4x1GB or 2x2GB?

[KaBone]

Which configuration is better or is there really no difference? I'm going to run XP Home. I hear that it will utilize only 3GB max of RAM. So if I put 2x2GB will the second module be utilized fully, semi, or not at all?

 

[Dazzeerr]

2x2gb is the best option, so you have the ability to go 8gb if you wish and that it seems to be cheaper in a lot of places.

The 2nd stick will be utilized partly. XP only utilizes 3.5gb, Which will still see a boost.

 

[WhiteFireDragon]

for most users, 2x2gb is the best choice. not only is it a little cheaper, but it's easier for your motherboard to control and OC with two modules rather than 4. there's an exception where if you want to bench the memories, only d9 chips can get extreme clocks or low latencies and only 1gb modules have good d9's. however, nobody benchmarks with 4 sicks on their mobo. it's usually only 1 stick, maybe two

 

[Intel_man]

There is a difference. Some mobo's don't support 2x2 setups.

 

[bomberboysk]

Yup, 2x2 is the best way because when ocing some motherboards dont like 4 memory modules, and also windows will recognize the same ~3.5gb whether you use 2x2 or 4x1gb.