2 x 2GB or 4 x 1GB ??

[TPP]

I've just ordered a new system (specs below) but I'm not sure about the best memory configuration. I will occasionally use the system for fairly intensive processing (for work), generally though, games will be the hardest thing it will have to do (mainly FPS).

I'm looking at two sets of PC-6400 (800MHz) memory:
Corsair TWIN2X4096-6400C5DHX 4GB (2x XMS2 2GB)
Corsair QUAD2X4096-6400C5DHX 4GB (4x XMS2 1GB)

The MB has 4 DDR2 sockets, configured as 2 channels, A & B. Is it better to use both channels, using 2 sets of matched 1Gb sticks, or better to use 2Gb sticks but only in one channel?
I've also read that the MB reduces the speed of 2Gb sticks to 667 or 533. Will this matter?

Any advice or suggestions gratefully received.

System specs:
ASUS P5B Premium Vista Edition
Intel Core 2 Duo 6700
BFG 8800 GTX 768Mb
2 x 150Gb Raptors (RAID 0)
2 x 750 Seagate
850w Thermaltake
Stacker 831
Dual Boot XP Pro and Vista Ultimate (both 64-bit versions)

Thanks for your help

TPP

[Yellowbeard]

From what I have seen, the P5B handles 2 DIMMs better than 4. I'd go with the 2 x 2gb kit.

[chuckskull]

2x2GB definitely, like yellowbeard said. Almost all boards have some issues with running 4x1GB right now, varying from niggles to outright not working. Not to mention, less modules = less heat, and leaves room to jump to 8GB in the future.

It will most likely work fine with 4 modules but 2 will be far less hassle in the long term.

[YOYOtech - Nav]

Like others said, go with 2 x 2GB bcoz firstly as corsair tech support themselves are recommending 2 X 2GB.
Secondly and more importantly from my point of view, as you are on dual boot (both 64 bit OS), it would pave the path for straight and smooth transition to 8Gb RAM as and when required in the future

[vicar]

2x2gb, you also save on space for future upgrading.

[shaneyp]

2 x 2gb ...gives a very slight increase in perfomance. Plus saves slots

[lxtwin]

Mate, go for the 2GB DIMM's. I have had a lot of problems with 4 x 1GB in my Asus Striker and could only get them to run at 711MHz.

Yellowbeard, I have just ordered the QUAD2X4096-6400C5DHX, what voltage should I run these at and are the timings 5-5-5-18 t2 ?

thanks

[Yellowbeard]

1.9v is the tested voltage so give that a shot. The timings you have listed are correct. Good luck with the new kit.

[OriginalDon]

I was asking this a while back to a few friends and they basically said the same thing:

2 x 2GB

1) Allows for future expansion without having to sell or make any modules redundant
2) Better performance due to computer not having to read all 4 slots (in basic terms as I am not a expert)

I am personally looking for a 2 x 2GB set for my new build.

[Yellowbeard]

The single biggest factor in this specific case IMO is the 965 chipset. It handles 2 DIMMs better than 4.

[tony oh]

Sry .. not hi-jacking thread .. but ( I supoose that means I kind of am) .. is this also true for the P35 chipset.

Thanks.

[Yellowbeard]

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

[OriginalDon]

What happened to Corsair's 2x2GB Modules? and who are the UK Sellers?
Which ones are SLi and are what happened to the Dominator 2x2GB 6400CL5 Kits?

Thanks

[Yellowbeard]

What happened to Corsair's 2x2GB Modules? and who are the UK Sellers?
Which ones are SLi and are what happened to the Dominator 2x2GB 6400CL5 Kits?

Thanks

We are still making 2gb modules/4gb kits. However, the ICs are still hard to get so the supply is not what we would like. Also, we have not made a Dominator 2 x 2gb kit yet. We have made 2 x 2gb in the DHX line. http://www.corsairmemory.com/products/xms2_dhx.aspx

I can't recommend a reseller but there are some listed here at the Hexus forum and on our home page under the WHERE TO BUY tab.

http://www.corsairmemory.com/

[sir_tiger]

Right... i agree, but you need vista 64 bit to know 4G ram!

From what I have seen, the P5B handles 2 DIMMs better than 4. I'd go with the 2 x 2gb kit.

[Barkotron]

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?)