4x2GB vs 2x4GB

[ngrego]

Hi All,

Since DDR3 prices have dropped I have been thinking of upgrading to 8GB from the 4GB I am currently using.
I have 2x2GB Corsair DDR3 1600MHz CL9 XMS (1.65v) installed.
Another pair of the same RAM chips will only cost 25.00 euro.
Otherwise, 2x4GB Corsair DDR3 1600MHz CL9 Vengeance (1.5v) for 50.00 euro.

Would it make a noticable difference to the speed I am currently getting out of my PC if I do upgrade?
If price was not an issue which option would I benefit more (if at all) from:
1. 4x2GB Corsair DDR3 1600MHz CL9 1.65v XMS
2. 2x4GB Corsair DDR3 1600MHz CL9 1.5v Vengeance

My Setup:
Gigabyte GA-H55M-UD2H
Intel Core i5 660@3.33GHz LGA1156
2x2GB Corsair DDR3 1600MHz CL9 1.65v
XFX Radeon HD4770
CoolerMaster Silent Pro 500W

Many Thanks

 

[tlmck]

I assume you have the required 64 bit OS? Windows or Linux? If so, I would just get the 2x2gb as 8gb is ideal for Win 7 64 bit and it will be good for a while yet.

The only real reason to get the 2x4gb would be leaving slots open for another 2x4gb set.

 

[nikorr]

Hi All,

Since DDR3 prices have dropped I have been thinking of upgrading to 8GB from the 4GB I am currently using.
I have 2x2GB Corsair DDR3 1600MHz CL9 XMS (1.65v) installed.
Another pair of the same RAM chips will only cost 25.00 euro.
Otherwise, 2x4GB Corsair DDR3 1600MHz CL9 Vengeance (1.5v) for 50.00 euro.

Would it make a noticable difference to the speed I am currently getting out of my PC if I do upgrade?
If price was not an issue which option would I benefit more (if at all) from:
1. 4x2GB Corsair DDR3 1600MHz CL9 1.65v XMS
2. 2x4GB Corsair DDR3 1600MHz CL9 1.5v Vengeance

My Setup:
Gigabyte GA-H55M-UD2H
Intel Core i5 660@3.33GHz LGA1156
2x2GB Corsair DDR3 1600MHz CL9 1.65v
XFX Radeon HD4770
CoolerMaster Silent Pro 500W

Many Thanks

Post link to the RAM. Anyway, I would take 2 sticks over 4, because the failure rate adds.

 

[ngrego]

Post link to the RAM. Anyway, I would take 2 sticks over 4, because the failure rate adds.

Forgot to mention I am running Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit.

Memory liks:
http://www.corsair.com/memory-by-product-family/xms-classic/cmx4gx3m2a1600c9.html

http://www.corsair.com/memory-by-product-family/vengeance/vengeance-8gb-dual-channel-ddr3-memory-kit-cmz8gx3m2a1600c9.html

It looks like the only difference (beside the size) is the voltage. Does that make any difference in performance?

 

[nikorr]

Corsair Includes XMP performance profile, is 1.5v ideal for i5, but is high profile.

Are u using any aftermarket coolers? If not than u are OK.

Guaranteed to work on all dual channel Intel platforms.

Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (Intel® XMP) is a performance-packed expansion of the standard DDR3 memory specification. It enables a robust, overclocking solution designed to take advantage of the mega-gaming features built into Intel® technology-based PCs. If you like to overclock and squeeze every possible ounce of performance from your PC, then memory based on Intel XMP is the solution you need to fully dominate–without breaking a sweat.1

Designed for ultimate flexibility, Intel XMP-based platforms offer major advantages for pro gamers, novices, and everyone in between. With predefined and certified memory optimizations built into Intel® XMP, overclocking on Intel technology-based PCs is easy right out of the box. Expert users still have the option of manually changing specific parameters for personalized fine-tuning.

--
XMP @ http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/gaming/gaming-computers/intel-extreme-memory-profile-xmp.html

 

[nikorr]

Nowadays when RAM is dirt cheap, 8GB RAM is minimum.

 

[ngrego]

I finally went ahead and picked up the Corsair XMS3 2x2GB set for 25.00 euro.

They are a slightly newer version number than the set I already have installed, but the system isn't complaining
After 1st reboot I re-ran the windows performance test and my RAM score went from 5.9 to 7.2!
It seems to be running smoother than before without any problems.

Thanks for the input!

 

[ngrego]

Best answer selected by ngrego.

 

[nikorr]

Thanx for the vote ngrego : )

 

[nikorr]

This topic has been closed by Nikorr