AMD 64 issues with 4x512MB RAM and Overclocking

[JasonSix78]

I've been searching around here and I've seen a lot of you mention the performance hit that running 4x512 sticks can have. I'm currently running 2x512 sticks of DDR400 with my OC'ed 3200+ Venice. Given how cheap this RAM is, and how good it is (atleast to me), I was seriously considering throwing two more sticks in my NewEgg shopping cart when I order my AC Freezer Pro tonight.

I really need some education here on this 1T vs. 2T thing. Also, what should I expect in terms of OC'ing with 4x512MB of RAM? Right now it's running 2.5-3-3-7 @ 418MHZ. Will this stay the same if I pop in 2 more sticks or will I have to do some more tweaking in the BIOS? I realize 2x1GB sticks would be the best but for right now I'd like to give this a go and see how it works out.

Thanks,
-Jason

 

[snor]

you can try to set your current config from 1T to 2T and compare the difference. Also, some boards cannt handle 4 double sidded sticks w/o lowering to ddr 333.

 

[JasonSix78]

Thanks Snor. I looked in my BIOS and it's been running at 2T, I guess by default. I changed it over to 1T and I can barely notice a difference. It may be a hair faster than it was but, I can't say for sure.

-Jason

 

[markkleb]

I would say the best is to get 1 gig sticks. That way you have the empty slots later. Y not just get 1 one gig stick now?
I use 4 one gig sticks (i use win64) and its much faster than 2 one gig sticks at 1t.

Newegg sold me PQI Turbo 2-3-2-5 lat 2 for $94 one gig sticks.. Even though they are single my mobo sees them as dual channel.

 

[SynthDude2001]

I'm running 4x512MB at 216MHz right now, 2.5-3-3-7. Bought two 512MB sticks of Corsair ValueSelect from the FS/T forums here last week to add to the 2x512 (also Corsair, but older and faster 2-2-2 stuff) that I already had. Considering I paid just over $50 for the (new) RAM, I'm extremely happy with my upgrade - the 4x512 setup doesn't hamper my overclock (I don't care about 1T/2T), and having 2GB gives me a lot of extra breathing room. In my opinion, the "need" for 2x1GB sticks that everyone always seems to talk about, is pretty overrated. If you already have 2x512, I don't think it's at all worth it to dump your current RAM and spend $150-200 (or even more) just to have 2x1GB. Especially since you're running a fairly mild RAM overclock too (418MHz/209MHz DDR), I don't think you'll have any problems with 4x512 at all (based on my recent experiences). I'm glad I didn't waste my money on 2x1GB.

Edit: I should specify here that I'm running an Opteron 170 (at 2.6GHz, 260x10, 166MHz memory divider), but since you have a Venice you should be fine too (as far as 4 sticks not causing a drop to DDR333).