Single core dual channel or dual core single channel?

[Lobsang]

Here's the story, i've got 2 socket 939 processors, a 4000+ and and 4400 X2 but only one 939 motherboard. The 4000+ works perfectly but the 4400 X2 will only run in single channel mode. I have 1GB (2 x 512MB matched pair) of Geil DDR550 to put in the system.

I use the system for web browsing, some office stuff, playing games (older games mainly) and (very) occasionally some encoding. I generally dual boot between Windows XP 32 bit and Gentoo 64 bit so I also do some compiling as needed.

My question is which processor would I be better off using? Essentially, will the difference between single channel and dual channel memory be more beneficial than the extra core?

 

[myocardia]

Originally posted by: Lobsang
My question is which processor would I be better off using? Essentially, will the difference between single channel and dual channel memory be more beneficial than the extra core?

No, the extra core would be more beneficial, if you needed it. For the applications you specified, you don't, and would get better performance out of the faster 4000 running dual-channel. That applies to everything you mentioned except your "(very) occasional encoding", and even then, only if you're using newer encoding software that is multi-threaded.

 

[magreen]

"Single core dual channel or dual core single channel?"
I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy.

 

[sutahz]

My gut tells me dual-core single ch. I use to be a "Super RAM makes all the difference, premium ram all the way for me" kinda guy, then, I read up on it. I read 1x (mind you) that dual ch. is only really benefitial to integrated video (think about it, makes sense that integrated video would make the MOST use of it). So try this. DO BOTH. Run both setups, and see if one is better/snappier to you. Then if you're really curious, instead of relying on what you 'felt', actually put a stop watch to the actions you do regularly. See how much of a difference there is. I have a XP-M 2800+, 1GB Ballistix, X800GTO (16pipes unlocked, i think stock speeds). I ran the ram w/ tight and loose timings, hardly made a difference in FEAR. Be it I ran tight/loose timings both in dual channel (all the mobo has availible, only 2 slots availible).
The skinny: test both for yourself.
My Vote: Dual-core, Single-channel

 

[Spikesoldier]

use the dual core unless you think that the underlying cause of it failing to run your memory in DC mode will present other problems.

id say run it,m and if it grenades then at least you got a backup you can swap in.

 

[Lobsang]

Thanks for the replies. I'd been kinda hoping there was just a straightforward answer but I guess testing it is probably the way to go. I'll have to pick up some thermal paste and get to work this weekend.