RAM Sticks

[rednar]

My new pc will have 2GB of ram (as you can see).

Is there any reason to have 2 sticks of 1024 over 4 of 512 apart from the upgrade advantage? (Not going to be doing this.) Is it faster? All I can see atm is that 4 of 512 is cheaper.

Cheers

 

[ts3433]

The RAM may have to run a little bit slower (DDR333 and probably CL3 at 2T) when there are 4 DIMMs, but it shouldn't make much of a performance difference unless the rig is a P4 800FSB (memory bandwidth's a big factor in performance). Even then, it's still somewhat possible to go above JEDEC specifications and run it all at DDR400.

 

[blinky8225]

Definately try to get 2x 1024 because on some mobos having all 4 slots full will cause the RAM to run slower.

 

[rednar]

It's going to be running a 3500+. RAM will be running dual channel etc.

It'll definately be slower then? Hmm =/

 

[ts3433]

It will be slower, but not something you'll notice. A64s can run asynchronously without major performance hits, and you can still go ahead and attempt stable operation out of spec.

 

[rednar]

I don't like the sound of attempt =P

2 x 1024 it is.

 

[Rike]

Originally posted by: rednar
I don't like the sound of attempt =P

2 x 1024 it is.

Wise choice. I just finished a system like the one you're building and it just cooks. Patriot (PDP) 2x1gig DIMMs from Newegg. Not supper fast timings, but it's a good price and they're stable.

 

[rednar]

What're the specs on yours? And benchmarks?

It's going to be a vast step up for me. No more budget video card for a start

 

[Baked]

Man, I'd go 2x1GB if I got the money too.

 

[Rike]

Originally posted by: rednar
What're the specs on yours? And benchmarks?

It's going to be a vast step up for me. No more budget video card for a start

Asus AV8 Deluxe
A64 3500+ 130nm on a Thermalright XP-90
2gigs PC3200
XFX 6800 128MB
Antec NeoPower480
NEC3500
WD 74G Raptor x2 in RAID1

This was a build for my father-in-law. He was upgrading from a PII, no joke. And yes, that's P2, as in one, two. I haven't had much time to benchmark it but I got 8937 in 3Dmark03. That's with everything running stock, nothing OCed.

If I were you, I'd be sure to get a 90nm A64. They are a hair faster when running stock and OC nicely. And that XP-90 is so nice. My temps were in the low 30sC at idle and never broke 40C underload. Highly recommended!

 

[bjc112]

Originally posted by: Baked
Man, I'd go 2x1GB if I got the money too.

Agreed.. Even though 2GB is quite a bit for any current games.