3 GB of RAM?

[Chimera6586]

Is it better to have 3x1 GB DDR2 800 sticks OR 2x1gb sticks and 2x512mb of DDR2 800 sticks? With a mobo that supports 4 slots of DDR2 memory.

Please disregard the ability to upgrade.

Assume a 32bit OS.

Thanks

 

[PsyKhiqZero]

2x1GB if i Had to choose. but I wil refuse to vote unless 4x1gb is added as an option. If your gong to max out you board you may as well at least hit the maximum capacity.

 

[Horhe]

I recommend 2x2GB but from those two, if you don't intend to upgrade later, I say 2x1 GB + 2x512 MB.

 

[topper743]

DDR2 must be installed in pairs (ie 2x1gb) to run at DDR2. If you install say 3x1gb it will run at DDR rate. The lowest latency is the most desireable. 1gb mods usually are lower (ie matched pair 1gbx2=2gb). Better IMHO to install 2x2=4gb. Windows will only show around 3.3 but the ram will run at DDR2 rates. 4-4-4-12 rates are common and widely available. http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010170147%201052108080%201052315794&bop=And&Order=PRICE

Also don't mess with 4x 512 mods. More likely to get a bad one so there is not really an upside.

 

[DCGMoo]

First off, listen to topper. DDR2 is best installed in pairs, and though I don't have links I'm sure someone else can provide links to one of the many reviews that have proven that 2x1GB is better than 1x2GB and etc.

Second... look real closely at your prices. Single 1GB sticks of DDR2 are not THAT much cheaper than a 2x1GB dual channel kit.

1x 1GB DDR2 (1GB total) = $20-30
2x 1GB DDR2 (2GB total) = $40-50

Now... if you COMBINE those, even on the low end, you're paying $60-70 MINIMUM for your 3GB of RAM.

2x 2GB DDR2 (4GB total) = $80-90

If I were you... I'd blow the extra $20 and make sure you TRULY don't have to upgrade for awhile. And, when you DO need to upgrade, you still have 2 DIMM slots open.

HOWEVER... if you're truly limited to $60 or so on your budget, I would stick with 2x1GB. Agreed with topper again... I wouldn't mess with 512MB sticks.

Besides that... there are some studies that suggest your system runs faster with 2x 2GB than it does with 4x 1GB (only 2 slots used for 2x 2GB). So I wouldn't fill every DIMM slot if you can avoid it.

Moo.

 

[DCGMoo]

As for the 32-bit OS... I'm using XP 32-bit as I suggested that.

Yes, if you run 2x2GB you won't see the FULL 4GB in your system (due to the 4GB memory limits)... but 4GB will still run smoother than it does with 2GB, even if all 4GB aren't recognized.

I'm building an XP Pro 32-bit machine now, and am suggesting to you the same thing I'm doing myself... 2x2GB of DDR2-800.

Moo.

 

[dagger]

As for the 32-bit OS... I'm using XP 32-bit as I suggested that.

Yes, if you run 2x2GB you won't see the FULL 4GB in your system (due to the 4GB memory limits)... but 4GB will still run smoother than it does with 2GB, even if all 4GB aren't recognized.

I'm building an XP Pro 32-bit machine now, and am suggesting to you the same thing I'm doing myself... 2x2GB of DDR2-800.

Moo.

Good advice, 4gb of 2x2 sticks ddr2 800mhz ram cost $60 right now, that's only $15 for 1gb. It's only 0.5-0.8gb of waste, so that's only around $7-12 waste. Pocket change.