What combination of RAM is best?

[BigAndy]

Hi all,

Just out of intrest: what combination of RAM would be best if i want 1GB. Would it be 4x256, 2x512 or 1x1024? Some time ago i read in magazine that if you choosing, for example 2x512, than it will work about 10% faster then 1x1024. If idea is that more sticks of RAM with smaller amount work faster then 4x256 would be the fastes combination :?.

Hope somebody will be able to explain to me all this.

Cheers

 

[unreal]

1GB, for value and performance 2*512mb, however i'd probably take the 1*1024mb so you can upgrade to 2*1024mb... (infact i'd just take 2*1024mb...)

 

[K404]

whatever you want, on an AMD platform, try to use only 2 sticks- that gets you the dual-channel memory and its benefits, and you can run at 1T, which becomes a problem using 4 sticks of RAM.

 

[sacha35]

2x512 would be best for benching, but if you play games then 2GB would be better so going for 2x1024 would be better, and if you plan on getting and installing the new windows Vista, then it will have to be 2GB,

when installing 4x sticks of ram the timing will have to be set at 2T of which is a lot slower, that is why it is best to use two sticks of ram

 

[boardy]

2 Sticks of 256mb for benching '01 though

Boardy

 

[sacha35]

yes I make you right Boardy.

 

[Rackem]

2 Sticks of 256mb for benching '01 though

Boardy

Does 2 x 256 BH5 make a big difference when benching in 01??

 

[nick25]

Rackem, smaller single sided dimms (i.e 2x256mb) will likely clock higher at tighter timings, considering 01 doesn't need much mem, for maximum performance you could go down this route - all dependent on how lucky you are with the ram though.

 

[Master_G]

If you are buying DDR1 then i would go for 2*512, as realistically your next memory upgrade is likely to be to DDR2 2*1GB, so might as well take the performance gain of dual channel now.

G

 

[boardy]

Does 2 x 256 BH5 make a big difference when benching in 01??

I used to bench wih 1 stick of 256mb BH5 in '01 as then I knew it was the CPU crapping out and not the RAM. Some of my best scores came from that setup.

Can't do it now I'm on DDR2 but hey, I still have my 256mb BH5

Boardy

 

[Rackem]

I used to bench wih 1 stick of 256mb BH5 in '01 as then I knew it was the CPU crapping out and not the RAM. Some of my best scores came from that setup.

Can't do it now I'm on DDR2 but hey, I still have my 256mb BH5

Boardy

If i bought some 256mb ddr2 for my DFI expert this would enable me to get tighter timings and therefore better results on 01??

PS sorry for hijacking your thread big andy...

 

[BigAndy]

If i bought some 256mb ddr2 for my DFI expert this would enable me to get tighter timings and therefore better results on 01??

PS sorry for hijacking your thread big andy...

It's alright, i don't mind .

Why i did ask about RAM combinations is because i found online shop wich selling Geil PC3200 Winbond BH 512MB (2x256) RAM:

it is capable of running at DDR 400 CAS 1.5-5-2-2 and DDR500 CAS 2-5-2-2

Specifications

* Available in 512MB and 1GB Dual Channel Kit

* GeIL ONE hand-picked BH5-UTT 32Mx8 DDR Chips

* 184pin, Non-ECC, Un-buffered DDR DIMM

* Platinum Copper Heatspreader

* Retail Package

* Lifetime Replacement Warranty

* Voltage: DDR400 2.75v~2.95v

DDR500 3.4v~3.5v

There is 1GB (2x512) version as well, but they have only 2x256MB in stock and price is 67.82£.

I'll look around and maybe will be lucky to hunt down 2x512MB version .

Cheers

 

[BigAndy]

Just to make it clear:

Lets take 1GB sticks of RAM, so what would be better to run 2x1GB in T1 or 4x1GB in T2???

2GB RAM in T1 vs. 4GB RAM in T2???

You saying then T1 is better, ok but at the mo it's only 2GB max. But in T2 it would be 4GB, which is another 2GB on top :?.

Cheers

 

[K404]

Unless you`re into video encoding 4GB wont really show up as a benefit.

1T is better for RAM timings

Errr... LOL why are ya looking for 2-2-2-5 250 RAM on e-tail when theres an excellent set in the classifieds?

 

[Rackem]

I bought a set of the BH5 from livinglarge in the classifieds the other day and i have achieved nearly all 2nd and 3rd places in the 3dmark tests with them,

i think he has 2 sets left?

 

[K404]

not quite what I meant, but also true.

 

[Rackem]

not quite what I meant, but also true.

whoops sorry mate that's what i thought you meant!!!