4x512mb set-up for core2duo...not advisable?

[Leepox]

I have found a very cheap alternative to 2gb memory which provides 4-4-4-12 timings. Which is cheaper than getting a 2x1gb set-up. Taking aside the fact "oh you cant upgrade anymore" because im not going to upgrade anyway 2gb would suffice me till I get a completely new system next year.

Question is, is there performance drops if I wuse 4 sticks instead of just going for 2x1gb. Are there any complications for this setup?

Its a ddr2 6400 cl4 that im lloking at and hopefully add it to the following hardware

msi p6n-sli
e4400

[mroz]

Do you overclock? Apparently it can make a difference then.

[arthurleung]

There is not much different between 512M and 1GB stick nowadays (both price and performance), apart from the fact that 4x512 have a lower resale value and non-upgradeable, you won't see any performance penalty on an Intel system.

[Salazaar]

By doubling the number of sticks you're reducing the chances of a really good overclock since it'll only clock to the speed on the slowest stick. Though if you're sticking to the rated speed that won't be a problem.

[young_one]

Uses a couple of watts more power but thats about it. Shouldnt be any performance hit at stock.

[arthurleung]

By doubling the number of sticks you're reducing the chances of a really good overclock since it'll only clock to the speed on the slowest stick. Though if you're sticking to the rated speed that won't be a problem.

Technically not true. Since there are double number of chips on a 1GB stick,
2x1G (double sided) and 4x512 (single sided) both have 32 chips so it will only clock to the slowest chip on any of the sticks.

[Leepox]

Thanks guys, I think ill stick with the 4x512mb due to my tight budget. I think this will suffice me for now.

[mr mister]

4x512mb will be fine, it might put a bit more strain on the chipset but you can increase volts if it becomes unstable when overclocking.

[CooperXS]

I would suggest getting 2x1GB with CAS5 since Core2Duo isn't bandwidth hungry and you won't notice any difference in CAS4 Vs CAS5 except few fast benchmarks like SuperPi.