Upgrade ram: 2 more 800 or 4 new 1066?

[Lisa Gerrard]

Hi, I have just upgraded to w7 from xp, now I have 2 GB ram, 2x1 dual channel Corsair XMS2 CM2X1024-6400, my motherboard, Gigabyte GA-P35-DS4 (DDR2 1066/800/667), doesn’t support DDR3, it would be a big upgrade to add 2 more GB? Is it better to buy the same exact ram I already have or do you suggest me something else, maybe 4 GB completely different? 4 GB 1066 would be much better? Is it ok to look for used ones?

Here the list of supported memories, on ebay I can find only my old one or OCZ2N1066SR2GK:
http://download.gigabyte.ru/memory/motherboard_memory_ga-p35-ds4.pdf

but they say it’s an invidia edition and on newegg reviews there is a note from the manufacturer that recommends to slow it down when used in a kit of 4, do you think it will work for me?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=20-227-181&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&PageSize=10&SelectedRating=-1&VideoOnlyMark=False&IsFeedbackTab=true#scrollFullInfo
http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/memory/ocz_ddr2_pc2_8500_sli_ready_edition_dual_channel

So, it's better add 2 more Corsair XMS2 CM2X1024-6400 or buy 4 OCZ2N1066SR2GK?

Thank you and best regards

 

[andrern2000]

Hi Lisa,
Your mobo is somewhat similar to mine (GA-P35_S3L). Yes, it doesn't support DDR3, only DDR2, same like mine.

Since you use Windows 7, it's better to have 4GB of memory. The problem is, should you add another 2GB of same like u possess now, or buy a new 4GB kit (2 x 2GB) of 1066 memory.

First, 1066 memory will yield only ~4% performance difference than PC-6400. So don't bother. No significant performance, unless you overclock quite big, say, to 3.4-3.6 Ghz processor CPU speed (with Q6600 Core 2 Quad processor, here.) The performance difference will also be only ~8% at max anyway. In games in will be even only 0-2 fps gain. Innoticable.

I feel, there's only slightly difference that, Using 4GB kit of 2 x 2GB will put less strain on motherboard, technically speaking, so it's easier to overclock higher clock because of that 'less-strain-put'. But if not overclocking, using 4 x 1GB is fine.

Adding 2GB of current RAM, well, is more cost-effective, because you only spend half-price of that. Your current memory XMS2 CM2X1024-6400 is also in the qualified vendor list.
I recommend you to buy additional 2GB of 6400 RAM instead buying a new 4GB 1066 memory because of its half-price factor is greater than ~4% performance addition with double price.


That is, unless there's people who has behavior like, "I take it! That 4% gain! I'll take it every bit of performance gain! I can afford that anyway my pocket is not empty" tad...

 

[Lisa Gerrard]

thank you for your reply
in the qualified vendor list I don't see any 2gb, but maybe they don't list everyone, I usually don't use pc for gaming, but I need for work a super fast pc to surf internet, so I don't think I need that 1066, I will go for 2 more Corsair like mine
do you think I can try some used ones or they can be deteriorated?
regards