RAM Choice

[Overkill0001]

Processor: AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ 2.2G
Mainboard: ASUS M2N-E AM2 NVIDIA nForce 570U
Memory: CORSAIR XMS2 (2 x 512MB) DDR2 800, Timings: 5-5-5-12

I read something about if I fill all four memory slots on my mother board, it will slow my RAM down.

So would it be better to run 2x512MB + 2x512MB in dual channel OR 2x512MB + 1GB?

Keep in mind I do NOT plan on overclocking.

 

[PurdueRy]

the first would be better performance wise...the second would be smarter upgrading for the future wise...

 

[Overkill0001]

so will my motherboard cause the ram to run at 2T if all slots are filled? what's the difference between 1T and 2T?

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: Overkill0001
so will my motherboard cause the ram to run at 2T if all slots are filled? what's the difference between 1T and 2T?

a lil bit of performance loss...but you will still be running in dual channel. So those should virtually cancel out. I still think its a better idea to go with the 1 gig stick.

 

[Overkill0001]

I might just wait a while and get 2x1GB for 3GB. Could I have 2x512MB and 2x1GB running in Dual Channel?

Or would it be better to just get a 1GB stick now and not worry about Dual Channel? (and still have one slot open for upgrading)

How much of a difference does dual channel make?

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: Overkill0001
I might just wait a while and get 2x1GB for 3GB. Could I have 2x512MB and 2x1GB running in Dual Channel?

Or would it be better to just get a 1GB stick now and not worry about Dual Channel? (and still have one slot open for upgrading)

How much of a difference does dual channel make?

yes

I think it would be best to do that

not much...a few percent

 

[Overkill0001]

Thanks, you rock. If you're serious about the Physics and Math help, I might take you up on that offer in the coming semesters....

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: Overkill0001
Thanks, you rock. If you're serious about the Physics and Math help, I might take you up on that offer in the coming semesters....

yes I am serious

 

[Overkill0001]

Actually I found this:

http://www.techreport.com/etc/2005q4/mem-latency/index.x?pg=8

1T and 2T Doesn't really matter in real world. I might just go with 2x1GB plus my 2x512MB all in dual channel. I think 3GB will be enough for a while, right?

EDIT: Link Fixed

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: Overkill0001
Actually I found this:

http://www.techreport.com/etc/2005q4...y/index.x?pg=8

1T and 2T Doesn't really matter in real world. I might just go with 2x1GB plus my 2x512MB all in dual channel. I think 3GB will be enough for a while, right?

more than enough