Noob question (2 large RAM modules, or 4 small ones, which one is better)

[Cerb]

Over the years I have used single channel just to have the extra memory.
I have used the same amount of memory single and dual and never saw or felt much difference.
In theory dual should be double yet in many game benchmarks it comes out the same.

In theory dual channel should, and does, allow RAM to spend more time changing open pages, instead of transferring data, giving it more time to do what it's slow at (like HDDs). You will basically never see double the performance, outside of synthetic benchmarks. It does give double the bandwidth, but that only helps as much as you can make use of it. Gaming typically has gotten 5-20%, though it's been awhile since I've seen comparison benchmarks.

However, as always: if you have a choice between faster or more, always choose more.

 

[PCJake]

Interesting stuff. Right now I'm planning on getting this set: G.SKILL Ares Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3 1866.Even though there's some debate here about what's best, I'm guessing most of you would approve of this choice. Feel free to say so if you don't agree.

 

[john3850]

Interesting stuff. Right now I'm planning on getting this set: G.SKILL Ares Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3 1866.Even though there's some debate here about what's best, I'm guessing most of you would approve of this choice. Feel free to say so if you don't agree.

Last week the egg had a good sale at 79.00 for crucial.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820148663
I went with 2x8 DDR3 1600 Ballistix VLP 1.35v or a 1.50v XMP profiles.
Slight increase in hyper pi at 1866 10-10-10-27.
When set at 1.525v it does 2200 not bad for 1600 ram.

 

[TheReaWarmonger]

Interesting stuff. Right now I'm planning on getting this set: G.SKILL Ares Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3 1866.Even though there's some debate here about what's best, I'm guessing most of you would approve of this choice. Feel free to say so if you don't agree.

Them are fine, nice timings for only 1.5v. The RipjawsX series offers even tighter timings by default for $5 more. Or if blue isn't your color, the Snipers have the same timings as the RipjawsX. They all use the same memory, its just the color of the heatspreaders and timings that differ.

 

[PCJake]

Last week the egg had a good sale at 79.00 for crucial.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820148663
I went with 2x8 DDR3 1600 Ballistix VLP 1.35v or a 1.50v XMP profiles.
Slight increase in hyper pi at 1866 10-10-10-27.
When set at 1.525v it does 2200 not bad for 1600 ram.

Whoa...nice. Those are perfect for my build. Updating my list, thank you.

Update: those sticks led me to these: Crucial Ballistix Tactical 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3 1600. Even tighter timings (8-8-8-24) and 1600MHz at only 1.35v. Pretty well priced at $114.99, also.

Them are fine, nice timings for only 1.5v. The RipjawsX series offers even tighter timings by default for $5 more. Or if blue isn't your color, the Snipers have the same timings as the RipjawsX. They all use the same memory, its just the color of the heatspreaders and timings that differ.

Good suggestions. I'm going to go with the Ballistix recommended above because they're the lowest profile and lowest voltage of the bunch.

I'm so glad I post on these forums.

 

[PCJake]

Update: bought the Crucial Ballistix Tactical 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3 1600 set for $99.99.

 

[tweakboy]

Getting a single stick? I've never heard of doing this? Advantages (if any)?

It will run in single channel , it will be slower then dual channel....gl,