Asus P5W DH Deluxe upgrade to 8GB choose 2x4GB or 4x2GB?

[matmcnic]

Hi --

I'd like to upgrade my Asus P5W DH Deluxe from 4GB to 8GB (I have 64bit OS and memory remap to see all of it).

I read that if I do 4x2GB PC6400 then the board will downgrade from 800Mhz to 667Mhz. But the cost and availability of 4x2GB vs. 2x4GB seems much better.

If I go the 4x2GB and suffer the downgraded to 667MHz will that be noticeable enough to make it so I really should try for 2x4GB?

If I go 4x2GB then since I am forced into a downgrade to 667MHz should I just get PC2 5300 instead of buying PC2 6400 since the board wont see that speed in a 4x2GB configuration anyway?

Also.. any recommendations for good kits for this board appreciated! If I go 4x2GB then I assume I can buy two 2x2GB (so 4 2GB total as two kits) from same manufacture, same id, etc. and they will play well together.

Thank you

 

[Dee Kay]

The way that I read the manual on the P5 is that 2 sticks will run at the higher speed but with 4 sticks installed it will go to the lower speed. There isn't much benefit to buying higher speed ram if your board can't handle it. Someone else with that board may be able to shed light on the issue or contact Asus support for a response.

 

[brispuss]

Two modules are preferred over four modules to minimize load on the system, and to maximize operating frequency. So 2 x 4 GB is the better arrangement.

However, this motherboard doesn't seem to support 4 GB modules(?), so 4 x 2 GB module arrangement may have to be used instead.

 

[GhislainG]

That motherboard isn't picky and running 2 similar kits never caused me any issues; it doesn't support 4GB modules.