RAM/DDR3 power consumption questions

[mfeller2]

I am putting together a small AMD E-350/Fusion-based "server", and have a few questions related to memory.

1. Would one 4GB DDR3 DIMM consume less power than 2x 2GB DIMMs?
2. Would a CL9 RAM consume less power than CL8/CL7?
3. Would there be a substantial difference in power consumption between a "1.5V" DDR3 memory and a "1.65V" memory? (It looks like there are more 1.65V options)
4. With a goal of lower power and 24/7 operation long-term reliability, any recommendations (even at the expense of performance)?

The server is not mission-critical, or needs performance. I just want to be able to turn it on, have it run 24/7 (hence, low-power components), and not have to deal with hardware issues.

Thanks!

 

[Zap]

1. IDK
2. IDK
3. IDK about "substantial" but there will be a power draw difference. I think it is pretty linear.
4. Get low voltage stuff if your motherboard supports it. I've seen DDR3 as low as maybe 1.25v. I think I have some 1.35v DDR3 in my wife's Sandy Bridge system and the Asus board correctly identified the voltage (at least it reported as such in UEFI). Otherwise, get 1.5v stuff. Typically the cheapest memory is 1.5v. Lower voltage stuff usually costs more because it is marketed as "green." Also, 1.65v stuff usually costs more because it is marketed as "enthusiast" or "overclocking." If you don't want to deal with hardware issues, know that 1.5v is the original JEDEC standard and thus the most compatible plus what most of the actual memory ICs were originally made to run using.