2x 2x2gb or 2x2gb?

[mrpete]

Hi
I am going to get a total of 4 gigs of ram. i don't over clock so don't need great ram i don't think.
its either:
2x 2Gb (2X1GB) Corsair TwinX XMS2, DDR2 PC5400 (667), 240 Pin, Non-ECC Unbuffered, CAS 4-4-4-12
(ie 4 sticks of ram)
or
2x 2Gb Corsair DDR2 667MHz/PC2 5400 Memory, 256MBx64, non-ECC, 240 DIMM, Unbuffered, CL5, L/T Warranty

The first one is a little cheaper, and i am more tempted to get it as i don't think the 2nd one is much of an advantage as i am not a big gamer or anything. though the price difference is less than 20 quid so not too bothered either way.

ps - it is to go on an abit ip35 mobo

[colincliff]

http://forums.hexus.net/showthread.php?t=110073

[magicius]

my advice is to spend a little more money as its a longterm investment

[mrpete]

Even if i don't plan on over clocking? and i can't upgrade more than 3.5gb ish anyway as im on 32bit. (and thanks btw colincliff - read (and posted in) that thread )

[Agent]

Even if i don't plan on over clocking? and i can't upgrade more than 3.5gb ish anyway as im on 32bit. (and thanks btw colincliff - read (and posted in) that thread )

In that case, wait till you go 64bit

Windows XP (I'm assuming you use) is fairly pants at anything over 2GB. You will get very little improvement by using 4GB one it.
Like you correctly said, you won't be able to address all of it for a start, then the rest will make little difference due to the OS not being optimised for it.

Save your cash till you go 64bit mate

[Tetras]

I use 2x Corsair Value Select 667 Mhz 2GB sticks (got them at the same time and CPU-Z shows same week of manufacture, seem to work fine in dual channel mode)

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=632576

And to be honest, I haven't noticed any improvements over using 2GB (Vista 32-bit). That said all I do is play games and a bit of pottering about on the interweb, numerous low intensity apps (videos, music etc) but no rendering or anything like that.

The reason I got 4GB is because I wanted 2GB sticks that are tested (and functional) at 1.8v and if I didn't buy those value select ones at the same time I couldn't be sure I'd get the same chips (I don't suggest you follow my example cos if for example you have to RMA one, the likelyhood of getting a non-identical one back is pretty high which may result in compatibility issue for dual channel mode and most motherboards do not have a 1.8v limitation ).