2 x 2GB or 4 x 1GB ??

[mrpete]

So far from what I am seeing, the P35 based boards handle 4 DIMMs better than the previous Intel chipsets.

Hi,
So for the Abit IP-35 Motherboard, would 2x2gb still be better than 2x 2x2gb?
Thanks

[Yellowbeard]

Hi,
So for the Abit IP-35 Motherboard, would 2x2gb still be better than 2x 2x2gb?
Thanks

Actually, it would depend on how much or if you intend to OC and also your CPU. The 2 x 2gb modules do not individually OC as well as an individual 1gb module. But, they can typically run up to about DDR900 or so. So, if you are OCing at a 1:1 ratio, you should be able to go to about a 450mhz FSB which is good for most CPUs these days. If you want to OC using the memory dividers, then you may get a better top RAM speed from 4 x 1gb of PC8500 or faster modules.

[Yellowbeard]

Hi folks - is _anyone_ making 2GB sticks of anything faster than PC6400 at the moment? That seems to be all I can find anywhere.

If not, do Corsair have any plans for this?

(EDIT: I mean, 2x2GB sets. Also, if there are plans, any idea when we might see them?)

We have some in the works but, they are not out yet. I have no time frame at this time.

[mrpete]

Hi,
Not really planning on overclocking at all. Just want something that is as stable as it can be.

[Yellowbeard]

Hi,
Not really planning on overclocking at all. Just want something that is as stable as it can be.

Then I would definitely suggest a 2 x 2gb kit.

[Oldjim]

Sorry to resurrect an old thread but I am nearly ready to order my new system (either 680i or X38 motherboard depending on the graphics card for SLI/Crossfire support). 4GB of DDR2 RAM will meet all my needs until I do my next major upgrade when I will go to DDR3.
Looking at the availability on Scan these two seem suitable
4GB (2x2GB) Corsair TwinX XMS2, DDR2 PC2-6400 (800), 240 Pins, Non-ECC Unbuffered, CAS 5-5-5-18
2GB (2x1GB) Corsair TwinX XMS2, DDR2 PC2-6400 (800), 240 Pins, Non-ECC Unbuffered, CAS 5-5-5-12
but the 1GB modules have better timings and are much cheaper.
Are there any advantages in going for 2x2GB instead of 4x1Gb on either of these motherboards.

[Yellowbeard]

Sorry to resurrect an old thread but I am nearly ready to order my new system (either 680i or X38 motherboard depending on the graphics card for SLI/Crossfire support). 4GB of DDR2 RAM will meet all my needs until I do my next major upgrade when I will go to DDR3.
Looking at the availability on Scan these two seem suitable
4GB (2x2GB) Corsair TwinX XMS2, DDR2 PC2-6400 (800), 240 Pins, Non-ECC Unbuffered, CAS 5-5-5-18
2GB (2x1GB) Corsair TwinX XMS2, DDR2 PC2-6400 (800), 240 Pins, Non-ECC Unbuffered, CAS 5-5-5-12
but the 1GB modules have better timings and are much cheaper.
Are there any advantages in going for 2x2GB instead of 4x1Gb on either of these motherboards.

At DDR800, you "should" be able to get by with 4 x 1gb. However, on 680i 4 x 1gb is often more difficult to tune and requires more bios tweaking to get stable as it is a minimum of 2x the load on the memory controller. If you have the option I suggest the 2 x 2gb.

[Oldjim]

Thank you for the very quick reply.
I assume from your reply that the X38 motherboard will accept either with no expected problems

[Yellowbeard]

The X38s and P35s in the lab so far are clocking 4 modules very well. I have not seen any 780i or 790i results yet.

[lxtwin]

Hi OldJim,
I changed my 4 x 1GB for XMS2 memory - TWIN2x4096-6400c5 (I have a 680i MB) and I am very happy with it.

[Shuriken]

I'm going for a P45 chipset (on a Gigabyte board) and I have the same issue, whether to put a 2x 2GB or 4x 1GB DDR2 RAM in.
Also, I want those DIMM's to run on 1066Mhz. Now I see that Corsair has these new Dominator DIMM series, so I'm thinking of buying these (TWIN2X4096-8500C5D), but the board I have chosen (Gigabyte GA-EP45C-DS3) does not support the "Enhanced Performance Profiles" feature. So I guess I'm asking, whether it's reasonable to buy them. And these were the only Dimm's I could find that comes in Kit of 2x 2GB (1066Mhz).
Please respond...

[Yellowbeard]

2 x 2gb is ALWAYS better than 4 x 1gb. You can set the speed, timings, and voltage manually on with this memory so your MOBO not supporting EPP or XMP is not a factor.

[Lemsip]

At the moment I have 2x1GB of "TwinX DDR2 XMS2 Dominator, PC2-8500", was curious about the difference between me adding 2 more sticks, or replacing them with 2x2GB - would it be a big difference, if I'm not overclocking? My mobo is an Asus Maximus Formula.

[Yellowbeard]

If you are not OCing you "should" be OK with 4 x 1gb but, we cannot guarantee compatibility. You may have to tweak the memory controller voltages somewhat.

[Blitzen]

If you are not OCing you "should" be OK with 4 x 1gb but, we cannot guarantee compatibility. You may have to tweak the memory controller voltages somewhat.

Not sure with regards to Corsair memory, but 4x1gb doesnt hold anything back.

[Yellowbeard]

Not sure with regards to Corsair memory, but 4x1gb doesnt hold anything back.

It has nothing to do with the brand of memory. No chipset or memory controller can operate as fast on the top end of OCing with 4up as it can with 2up. It's simple physics.

The compatibility comment is also related to mixing and matching different modules which is not suggested.