How many memory modules is the best?

[New2building]

I am going to buy a motherboard with 4 memory slots. Should I buy 4 modules, 2gb each? Or just buy 2 modules, 4gb each, so that It would be easier to upgrade later on?

 

[USAFRet]

2 x 4GB

 

[06yfz450ridr]

2 if overclocking due to less voltage needed then using 4

 

[the great randini]

the amount of modules only matters when compared to the amount of channels on the motherboard.


http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/sb/CS-011965.htm single channel vs dual vs triple vs quad


What is dual-channel memory? <--misnomer http://www.crucial.com/kb/answer.aspx?qid=3751



most motherboards support dual, so I would get 2 x 4gb as USAFRet suggested

 

[maddogfargo]

Depends on your CPU and motherboard. Check their capability/compatability.

Usually, 2 DIMMS will run faster/at max specs for the RAM. Sometimes, 4 DIMMS will not run at the fastest speeds.

 

[JakeX]

In addition to the above comments, for most systems, if you use more than 2 memory slots, you will have to use 2T command rate memory timings instead of 1T. How much will this really affect? Only about 2-3% performance in situations where latency matters.

 

[Tradesman1]

2 is always preferable to 4 in a dual channel rig, less stress on the MC (memory controller)