1gig or 2 x 512mb sticks

[mrmjs]

I have two 1gb sticks of corsair xms dual channel ddr2 and I want to add more ram.

since Windows XP 32 bit cant use a full 4gig of ram should I just get 1gb stick or two 512mb sticks? since it cant use the full 4gig it would be a waste for my to get a full 4 gig right?

 

[firemist]

You have DDR2 memory now so you want to add memory in pairs so you can maintain DDR2. Depending on what you have in your system you could see as much as 3.5 or as little as 2.3 G so check that out so you know what to expect. Do you plan on XP 64 or Vista 64 running on this system?

 

[mrmjs]

i was thinking of going to vista 64 in the future but i didnt know if my 32 bit programs would run on it?? and what about cpu and other drivers?? they work on vista or xp 64 bit?

 

[firemist]

Processors from both Intel and AMD have supported 64 bit extentions for quite a while so my guess if you are considering 4G of memory your processor is able to handle it. I have XP pro (32), Vista (both 32 and 64) and the biggest issue I have for either flavor of Vista is with drivers (not available or buggy). Appears some vendors will not support some of their hardware on Vista (trying to get you to buy new). Other than that programs I have tried seem to be fine on Vista 32 and 64. Run the compatibility check on your system before you jump to either Vista flavor to get an idea of what will and won't be a problem. The reason I ask is the only way you will see 4G of memory is with an OS that is larger than 32 bit.

If you are going to jump to an x64 and only get one stick of 1G now and add one later (you still need to match timings on the memory) your memory will not be running DDR2 until the sticks are paired.

 

[mrmjs]

if i go to vista or xp 64bit then i would get two 1gig sticks

 

[Alsone]

Vista 64 is fantastic - I've had it since February. You do need a powerful CPU though but thats not unique to the 64 bit version.

Most programs run (AV and CD Burning are the main 2 problem areas with Vista generally not just 64). You'll probably need to upgrade these programs.

Generally most programs run on 64 thanks to its compatibility mode which is completely automatic, runs in the background without any interaction and doesn't slow anything. In short you'll never tell the difference between a 32 bit program on Vista 32 and a 32 bit program on Vista 64.

If you're going to get 64 then buy a 2 x 1GB matched pair of ram sticks that exactly match your existing ram. That way you should be able to run it all (4GB) in dual channel. You also need to check compatability with your motherboard as some are fussy about configurations with more than 2Gb of RAM, there always a danger your existing ram can't be run in 4Gb configuration.

 

[Mondoman]

fm - just a note that in your posts you should be writing "dual channel mode" instead of "DDR2", as DDR2 is a memory technology standard. DDR and DDR2 memory modules can be run in single- or dual-channel mode. depending on the MB's memory controller technology and the arrangement of DIMMs in the memory slots.

 

[firemist]

Noted and thanks

 

[mrmjs]

32 bit can only use 4gig total.. I have 2 video cards in my system now, a 256mb and a 128mb which comes to 384mb. so would windows take the 384mb minus the 4Gb and let me use 3.5Gbs? if so then I should just get the dual channel 2X512Mb for a total of 3Gb. buying 2X1Gb would be a waste on money then right?

 

[ausch30]

Video memory and system memory are two completely different things.

 

[mrmjs]

seems like only 3gb gets used or shows up from what ive read.. so getting 4Gb is a waste for windows 32 bit right?

 

[SCBUcFanTX]

if i go to vista or xp 64bit then i would get two 1gig sticks

Yes, absolutely, always go with pairs.

But the mem will not be the biggest problem you will face, i run Vista on my notebook and the problem i run into, like the other poster said, is a slue of unavailable drivers, wether it be for something like a flash drive to a network adapter...etc.

Vista is great when you work out the kinks but just watch it.

 

[SCBUcFanTX]

seems like only 3gb gets used or shows up from what ive read.. so getting 4Gb is a waste for windows 32 bit right?

Yes, you will only optimize anywhurrs from 2-3.5 GB maxed on windows Vista 32, XP 32 probably even less, dont go 4 gb unless you find it cheap on newegg or are planning to OC for gaming etc...