Memory performance question

[MrSmithers]

Ok, here is the deal. I am building a P4 system. For RAM, I currently have 512MB of Corsair PC3200. Now, I have read that dual channel makes a pretty big difference on the 875 boards, so I am looking to go dual channel. Here are my choices:
1) Buy another 512MB of Corsair
Pros: Cheaper, 1 Gig of memory
Cons: Would certainly have to run my board at 5:4 to overclock the processor very high at all

2) Sell the corsair, and buy some 2x256 memory (PC4000ish)
Pros: High overclocks
Cons: little more expensive, only 512MB of total RAM.

Is it gonna be worth the difference running at 1:1 to warrant me getting the "faster" more expensive RAM, or would I be better off just running the 5:4 and going with another stick of my Corsair XMS?

Thanks,
Smithers

 

[MrSmithers]

bumpage

 

[oldfart]

1) Buy another 512MB of Corsair

Be careful. Corsair made many different types of PC3200. Make sure you get a match ie: CMX3200C2 rev 1.1. B sure part# and rev are the same!

Cons: Would certainly have to run my board at 5:4 to overclock the processor very high at all

Thats is not a con. This is a very common misperception. Running 1:1 often means using high latency timings. 5:4 with fast timings is as fast and often faster than 1:1 with slow timings.