4x512mb or 2x1024

BKA · 01-22-2007, 04:47 PM

I know this question has been asked before but this is the first time I have had to deal with it. And I'm not sure if it still causes an issue with MB today. Right now I have a 1GB kit installed running about 425mhz(400mhz default) with system in signature. Could I get away with installing another identical 1GB kit with my current OC settings? Mainly because I'm using Vista and when gaming I'm around 80-90% memory usage, especially NWN2(takes it a good 30 seconds to actually exit NWN2 back to desktop). No noticeable slow down during gaming but the extra head room would be nice.

Of course this comes down to cost, about $125 for another identical 1GB kit or about $250-275 for a 2GB kit. Will I run into problems with my current OC? Will performance be lower when running 4 sticks instead of two?

ATINUT · 01-22-2007, 04:50 PM

If the memory is the same brand that you have now, all I can say is that you shouldn't have any problems with a 2GB kit.

*Bofinn* · 01-23-2007, 09:22 AM

2 sticks is better than 4.

shaihulud · 01-23-2007, 11:49 AM

Bofinn, is basically correct. As the installed banks are increased, latencies and other intrinsic qualities of the Memory Management Unit may be presented. Some revisions of the Athlon64's will clock the memory bus speed lower, or even increase memory management clock (2T). The 965P cannot be clocked at 800mhz memory bus speed if the maximum memory amount capable (8GB) is installed. The previous Athlon64 revision created more reasons to not use the full array of banks, rather than other CPU's with enthusiastic thinking in mind. Overclocking can have an overall affect too (stability), but this is obviously relative.

Read some of The Tech Report reviews which they do use full bank array installations to show the MMU's ability to handle high densities of ram. This does not always translate into extreme penalties for normal computer usage though. The ultimate rule of thumb is more memory is better.

Core 2 chipsets compared - The Tech Report - Page 4

John64 · 01-23-2007, 11:54 AM

another vote for 2 sticks

BKA · 01-23-2007, 12:09 PM

Thanks for the link and input Shaihulud. I am using the 975X chipset on an ABIT AW9D-MAX. It looks like the write access stayed the same with all 4 slots populated. And the read access increased by a small margin with all four slots populated. I didn't read to see what motherboard they are using.

I think I'm going to go with the cheaper option right now and order another duplicate kit(2x512) like I have now. I will run some benchies before I install the new to see if there is much of difference. I know it probably won't be noticeable in real world application, I just want to keep my current overclock without changing anything. Right now its at 4-4-4-12 @ 1.9V. Corsair does state it can run at my settings but SPD is configured for 5-5-5-15. I haven't any issues with it so far and haven't had to increase the voltage with the small overclock I have.

BKA · 01-26-2007, 12:18 PM

Thanks to everyone for comments and suggestions. I got the other kit yesterday and installed it. The first two pictures are memory bandwidth and latency with 1GB and the second 2 are memory bandwidth and latency with 2048. So pics 1 & 3 and 2 & 4 are comparable. Looks like it loses just a little bit with each benchmark but nothing noticeable since its more memory than I had before. I guess a better comparison would be with my current 4x512MB vs 2x1GB.

Looks like Vista loads a tad bit faster. But what surprised me was Neverwinter Nights 2. Like I said before load times in the game were incredibly slow and exiting to desktop took at least 30 seconds before the desktop appeared and maybe a few more seconds before I could load another program. I played a little last night to test it out with the additional memory, gameplay is smoother and load times are significantly decreased. And now, as soon as I click exit to desktop, BAM!!, there it is instantly and functional. I expected the additional memory to help but I thought it would just shave off some seconds.

In other words I'm glad I got the additional memory, Vista absolutely loves it. Also that was my first use of the latest Sandra program for Vista. Very nice. Now if ATI would release some official Vista drivers.

SpeedDMN · 01-26-2007, 12:31 PM

No question Vista eats memory for breakfast. My lappy uses over 500mb to just sit there. I may end up getting a 2x1gb kit for it when I have some money. It doesn't do too bad with the gig that's in it now but I would consider it a minimum.

BKA · 01-26-2007, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpeedDMN

No question Vista eats memory for breakfast. My lappy uses over 500mb to just sit there. I may end up getting a 2x1gb kit for it when I have some money. It doesn't do too bad with the gig that's in it now but I would consider it a minimum.

Yea, anything less than 1GB with Aero & Sidebar running is going to be very sluggish.

01-22-2007, 04:47 PM	#1
BKA Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 2,093	4x512mb or 2x1024 I know this question has been asked before but this is the first time I have had to deal with it. And I'm not sure if it still causes an issue with MB today. Right now I have a 1GB kit installed running about 425mhz(400mhz default) with system in signature. Could I get away with installing another identical 1GB kit with my current OC settings? Mainly because I'm using Vista and when gaming I'm around 80-90% memory usage, especially NWN2(takes it a good 30 seconds to actually exit NWN2 back to desktop). No noticeable slow down during gaming but the extra head room would be nice. Of course this comes down to cost, about $125 for another identical 1GB kit or about $250-275 for a 2GB kit. Will I run into problems with my current OC? Will performance be lower when running 4 sticks instead of two? __________________ DFI LT X48-T2R Q9450@3.2 2-3870(CF) 4GB Patriot Viper Vista x64 ULT
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01-22-2007, 04:50 PM	#2
ATINUT Just Plain Crazy! Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 3,278	If the memory is the same brand that you have now, all I can say is that you shouldn't have any problems with a 2GB kit. __________________ Intel D975XBX2 Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 8GB's of Mushkin HP2 6400 memory(DDR2 800) two Sapphire GDDR4 Radeon 3870 videocards HT Omega Claro(Cmedia 8788HD chip) 120GB&200GB&320GB Western Digital harddrives LG DVDROM & LG DVDBURNER HP Deskjet 920C Logitech X-540 speakers Viewsonic VG2030wm 20inch Widescreen LCD Windows Vista Ultimate 64bit with Service Pack 1 Who'se the fool that approved the design for this place. - The Dwarf, Sacred Underworld.
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01-23-2007, 09:22 AM	#3
Bofinn I'm gettin' dizzy! Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 11,035	2 sticks is better than 4. __________________ ---------- JimBo ----------- When in doubt, smack it!
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01-23-2007, 11:49 AM	#4
shaihulud Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 1,239	Bofinn, is basically correct. As the installed banks are increased, latencies and other intrinsic qualities of the Memory Management Unit may be presented. Some revisions of the Athlon64's will clock the memory bus speed lower, or even increase memory management clock (2T). The 965P cannot be clocked at 800mhz memory bus speed if the maximum memory amount capable (8GB) is installed. The previous Athlon64 revision created more reasons to not use the full array of banks, rather than other CPU's with enthusiastic thinking in mind. Overclocking can have an overall affect too (stability), but this is obviously relative. Read some of The Tech Report reviews which they do use full bank array installations to show the MMU's ability to handle high densities of ram. This does not always translate into extreme penalties for normal computer usage though. The ultimate rule of thumb is more memory is better. Core 2 chipsets compared - The Tech Report - Page 4
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01-23-2007, 11:54 AM	#5
John64 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 4,449	another vote for 2 sticks __________________
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01-23-2007, 12:09 PM	#6
BKA Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 2,093	Thanks for the link and input Shaihulud. I am using the 975X chipset on an ABIT AW9D-MAX. It looks like the write access stayed the same with all 4 slots populated. And the read access increased by a small margin with all four slots populated. I didn't read to see what motherboard they are using. I think I'm going to go with the cheaper option right now and order another duplicate kit(2x512) like I have now. I will run some benchies before I install the new to see if there is much of difference. I know it probably won't be noticeable in real world application, I just want to keep my current overclock without changing anything. Right now its at 4-4-4-12 @ 1.9V. Corsair does state it can run at my settings but SPD is configured for 5-5-5-15. I haven't any issues with it so far and haven't had to increase the voltage with the small overclock I have. __________________ DFI LT X48-T2R Q9450@3.2 2-3870(CF) 4GB Patriot Viper Vista x64 ULT
(Offline)

01-26-2007, 12:31 PM	#8
SpeedDMN Silicon Avatar Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Hyde Park, NY Posts: 2,927	No question Vista eats memory for breakfast. My lappy uses over 500mb to just sit there. I may end up getting a 2x1gb kit for it when I have some money. It doesn't do too bad with the gig that's in it now but I would consider it a minimum. __________________
(Offline)

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