2GB or 4GB RAM

Chalex4

Chalex4

Chalex4

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Joined
13 Dec 2007
Posts
283
Location
Oxford
Hey guys,

I am just about to RMA my faulty OCZ 2GB (2x1GB) PC2-6400C4. However, instead of getting the same RAM again I am very interested in the prospect of 4GB.

I have overclocked my Q6600 to 3.6GHz but my current OCZ doesn't like that very much, so I am thinking of going for some PC2-8000 or PC2-8500. Also, I often seem to max out my RAM when playing some games and running lots of applications in the background, and since my processor is not limiting me, I am thinking that perhaps 2GB is not enough for my needs.

I am running Windows XP Pro 32Bit and I am aware that I would only be able to use about 3.25GB. I am also keen on keeping the dual channel, but I believe 2x2GB sticks would still work even though it is not all being addressed.

I am currently looking at the G.Skill 4GB DDR2 PQ PC2-8000C5 (2x2GB) for £88.11 inc. VAT since it is the only 4GB PC2-8000 RAM on Overclockers for less than £100. However, since this is a lot cheaper than all of the other 4GB kits, I would like to know if the RAM is lacking in quality, and if it is worth buying. My friend is trying to persuade me to buy the OCZ 2GB (2x1GB) PC2-8500C5 but for only about £10 more I can have 4GB instead.

I do not want to spend any more than £90, and I would like advice on whether it is simply worth getting a better kit of 2GB RAM, or spending the bit extra and getting the 4GB instead. I have noticed that the 2GB kits are all PC2-8500, what benefits does this have over the PC2-8000 that the 4GB kit uses?
 
get the 4gb and then get a 64 bit OS! i really wouldnt spend so much on the ram.

what FSB do you need for your C2Q? i thought most kits would keep up for that cash. the gskill looks decent.
 
XP-x86 (32bit) can see 4GB. the ram onboard the graphics card, and in the processor counts towards this limit too.

this is why people with 8800GTX's see 3.25, and people with HD3870's see 3.5 :)

you could go for XP-x86-64, which has all the advantages of 64bit, aswell as the advantages of not actually being XP (xp-64 is actually server 2003 in a pretty wrapper)

nevertheless, if you stay with XP-32, the 1.25 or so of extra ram will definitely provide a boost in many games, especially with regards to closing the game quickly. in the past, after closing a big game like BF2, i would have to wait for the rest of the computer to be dredged up from the depths of the HDD, but with 4GB it's instant :)
 
Cheers guys for your quick replies. For 3.6GHz I am currently running it with an FSB of 400MHz and CPU Multiplier of 9. However, my Asus Maximus Formula can easily cope with a higher FSB. My GFX card is a BFG 8800GTS OC G92 512MB card, so I should see more than someone with an 8800GTX :).

I was thinking of some PC2-6400 RAM but by the time you get to the 4GB kits, they are only about £20 cheaper than the PC2-8000, and since I want to continue overclocking, I don't really want the limit of the 6400.

Yeah, I was thinking about XP-x86-64 but I am aware that some of my drivers don't have a 64Bit version, and I have heard too many horror stories to switch right now.

Is there any other RAM that I should look at before I buy the G. Skill, even if it is PC2-6400?
 
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well, i've been using XP64 for a while now (4 months) and only have one component that doesn't have drivers (TV card) and for that i just dual-boot to XP32
 
What I will probably do is get the RAM then consider getting XP64 later, but it does sound like a good idea.

Nickg said:
i like the look of this stuff;

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-021-GS&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=813

but not that much price difference..
Click to expand...

To be honest, I think I might as well get the more expensive version since it is only about £15 more, and I know I will be hitting myself if I don't get it :D

What will be my limitations of getting PC2-8000 rather than PC2-8500?
 
mini thread hi-jack since we are knocking on the door of the question I cannot find the answer to. Why do some people get a 4x1gb kit Vs a 2x2gb kit?
 
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