Need advice quick

[robpalu]

I recently purchased a new rigg:

q6600 quad core
Evga 8800gt sc
Msi p35 Neo2-fr
Zalman 9700 led Cooler
and ofcourse Corsair Dominator ddr2 1066 memory


Heres the Problem; One stick of memory arrived doa, so I've been using 1g for the last 12 hours. I played crysis, cod4, and portals, and was expecting much more performance out of this system. Is having one gig bottle necking the system, because I'm afraid that even with 2gb the computer isn't going to perform as well as I hoped. Although I've noticed in taskmanager 1 gb fills up rather quickly. Ultimately I think I'm going to try a different brand or 800 memory. If I want to spend around 130 or less after rebates what should I do? Run 4gb 800 knowing that only 3.1 will show up, or run 1066 of another brand. I'm going to overclock in the future but not to extreme. If you have a recomendation it would be nice if it is availible at newegg, because there issuing me a refund. Thanks in advance, I need to order by tomorrow. Could I run 2x1 gig sticks, and 2 x512 gig sticks and run 3 gig double data rate?

 

[itotallybelieveyou]

Yes 1GB is definitely the bottleneck. Get 3x1GB?

 

[akhilles]

What's your monitor resolution?

 

[Kamrooz]

Grab two sets of these..

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146565

Don't let the price fool you. Crucial is a subsidiary of Micron, these modules have Micron D9GMH chips. One of the most wanted modules for overclocking along with Micron D9GKX modules. For the money they are a steal.

In regards of having 4x1 gb modules. You'll have to use a 2t timing instead of 1t with four modules. If you want to get a 2x2 gb kit go for it. But they aren't as good in terms of overclocking as 2x1 modules atm.

Regarding system performance. 1gb just doesn't cut it now-a-days. 2gb minimum....For my next rig I'm getting 4 gigs definitely with a possibility of 8gb's. Keep in mind though...Crysis is a SYSTEM KILLER. Even the 8800GTX and 8800GT don't get solid enough frame rates in high resolutions with lots of candy. So don't expect 2-4 gigs to give you a great frame rate.

What resolution are you playing in?..and what settings?

Regarding the 2x1 and 2x512 solution. Not really worth it imo. If you even go vista eventually....it'll be better to have your computer recognize 4 gb's. I actually have 4x1 gb modules in my rig right now. Windows only recognized 3.2 gb's. But there are no stability issues what so ever. So just nab 4x1 gb or 2x2 gb. Also...mixing ram like that isn't good for overclocking. If you plan to OC...always make sure all your ram is identical so you don't run into issues such as timing/speed throttling if one set can't run as fast as the other.

 

[robpalu]

My number one concern is keeping these expensive components running as fast as possible. What ram configuration is going to keep this machine working at 100%. I agree 2 gigs is barely cutting it now a days, but I'm not about to run a 64 bit operating system. Right now I'm running vista ultimate with all the visuals off. My monitor 22 inch wide screen monitor is capable of 1600 by something, but in games I'm running at 1024x768. Cod4 and Crysis run at medium detail but no aa in crysis.

 

[Kamrooz]

Don't worry too much about trying to run them as fast as possible. Even with the ram I suggested..You probably will hit a wall in terms of your processors ability and temperatures. Keep in mind you can work with different multipliers so you don't push your ram too far. Also you have your memory ratios as well to work with. I've seen these memory modules run at 1066 rated speeds without a hitch. What's so nice about micron D9GMH chips is the fact they take higher voltages extremely well compared to any other company. It's not for no reason that all experienced overclockers buy Micron D9 chips. They can take voltages better then any other IC. They also can live a lot longer with those voltages then other IC's produced from other manufacturers.

Choices is yours though. Personally I'd just nab 2 sets of those for a 4x1...Or you can nab a 2x2 set although getting micron based ones that oc well is somewhat difficult considering how new the 2x2 scene is. Chip densities come into play and there aren't many great overclockers in the 2x2 market from what I've seen so far. But choice is yours...With the resolution you play in you should be fine. I can't believe you play in 1024x768 though. The stretch/shrinking of resolutions always gets on my nerves. Always best to run at your monitors native resolution for the sharpest/best picture quality. Unless you play in a 1:1 pixel mapping if your monitor supports it. You don't need a 64 bit operating system to run four 1gb modules. Yes it will only register 3 gb or so. But personally I don't mind that. Atleast I know if I ever dump a 64bit os on my rig...I'll have 4 gb to use.

Choice is yours.