Core2 Duo - 2x1Gb vs 4x1Gb

darkblade

darkblade

darkblade

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I'm about to upgrade to Core2 and have a question regarding memory. I've read some threads explaining that it is best to stick to using 2 banks of RAM in order to maintain 1T (as opposed to 2T) - although some posts say that you tend to have to use 2T with Intel.

Bearing in mind I will be going down the phase change cooling route, will I get a better overclock using two 8500 RAM sticks (2x1Gb), or will there be very little difference and therefore I should go for 4Gb using four 8500 sticks?
 
2 gig is plenty, but if you can afford 4 gig, then do so, however there are a few issues with overclocking with 4 sticks as apposed to 2. Good luck
 
darkblade said:
I'm about to upgrade to Core2 and have a question regarding memory. I've read some threads explaining that it is best to stick to using 2 banks of RAM in order to maintain 1T (as opposed to 2T) - although some posts say that you tend to have to use 2T with Intel.
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Thats an AMD issue, I think all C2D systems tend to run at 2T to allow high DDR2 clocks.

A question that might be important is what do you do that needs 4 gigs of RAM, I've never managed to use 2Gigs with some serious gaming, the only thing thats come close is Oblivion with all the details maxed out and huge texture mod replacements.
 
Minstadave said:
Thats an AMD issue, I think all C2D systems tend to run at 2T to allow high DDR2 clocks.

A question that might be important is what do you do that needs 4 gigs of RAM, I've never managed to use 2Gigs with some serious gaming, the only thing thats come close is Oblivion with all the details maxed out and huge texture mod replacements.
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Vista is coming! ;)
 
4GB of memory won't be detected properly on Windows 32-bit either, you'll get 3GB of your lucky. Over 2GB your definately at the point of diminishing returns (for a gaming system anyway).
 
Tetras said:
4GB of memory won't be detected properly on Windows 32-bit either, you'll get 3GB of your lucky. Over 2GB your definately at the point of diminishing returns (for a gaming system anyway).
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Hmm, that is a very good point. Based on current RAM prices, it looks like it is best to go for 2Gb for now and add another 2Gb when (if!?) I decide to migrate to Vista.

I guess it wouldn't hurt to ensure that I have a fast dedicated drive for the Windows page file (might have one spare).
 
I went and got 4x1Gb Geil 6400, which is happily running at the spec speed (400Mhz@4-4-4-12) on the Asus P5W DH mobo with a E6700 @ 3.0Ghz. I'm not quite sure where this rumour that 4Gb won't give as good performance, all seems fine and dandy to me!

Yes you will need XP64 atm (or Linux/SolarisX86) to make use of all 4Gb, which opens a whole can of worms regarding drivers :mad:
 
It isn't as such that performance suffers, what is meant is that for the extra money you pay, (in a gaming PC at least) your paying for much less.

Upgrading memory from 512MB to 1GB is prolly the most productive and will help in pretty much every game out there, doubling up to 2GB is still sound, many games benefit greatly (and can be unplayable at higher settings without the extra RAM) or have secondary benefits (like smoothing out loads and stutters etc) but then doubling from 2GB to 4GB .... no games require the extra memory even at max details/highest res textures and at that point loads are gonna be more dependant on the hard disk than the memory.
 
darkblade said:
I have Oblivion and a 30" Dell screen - need all the help I can get!
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4GB RAM will have almost nothing to do with performance there mate. That will be down to your CPU and GPU, and mainly your GPU. You need a 2x 512MB 7900GTX or a GX27950 to power a Dell "comfortably" at native res. :)
 
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