dumb ram question

N

NeoDude86

New Member
i know it's kinda dumb but you don't learn if you don't ask. anyways which is better/faster using 2x2gig sticks of ram to equal 4 or 4x1gig sticks or even 1x4gig stick i am speaking on a 32bit level of course but my computer has 4 ram slots with a max of 16 gigs in 64bit so if anyone has any good opinions please let me know thank you
 
2x2 is generally the best because you get dual-channel (double the memory bandwidth). With a single stick, you'd have the stick running in single-channel, whereas with 4 sticks, the sheer number might be a problem if you're looking to overclock/tighten the timings as it puts stress on the memory controller - it should still be fine at stock speeds, but sometimes even that doesn't work (depends on CPU/motherboard).
 
ok thanks hackapelite i'll keep that in mind. blackout, all i need is four gigs im not made of money and i use 32bit. and linkin93 i dunno what he's talkin about.
 
No, I really meant 4x4gb.
i know it's kinda dumb but you don't learn if you don't ask. anyways which is better/faster using 2x2gig sticks of ram to equal 4 or 4x1gig sticks or even 1x4gig stick i am speaking on a 32bit level of course but my computer has 4 ram slots with a max of 16 gigs in 64bit so if anyone has any good opinions please let me know thank you
Click to expand...
The way I perceived that it seemed like you would have upgraded to 16gb of ram if someone told you too.
 
hackapelite said:
2x2 is generally the best because you get dual-channel (double the memory bandwidth). With a single stick, you'd have the stick running in single-channel, whereas with 4 sticks, the sheer number might be a problem if you're looking to overclock/tighten the timings as it puts stress on the memory controller - it should still be fine at stock speeds, but sometimes even that doesn't work (depends on CPU/motherboard).
Click to expand...

if the op has a mobo that supports 4 sticks of ram and it has dual channel, wouldn't it be better to have 4x1gb sticks and run both sets in dual channel?
 
NeoDude86 said:
i know it's kinda dumb but you don't learn if you don't ask. anyways which is better/faster using 2x2gig sticks of ram to equal 4 or 4x1gig sticks or even 1x4gig stick i am speaking on a 32bit level of course but my computer has 4 ram slots with a max of 16 gigs in 64bit so if anyone has any good opinions please let me know thank you
Click to expand...

Its better to have 2X2 for 4gb. then 1X4 for 4gb. 4 sticks tend to strain the memory controller. Not that big of a deal, usually alittle bump of voltage will fix it. Plus it leaves 2 slots open if you do decide to add more later.
 
salvage-this said:
if the op has a mobo that supports 4 sticks of ram and it has dual channel, wouldn't it be better to have 4x1gb sticks and run both sets in dual channel?
Click to expand...
No. The less sticks you have, the easier it will be on the memory controller. Usually, 2 sticks is considered ideal since you have a low number of sticks (easy on the MC), dual-channel (double the bandwidth) AND the option to upgrade later (without throwing out the sticks you already have).
 
It's best to use the leats amount of RAM sticks possible. As hack said, it puts less stress on the memory controller.

When i had 4x1Gb, i had to overvolt them to 2.2v just to egt the system to boot. this was bad, becuase of the heat and voltage reduces lifespan.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top