512 MB x 4 vs. 1 GB x 2

[tigersty1e]

Is there a difference between these 2 setups besides the obvious 4 sticks vs 2 sticks?



What about using different brands of ram that have the same clock?

 

[m1ldslide1]

4 sticks puts you at 2T command rate on nForce4, IIRC. Not a huge drawback, but significant enough if you're spending cash to get a fast gaming rig.

I'm curious how 4 sticks will overclock, assuming the same brand/model.

 

[SynthDude2001]

I've overclocked an Opteron 170 system with 4x512MB in the past. Other than the obvious 2T hit (which is negligible to the point that I wouldn't even worry about it), they overclocked similarly (limited by the slowest pair). Mine were the same brand (Corsair), although two were fast 2-2-2-5 sticks and two were 2.5-3-3-7. I don't know how well it would work with different brands of RAM, but as long as they have similar specs I wouldn't really expect problems.

2x1GB is the better solution overall, it's actually what I'm running right now - although my motherboard has issues with 1T so I have to use 2T anyway. The main consideration is probably cost, especially if you already have 2x512MB in your system and are looking for a relatively cheap upgrade.

 

[yuppiejr]

My understanding was that the 2T command rate thing with 4 sticks of double sided RAM and socket 939 CPU's had to do with the processor's memory controller rather than a limit imposted by the Nforce 4 chipset. Either way, running 2 sticks vs. 4 requires less work from the memory controller and less power draw on the mainboard. As for mixing manufacturers, again, it's a bit of a crap shoot depending on how the modules are organized and configured in the SPD.

If you're not overclocking, the differences are pretty negligible and I believe it's actually cheaper to buy 2 x 1 gigs these days.

2 sticks > 4 sticks (same brand) > 4 sticks (different brands)

 

[soccerballtux]

Originally posted by: yuppiejr
My understanding was that the 2T command rate thing with 4 sticks of double sided RAM and socket 939 CPU's had to do with the processor's memory controller rather than a limit imposted by the Nforce 4 chipset. Either way, running 2 sticks vs. 4 requires less work from the memory controller and less power draw on the mainboard. As for mixing manufacturers, again, it's a bit of a crap shoot depending on how the modules are organized and configured in the SPD.

If you're not overclocking, the differences are pretty negligible and I believe it's actually cheaper to buy 2 x 1 gigs these days.

2 sticks > 4 sticks (same brand) > 4 sticks (different brands)

You're right; it's fixed on the newer 939 processors. It was just a problem with the Clawhammers IIRC.