memmory dilemma...

[jaqu]

Ok this has prob been answered a trillion times, but I couldnt find a post answering exactly this question.

What will give the best performance :

2 GB DDR800 - Dual Channel (2 x 1GB modules)

--or--

3 GB DDR800 - NOT dual channel (1 x 2 GB module + 1 x 1GB module) {can this run dual channel?}

Since DDR2 RAM is so cheap at the moment, I wana max my memory out.

And also what about 4GB DDR800 RAM (2 x 2GB modules)? I know windows can only use about 3GB. So will it be able to do dual channel? And will windows pick up 3GB RAM or will it completely throw out the 2nd module and only pick up 2GB RAM?

I dont see the point in buying 4GB RAM if windows cannot use all of it. But if it can dual channel and outperform 3GB RAM (1 x 2GB and 1 x 1GB) then it might be worth it.

btw i only have 2 slots on my mobo.




j

[Rootstonian]

IIRC, to run dual channel both slots must have same speed & size of memory.

So it boils down to 4 gig matched pair running dual channel; but you might only get 3 to 3.5 gig of it.

Or 3 gig non-mathced pair, so non dual channel, but you get all 3 gig.

Benchmarks may show a difference; real world you probably wouldn't notice.

I would go whatever route cost the less $'s, IMO

The 2x2Gig gives you an upgrade path too should you go to a 64-bit OS I've had my Quad Core, 4 Gig for about a week now and would never go back to 32-bit!

[thephilosophizer]

On the 64-bit point, are there software limitations to 64 compared to 32 (program compatibility issues)? Are you running vista, xp, or linux?

[Rootstonian]

Vista 64-bit.

No compatibility issues so far. Yeah, some 64-bit drivers are not out (yet). And some programs just aren't ported to 64-bit (yet). But they will be.

It's just rock hard stable and FAAAAASSSSTTTT Granted, I'm running a Quad Core, but I imagine if you gave Vista 64-bit a dual core CPU and 4 to 8 gig RAM, you would be happy

I think MS hit the mark with Vista 64 bit; it just may be a tad early for most people to adopt to it (e.g. it's actually AHEAD of it's time LOL).

I know the 64 bit users here are just as excited as I am. As far as I'm concerned, MS can stop OS development now. Just fine tune it to the max....and get rid of Paint for the love of Pete ROFL

[jaqu]

I'm a bit weary of 64-bit. The first game that doesn't work, its outa the window and back with the 32-bit. lol.

I would like to get the 2 x 1Gig RAMs. But I know its gnna leave me hungry for more until I max it out. And IF I should get 1 x 1gig + 1 x 2gig, and decide to go 64bit for some bizarre reason, then im hungry all over again.
So obviously the 2 x 2gigs is the right option, but it cost the most, for memory that I cannot use fully anyway, and I might never go to 64bit :/

So what is the fastest between 3 GB RAM (1x 1GB and 1x 2GB non dual channel) and 2 GB RAM (2x 1GB dual channel)?

[RicheemxX]

Just to throw a wrench in your works here. You do realize that right now (AMIR of course) its more than likely going to cost you more to buy, or right around the same price for a 3gig setup than it would to buy 4gigs.

As per example 2x2gigs 59.99 to say 60.99

buying a single 2 gig and a single 1 gig matched 34.99 and 25.99

Realistically speaking the best price/performance is 2gigs, I don't know what you are running now, and what types of apps you run but IMO I's start there.

[jaqu]

But its not the same here in SA. 1GB I can get for R177 ($23) and 2GB for R325 ($43). So basically 2GB modules are still a little bit expensive compared to 1GB modules. The 2GB are almost no extra value for money, as you can see its almost double the price.

The only apps im running will be games and photo editing (where games the most important).