Quick Newbie Memory Question

[Billman]

Hi. I really don't think I'll ever upgrade the hardware or even the OS of this PC, and I won't overclock, but with memory so cheap I thought I might as well up it. I'm running 2 GBs system mem on a 32-bit system.:

Mainboard: GA-965p-S3 (rev 1.0).....4 DIMM SLOTS.
(I didn't see any mobo upgrades so DDR2 800 is top speed)
CPU: Core2duo E6600 (2.4Ghz)
Memory: Corsair XMS2 2GB (2x1GB) 240 pin DDR 2 800 (PC2 6400)
Vid Card: Gefore 7900 GTO
OS: XP (32-bit)

I do the usual PC stuff plus gaming.

First, if I understand correctly, because I run a 32-bit OS, I know it tops out at 3 to 3.5 Gbs. It's been a while since I built the PC, so I forget the terminology, but I know there's something about memory running in dual mode. Price being so cheap, I figured I might as well run 4Gb to keep it all in sync. Even if it's wasted, can I assume it's better to run 4Gbs rather than to run 3 gig?


Mostly, I want advice on what to get. What's the ideal setup? Should I ADD two more sticks of what I have and just run 4 DIMM slots for a total of 4GB or would it be better to REPLACE the 2x1GBs sticks I have with twin 2x2GB sticks? (I can get 2x1Gb for $18 or 2x2GB for $24, so the price isn't really a factor). What configuration will give me the best potential performance? Again, I'm not expecting huge gains, but with memory so cheap...

Let me know if there's a good reason to use something else, but I've been happy with the Corsair I've been using.

Thanks. I appreciate the help. Anandtech rules all.

Billman

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: Billman
Mostly, I want advice on what to get. What's the ideal setup? Should I ADD two more sticks of what I have and just run 4 DIMM slots for a total of 4GB or would it be better to REPLACE the 2x1GBs sticks I have with twin 2x2GB sticks?

The "ideal setup" would be to replace your current 2GB kit with a Corsair XMS2 4GB kit.
The XMS2 is rated for operation at 1.9v, which is right in line with the JEDEC DDR2 memory voltage standard of 1.8-1.9v

Sell the other 2GB kit or keep it around for spare or some future build.

 

[Billman]

Thanks, that's just what I needed to know.

As I said, I've been happy enough with the corsair at 5-5-5-12. However, do you have any quick recommendations for a good brand of memory with faster values that would give me better bang for the buck? Perhaps for my hardware configuration faster memory timings just aren't significant enough to worry about?

Thanks.

 

[Blain]

Memory timing these days are all but meaningless.
The Corsair kit linked is about as big a bang for the buck as you can buy, and still stick with industry standard voltage.

Look at this and you'll be more than happy to pay $30 after rebate for 4GBs of DDR2.

BTW, If you can't shake the timing issue out of your brain, Look at this G.Skill kit or This kit if you want fancy heatspreaders.
Both kits offer CAS 4 at the standard voltage of 1.8-1.9v

 

[Billman]

Regarding the 800 speed corsairs mentioned above, I noticed the 4Gb(2x2) twins run at 5-5-5-18 and 2Gb(2x1) runs at 5-5-5-12. But given your latest posts, I assume this change from 12 to 18 has no significance.

As for the link...lol We've seen some radical price fluctuations over the years. I remember paying $80 for a 8mb stick of system memory back in the early Pentium days. Course I also remember the Vic 20.

Thanks for your help Blain. I'll go with the Corsair 4Gb(2x2) as you suggest.

 

[Billman]

Regarding the G.Skill and heatspreader links, it's good food for thought, but at almost double the cost I think I'll stick with the corsair 4gb.

I shop at newegg frequently, but I found the 4Gb at amazon for $23.90 after rebate, inc shipping.
http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-...&qid=1240406867&sr=8-1


Thanks again Blain

BTW, as a thank you for your help, I'll sell you the old set for $309, and that includes shipping!