2x2 or 4x1?

[Slotback]

So, I have to make a choice...

1. Double the RAM that I already have, to make a total of 4x1 gb of DDR2-800 4-4-4-15. This costs $65.

or

2. 2x2gb of Patriot DDR2-1066 5-5-5-15 for $125.


3. or 2x2gb & 2x1gb giving me 6gb?


I hear that 4 sticks can be less stable with an overclock, and may prevent tighter north bridge timings or a higher FSB? In any case, I'd like a >420 FSB possible... (and yes the top RAM can handle that easily).

Anyways, could someone please explain to me the advantages and disadvantages of them both please. :thumbup:

Thanks.

[Skittles]

Well, I'm sorry that I can only answer your question, with a question...

Is it true, that having more sticks 4x1GB is better than 1x4GB because all four sticks can transfer data at the same time?

If it is true, will that help you decide?

I'm way behind on technology these days, I wish I could be more helpful.

[Mazza]

If your gonna get 4Gb, get 2X2Gb stick 

2 is always faster

[jaime]

as far as I can tell the fewer sticks the better IE you should be better off with 2X2 verses a 1X4 since both sticks will run and handel data together (more or less in sync) and allow your system to pump more data into both sticks instead of having to fill up one stick


its like filling up a bucket if you have two hoses and two 5 gallon buckets you might spend a minute (or less possibly) fillint it up

but if you got one hose and the same two 5 gallon buckets you might take upto two minutes to fill them up (minute per bucket)

meanning you got to fill up that one bucket then move it, then dump it, then repeat process where with two you could while one is filling up move the already full bucket and dump it and repeat switching buckets each time.


hope this kinda helps some, but depending on the RAM and your sustem FSB and other nitty grritty (processor, northbridge, ect) factors its kinda difficult to tell what would work best, since my system has 4 gigs (4x1 sticks) and it uses them and runs pretty quickly, granted I will be considering upgrading to quad core some time soon but I don't seem to notice any difference between my 4 1 gig sticks now verses when i had only 1 4 gig stick...