Hey I'm new to the forum. My current rig has 2G of ram (look in sig) and I plan on upgrading to 4G once I purchase vista(for the DX10). My question is If I want to install 4G of ram does it make any difference if I do two 2G sticks or four 1G stick. I'm a gamer so I'm looking for performance. Thanks
Also is DDR3 worth getting over DDR2?
2x 2GB sticks are slightly faster due to dual channel support.. But the cost is alot more...
Was this answer helpful ?
Yes No
Yes, as mentioned 2 X 2GB is better than 4 X 1GB. As for the DDR2 VS DDR3 question, I'd go with DDR2, as DR3 is only slightly better, but costs a lot more.
Was this answer helpful ?
Yes No
Continuing above...
DDR3 RAM latencies will get lower and the prices will drop. Get them later, but not now.
Was this answer helpful ?
Yes No
Yes, just go with the 2x2 setup like stated numerous times above. In Vista, though, at least on the 32-bit version only around 3.25GB may be recognized. If you want all 4GB to be recognized and utilized you need to upgrade to a 64-bit version.
You also said that you were going to be upgrading to Vista for DirectX 10? Keep in mind that your 7600GT is only capable of DirectX 9. Just thought you'd like to know in case you forgot.
Was this answer helpful ?
Yes No
An example of current price differences between Double Data Rate 2 and Double Data Rate 3 memory:
CORSAIR 2 gigabyte (2 x 1 gigabyte) 240-Pin DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - $274
CORSAIR XMS2 2 gigabyte (2 x 1 gigabyte) 240-Pin DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory ?$100
Was this answer helpful ?
Yes No
Acutally... There isn't much difference in 2x2 GB or 4x1 GB, because they both work on Dual channel. So, in my opinion, take what's suets best for you
Was this answer helpful ?
Yes No
I've got 4 x 1GB and I can't really see 2 x 2GB being different in performance, well, noticble anyway, probably only if you're benchmarking!
Was this answer helpful ?
Yes No
With MCE, it's pointless having 4GB.. Why waste your money? Best case scenario, depending on your mobo, you MIGHT see 3GB. I have 4 GB with Vista Ultimate 32 bit, but unfortunately with dual video cards I only see 2.5 GB, the rest of it reserved for PCI. Only reason I did it is because I had a bunch of DIMMs lying around doing nothing.
Was this answer helpful ?
Yes No
Thanks for all the feedback. I'll probably stick with XP then if Vista doesn't take full advantage of the extra RAM. I guess I'll put my RAM money towards a 8800gt. Thanks again.
Was this answer helpful ?
Yes No
