DDR2 1gig vs 2 gig

[Blammo300]

I was wondering if "4" 512 DDR2 ram sticks will work as well as "2" 1 gig sticks if they are same volatage and latency when it comes to a dual channel system?

 

[CurseTheSky]

I would go with the 1GB sticks.

They should work the same if they are rated for the same speed and latencies. However, some motherboards have issues when all four memory slots are occupied. Futhermore, by going with two 1GB sticks, you leave room to upgrade to 4GB total later on, should you install Vista, etc.

 

[myocardia]

2x1 GB is always better. Not only for the reasons that CurseTheSky mentioned, but if you happen to own an Athlon 64, unless it's a dual-core, 4 sticks can't run @ 200 Mhz. That's bad enough, if you run your processor @ stock speed, but since 166 Mhz is as fast as the RAM can run (with 4 sticks), then you're forced to use a 133 divider to overclock at all, and the dreaded 100 Mhz divider, if you're going for a high overclock.

 

[Ruptga]

Originally posted by: myocardia
2x1 GB is always better. Not only for the reasons that CurseTheSky mentioned, but if you happen to own an Athlon 64, unless it's a dual-core, 4 sticks can't run @ 200 Mhz. That's bad enough, if you run your processor @ stock speed, but since 166 Mhz is as fast as the RAM can run (with 4 sticks), then you're forced to use a 133 divider to overclock at all, and the dreaded 100 Mhz divider, if you're going for a high overclock.

I thought that speed drop thing only applied to 754 boards?

 

[Craig234]

I already have 2x512; to add a second GB, another 2x512 is best right?

 

[pkme2]

At today's prices, 2x512 is the best bet.

 

[myocardia]

Originally posted by: ADDAvenger
I thought that speed drop thing only applied to 754 boards?

No, it has absolutely nothing to do with the motherboard. It has to do with which core the processor has. Unless I'm mistaken, the only single-core that can run 4 chips at all is the Venice, and it has to run them at 166 Mhz, max. Again, unless I've just forgotten (which is always possible), the only cores that are able to run 4 sticks @ 200 Mhz are the different dual-cores, Manchester and Toledo.