot of small internet programs running. yesterday night, with that, i had 600mb of ram left so it is taking a toll on my 1GB RAM right now, but i'm happy with it. Having 2GB would be awesome though.

A friend of mine told me he had 2GB on his computer, and whereas my comp opens photoshop in about 6-7sec, his opens in less than 3sec. on the first go.

 

[Zebo]

What ram do you have now? IMO it's crazy to buy those 1gig modules. Highly expensive and crap timings..granted you will suffer some running 4 x 512 but not near as much. Just get two more sticks of what you have now. Crank volts up to 2.8-2.9ish and you should be able to keep same timings. run memtest86 overnight to make sure.

 

[Zebo]

Originally posted by: AnnihilatorX

Originally posted by: AristoV300
Why do you need 2 gigs of RAM. 1 gig sticks are way overpriced. If you are running dual channel stick with pairs.

They aren't over priced at all.
The only bad about 2GB RAM is that the doublie sided 1GB RAM, CAS latency is usually around 3 instead of 2, or 2.5

CORSAIR ValueSelect 1GB 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 $95.89

GeIL Ultra 2GB (2 x 1GB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Dual Channel Kit $181.93

garbage, 4-4-4 @ 200 will cripple a A64 setup be more than 15%.

 

[exar333]

i agree, those timing suck..and if dont have a san diego or venice...u also have 2T timings as well...with a drop to DDR333...screw the extra ram and wait for a new CPU before getting more RAM (and make sure u actually need it)!

 

[Zebo]

Here is the best bang 2GB kit

http://www2.newegg.com/OldVersion/app/V...Desc.asp?description=20-227-210&depa=0

Link fixed