Dual Channel Q?

[hardc0re_tid]

not sure if this has been asked before but i couldnt find anything after searching.

am i able to run 2 sets of dual channel RAM. ie 2 sets of 1gb (4 sticks of 512mb alltogether)

the mobo is an asus p5w dh deluxe which has 4 ram slots (2 colours)

 

[Tetras]

Yes, just plug em in and go, should be a chart in the mobo manual about what config to place them in. Ideally you want them all matched (regardless of being in pairs) but Intel systems are less fussy generally (performance and compatibility wise).

 

[hardc0re_tid]

Yes, just plug em in and go, should be a chart in the mobo manual about what config to place them in. Ideally you want them all matched (regardless of being in pairs) but Intel systems are less fussy generally (performance and compatibility wise).

i havnt got the board yet, or the RAM, just wondering cos im not sure whether to get 2GB dual channel now, or wait and get 1GB now and 1GB after/for xmas from parents.

is there advantages/drawbacks for having 2 sets running at once?

 

[Tetras]

With AMD systems 4 sticks use to be forced to run at 333 Mhz but the memory controller was revised/improved and they can now run 4 at 400 Mhz but only at 2T (quite significant performance loss from 1T).

With Intel systems I don't think it makes any difference and the only downer is more sticks producing more heat, reducing airflow between modules (pretty minor) and having more chance of there being compatibility / stability issues (due to more sticks more chance of failure, bogging down controller, not being properly matched due to memory chips used, revision and so on).

Personally cos of how fussy memory can be in modern systems I'd get the 2GB of memory now and cut out/downgrade something else (would also leave 2 slots free if you ever need to upgrade and better re-sale value, as 512MB modules / 1GB kits will be less in demand).

 

[hardc0re_tid]

think ill go for the 2x1gb option then to make life easy