2x 1GB vs 4x512MB

[Counter Terrorist Zombie]

Hey guys...

I've always read somewhere along the lines that 2 sticks are 'better' then 4.. Why is this??

 

[Ham]

Because it leaves your other 2 slots open for further expansion?

 

[llwyd]

requires less work by your memory controler aswell. and uses less power and generates less heat

 

[markkleb]

when I had DDR memory back in the day (lol, a couple of weeks ago) if you ran 2 sticks in dual channel it would run 1T if you had 4 sticks it would go to 2T.

from what I remember 1T was 5 to 10% faster than 2T.

 

[macgamesrule]

when I had DDR memory back in the day (lol, a couple of weeks ago) if you ran 2 sticks in dual channel it would run 1T if you had 4 sticks it would go to 2T.

from what I remember 1T was 5 to 10% faster than 2T.

concur

 

[FragTek]

Some mobo's now can run 4 modules @ 1T in which case there's no performance hit, but most will only run 2 modules @ 1T, anything more and it's 2T or bust.

 

[PP Mguire]

On older DFI mobos, it drops your speed from (natively of course) 400mhz to 333mhz. Bios updates later corrected that, but if im not mistaken some Intel boards do that too. Also, the 1T 2T thing. If you have a good mobo (like they said) that isnt a problem either. Really, like already mentioned, heat and power can be saved with only using 2 sticks.

 

[Rastalovich]

Can any1 say anything about mobos in terms of 64bit and 128bit addressing - is 128bit address just cos the mobo recognizes u have 2 slots full ?

 

[llwyd]

2T means that all data is sent twice as your memory controller cannot keep up with the memory speed. If the mem does say 5Hz over the number of bits then there is a 5bit deficit, which basically = crash. When you put in on 2T there is no chance of a bit being missed as there is two of them. Im guessing that when there is more modules the distribution of bits takes longer and there are more failing to get there in time.

That is obviously a vast simplification but i have just gotten up

 

[Ham]

Can any1 say anything about mobos in terms of 64bit and 128bit addressing - is 128bit address just cos the mobo recognizes u have 2 slots full ?

Modules are normaly 64bit. 128bit = Dual channel, The motherboard can access two modules at once.

 

[FarFarAway]

Ye on A64 939 it's best to have 2 x 1gb as 4 x 512mb runs @ 2T.

 

[PP Mguire]

Unless your going for faster speeds on DDR1 then there really isnt a significant difference between 2t and 1t. Ive been running 2-2-2-5@2 for some time now, and if i switch to 1t i cant exactly see a difference in FPS or benchies.