Memory

[TheGeek]

I am looking for 2GB of memory and I'm debating waht to do. On one hand I can get 2x1GB PC3200 for $320 total, or 4x512MB PC4000. Which would yield better performance?

 

[Mik3y]

well, at stock speeds, the pc4000 runs at pc3200. i myself would get the 4x512.

 

[Excelsior]

Originally posted by: Mik3y
well, at stock speeds, the pc4000 runs at pc3200. i myself would get the 4x512.

yep, 4x512.

 

[TheGeek]

The problem is, the more modules you use, the slower it's gonna be. Im wondering if the higher speed of the memory will make up for the lower speed with more modules.

EDIT: I have the choice of getting PDP systems memory (2x512 PC4000) or PQI memory (2x512 PC4000). Which is better?

 

[jvarszegi]

Originally posted by: s1len7 n1nj4
The problem is, the more modules you use, the slower it's gonna be.

Nothing you'll notice as a computer user.

If you're not going to be running something that will use more than a gig of RAM (including combinations of running applications), more than a gig is a waste of money anyway. I can't think of a home-use scenario where I'd need more than a gig. Databases love RAM, but how many people will be running a game and a production database on the same machine? Rendering/encoding/decoding software can also hog memory, but where's the value in doing intensive Photoshop work while video encoding is going on in the background? If you start doing stuff like that, you'd be best off with 1) a multi-cpu system with multiple fast disks or 2) two cheaper but capable systems.

 

[BOLt]

2 or 4 sticks of 512MB Crucial Ballistix PC-3200. Cheap, tight timings, overclockable. Great memory. Honestly, anything over 1GB of memory right now actually slows down your computer because all that RAM isn't utilized to its full potential with current software. I've heard that anything over 1GB of memory is actually bad for your computer. Might be wrong, might be exceptions, but that's what I've heard on forums. Can't remember where. I'll come back and repost if I come across the same information again.

 

[TheGeek]

OK, thanks. New question then: one 1GB stick, or 2 512 sticks?

 

[jvarszegi]

Originally posted by: s1len7 n1nj4
OK, thanks. New question then: one 1GB stick, or 2 512 sticks?

I asked the same question about a month ago, and wound up getting two sticks of 512 for my new machine. After I did some shopping and got some advice here (thanks everyone), I noticed that not only do you pay a premium for 1GB sticks, but the speed and quality of the RAM available is not as good. I figured that since my mobo has four slots, I can pack a gig in there now using 2 slots and add one or two gigs later if I really need it.

 

[TheGeek]

alright. plus, i just thought of this, you get the dual channel benifets for having 2 sticks

 

[bluemax]

I'm in the exact same boat - I've decided to go 4x512MB for no reason other than savings of $150CAN. That money can be better spent on a processor + video upgrade than wasted in premium-priced 1024MB modules.

I run a music program which will use 1.5GB of RAM so having 2048MB means having some headroom for the OS while I use 1.5GB for my software. I might be able to get away with 3x512MB if I don't load the entire orcehstra.

 

[Mattax]

What about the problem when using 4 RAM slots? Someone had this posted in another thread.

 

[Vegito]

the smaller the ram, the faster it becomes a keychain