Max Memory vs. # of slots

Just curious,

I'm building a new machine, wondering if these different configurations will give me any significant performance differences.


I already have 4x512mb Crucial Ballistix DDR2 800, giving me a total of 2gb. Picked it up at NewEgg for $20 a week ago during the $90 - $70 MIR deal.



Option 1:
4x512mb : Running both dual channel

Option 2:
2x1gb : Running dual channel

Which of the above will give me the best performance?

Thanks in advance!

Always better to go with less dimms imo.

I know AMD doesnt like the use of 4 dimms. Not sure about Intel.

Im running 4 sticks of crucial ballistix in both of my rigs and have tried 2 sticks and havent noticed any diff as far as overclocking or stability

With 4 sticks, the max overclock will go down. By how much depends on too many factors for me to give an actual answer.


I would go for option 2

i have 4 stix in my AMD, i had 2 prior, clocked to the same. but 2 stix would be better b/c you can upgrade later.

terran2k said:

i have 4 stix in my AMD, i had 2 prior, clocked to the same. but 2 stix would be better b/c you can upgrade later.

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So, as far as benchmarking goes though, will running 4x512mb run faster than 2x1gb? No overclocking.



Thanks for the help guys, I'll probably end up going with 2x2gb, since I do want 4gb, and the consensus seems to be that 2 sticks will give me a better OC

xxjt2oxx said:

So, as far as benchmarking goes though, will running 4x512mb run faster than 2x1gb? No overclocking.



Thanks for the help guys, I'll probably end up going with 2x2gb, since I do want 4gb, and the consensus seems to be that 2 sticks will give me a better OC

Click to expand...

Two may run a tad faster as you can run with a 1t command rate where four should run in 2t.

Chances are you wouldnt even notice the difference.