1 stick or 2

  • Thread starter Thread starter kjk
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K

kjk

Hi Folks,

I don't fully understand this memory thing. If I want to have 2GB of
DDR2 memory, am I better off with one 2GB stick, or two 1GB sticks.
Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Ken
 
With the dual channel memory, it's better to have 2 sticks of 1GB. It
will run faster.

If you are looking to upgrade soon, then grab the one stick of 2GB now,
and get another one down the road to make the 4GB.


Dustin Harper
(e-mail address removed)
http://www.vistarip.com
 
if your cpu is 64bit get the 1 stick with 2 gigs
since it can support up to 128 gb, you will need all the slots you can get.

Remember.. the future is now!
 
Get 2 each of 1 GB sticks. Dual channel memory not installed in pairs
cannot operate in dual channel mode.
 
I almost posted a reply to yours that 2GB sticks were more than 4 times the
price of 1GB sticks so he should avoid them. That was based on information
when I built my last PC just about 3 months ago. Good thing I double
checked prices! 2GB sticks have really dropped. Amazing. Maybe its time
for a new motherboard. :)

Dale
 
Either really, though Dual Channel will only happen with 2x1GB sticks, but
my feeling is that with prices dropping now that Vista is out - it won't be
long before 2x2GBs are worth the purchase.
 
Read the specs for the mobo. It should tell you want you need to know.

Generally, for dual channel etc. etc., you will want perfectly matching
pairs.

Saucy Lemon
 
Check with your motherboard manufacturer as to the maximum each slot can
handle. Some are limited to 1GB per slot.
 
I almost posted a reply to yours that 2GB sticks were more than 4 times the
price of 1GB sticks so he should avoid them. That was based on information
when I built my last PC just about 3 months ago. Good thing I double
checked prices! 2GB sticks have really dropped. Amazing. Maybe its time
for a new motherboard. :)
Click to expand...
I've noticed that as well -- not only are the 2G module prices
dropping, but the price penalty for higher speed (667 and 800) is
dropping as well.
 
Either really, though Dual Channel will only happen with 2x1GB sticks, but
my feeling is that with prices dropping now that Vista is out - it won't be
long before 2x2GBs are worth the purchase.
Click to expand...
True -- I typically price memory at NewEgg -- not always the lowest
price, but pretty competitive and dependable.

DDR2 667 -- 2x1G $165. 2x2G $400
DDR 800 -- 2x1G $190 2x2G $440

Still a premium but quite a bit less than in December.

One potential 'gotcha' with the faster memory, quite often, it runs
with greater stability if you can feed it 1.9V or 2.0V, some
motherboards lock you in at 1.8V.

Oh, another thing here, moving to 4G from 2G probably makes more sense
with Vista 64, though Vista 32 would use it as well.
 
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