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View Full Version : 4 sticks vs 2 sticks with high speed ram while oc'ing?

OBLIVIONLORD
09-17-08, 02:17 AM
If you don't go beyond the rated speeds of your ram then would 4 ram sticks really hinder your overall cpu overclock compared to just 2 sticks?

To me it shouldn't matter either way just as long as the ram is stable at the rated speed of what you purchased.
chop_wood
09-17-08, 04:15 AM
for the most part i wouldnt think it to hinder much, but ideally 2 would make it easier on the memory controller which could have some effect on the cpu (more-so if it was a built in controller).
ou_phidelt
09-17-08, 10:12 AM
If you are not trying to exceed the rated speed of the memory the only possible downside would be the use of a bit higher north bridge voltage. It kind of varies from motherboard to motherboard. Some have more issues than others.
Evilsizer
09-18-08, 11:10 AM
well the NB actually does relax a set of "sub-timings" to the ram when using 4 sticks vs 2. i dont remember if its more relaxed NB timings or ram timings... It isnt going to be enough to really effect anything, might belike 1-2% if that at all..
thescavenger
09-23-08, 11:41 AM
Does anyone have experience using 2x2GB vs 4x1GB (or any combo of 2 sticks versus 4sticks)? How did stability and overclockability differ between the two?
Evilsizer
09-23-08, 11:47 AM
really wont differ much, you just need more MCH voltage with 4 dimms vs 2 even on P35. not sure how P45 will react though, havent seen anyone do any testing yet...
18 is # 1
09-23-08, 01:59 PM
Without OCing, I agree NB voltage is the only difference. But, two sticks allow for 4x2GB down the road. If all else is equal, leave two slots open.
jason4207
09-23-08, 02:23 PM
When you start pushing the envelope then running 2 sticks vs. 4 sticks makes a difference. I can't get my FSB stable at 471 w/ 4 sticks, but it was stable there w/ 2.

Also, my particular chip hates anything besides the minimum NB and VTT voltage. But, my 4 sticks of RAM run much better w/ a little more NB, so I have to settle for slightly less RAM performance than I was getting before. I also have to sacrifice a little FSB speed, but I've chosen to make that sacrifice, so I can run 4x1GB.