2x 512 or 2x 1gb

johnnqq

Golden Member
May 30, 2005
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i was originally planning on getting the corsair value select for like 80 bucks. now im just worried that i won't have enough ram in the future...
3000+ venice and chaintech vnf4
2 stupid questions

1- if i have 2x 512 and then i add 2x 1gb (4 dimms total), will it be as fast as just 2x 512 (or 2x 1gb. only 2 dimms)

2- instead of getting a dual channel kit, can i just get 2x 1 gb dimms (from maybe corsair) to be dual channel? or, do i need a kit for dual channel?
 

Lonyo

Lifer
Aug 10, 2002
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To answer #2, you don't need a dual channel kit to go dual channel, it's just "recommended" (ie: gives companies an excuse to sell kits at a premium over normal modules).
Normally dual channel will work with 2 RAM modules from the same company with no issues.
Some boards have issues with some RAM anyway, but that's not dual channel fault. Basically if you get 2 sticks from the same mfr at the same time, they're almost certain to work in dual channel.
 

johnnqq

Golden Member
May 30, 2005
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if i got...say like 1 gb of ocz and put in another of corsair. would they work as dual channel?
 

bjc112

Lifer
Dec 23, 2000
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I would either do 2 X 1GB now, or just stick with one gig, and then sell your 2x512 when the time comes, and THEN upgrade to 2GB..

Running 4 sticks will limit your overclock (if you are ) And running 2x512 + 2x1GB wouldn't be the best idea...

 

Lonyo

Lifer
Aug 10, 2002
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Originally posted by: johnnqq
if i got...say like 1 gb of ocz and put in another of corsair. would they work as dual channel?

They should work.
I have 1 stick of OCZ and 1 of someone else atm in my PC running dual channel (Athlon XP though). Generally they will work, but there's always a small risk of not.