I'm so confused about ram

SixTwoSix · 20 Nov 2007 at 20:01

I've read so many threads where people say that it's better to have 2 sticks than 4...why is this, what effect does it have on the system, why is 2x2Gb better than 4x1GB, i'm not a noob, just...well, don't know

Kelt · 20 Nov 2007 at 20:08

From what I can gather from these forums, 4 x 1gb sticks put more load onto the memory controller...hence this...

"Note - If you select the 4GB Memory Upgrade option then the CPU overclock is reduced to 3.1GHz - 3.2GHz (*from 3.3Ghz) region to maintain stability with all four memory banks filled."

...taken from http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FS-048-OK

SixTwoSix · 21 Nov 2007 at 15:30

so it's simply down to less stress on the motherboard itself if there is only 2 sticks to contend with as opposed to 4 sticks?

manc · 21 Nov 2007 at 23:39

wondered this myself. is it really bad to get 4 x 1gb sticks of ddr2? and is there much difference between 6400 and 8500?

MumboJumbo · 21 Nov 2007 at 23:43

4x1 is better then 2x2. 4x1 will overclock better and is cheaper. moer then 4gb is not needed for gaming and by the time moer then 4gb is needed ddr3 will be mainstreme. Therefoer ther si no need to get 2x2gb thinking you will upgrade more later.

On the newer boards 4sticks doesn't affect overclocking as far as im aware. Well there is no significant difference.

dr. sarf · 22 Nov 2007 at 02:15

I was lead to believe that 2 sticks would be more stable when overclocked than 4 full banks?

young · 22 Nov 2007 at 02:48

i think its more down to the motherboards, some motherboards are not effected by using 4 sticks, some are better with just 2 banks filled. not sure which motherboards are better than the others for 4 sticks, but hopefully someone will know

helmutcheese · 22 Nov 2007 at 02:52

2GB Modules are still newish, Ive tried 3 kits and was not happy with them.

Im happy on 4x 1GB Modules at 900mhz 4:4:4:12 for now.

young · 22 Nov 2007 at 03:04

managed to get my crucial ballistics to run at 1000MHz with 4-4-4-10 timings on an Abit IP35 Pro

steve258 · 22 Nov 2007 at 03:14

2 sticks is easier on the mobo (theoritically) allowing fsb and hence cpu to be clocked higher but having 2x 2Gb sticks means you are sacrificing ram overclocks. But on the other hand having 4 sticks does not necessarily hinder your cpu overclock; I just got mine OCZ 2Gb platinum stuff today to add to my current 2Gb ballistix and I didn't have to lower the CPU clock or anything like that.

SixTwoSix · 22 Nov 2007 at 15:31

So if it's the CPU overclock i'm concerned with, it's not a problem to get 4x1Gb sticks then?

helmutcheese · 22 Nov 2007 at 17:17

2 sticks is easier on it as said above but 2x2GB Modules is more strain on Memory Controler than 2x1GB Moduless.

We have been here before when it went from 512MB Modules to 1GB Modules, takes time to get matured.

I dont know if 4x1GB or 2x2GB is better for Mobo but 2GB Modules normally wont Clock as well as 1GB Modules for now.