RAM: 8 (4x2), 4 (2x2), or 4 (4x1)?

[lessonz]

My last build used 4x1 Crucial Ballistix DDR2 800. They're barely overclocked.

I'm looking at a new build for a quad (not quite sure which yet), and I'm looking for recommendations first on the posts topic: 8 (4x2), 4 (2x2), or 4 (4x1)? and second on specific RAM.

Thanks.

[Linchpin]

I'd say 2x2gb, since 4x1gb is potentially more problematic and 4x2gb is just overkill for pretty much everything. I'll leave the specific recommendations to the guys that have more experience with different kits.

[WoZZeR999]

What are you planning on using the PC for? I would assume that 4gb would be enough, in which case 2x2 would be better than 4x1. Using all 4 slots tends to cause more instability and slower performance on the memory since you have to loosen timings to make it stable. With 2x2, you can also upgrade to 4x2 at a later date if you find that 4gb is not enough.

[B.E.E.F.]

Any 2x4gb kits?

[jas420221]

Why not save some coin and use that old ram you have... If its the ballistix, they are great!

[Nanometer]

Any 2x4gb kits?

very few. I think there's only a couple actually.

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

ballistix die quite frequently, but just us'em till they die then buy a different kit

[perkam]

2x2GB > 4x1GB.

You don't need 2x4's unless you're running 4+ VMs 24/7 or for server use.

Perkam

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

2x2GB > 4x1GB.

You don't need 2x4's unless you're running 4+ VMs 24/7 or for server use.

Perkam

or crysis on 64-bit

[lessonz]

Thanks, everyone. I can't reuse the old stuff, because I'm building an additional machine, not replacing or upgrading the existing.

Okay, so it sounds like 2x2 is the way to go, so how about specific recommendations? I'm thinking Q9450 or Q9550, so the OCing isn't quite so harsh on the RAM. Just looking for some recommendations. Thanks again.

[perkam]

or crysis on 64-bit

You could also make a nice case mod with 8GBs of RAM, would be just as useful as buying 8GBs of ram to play just one game.

Perkam

[jas420221]

I'm thinking Q9450 or Q9550, so the OCing isn't quite so harsh on the RAM. Just looking for some recommendations. Thanks again.

o/c is going to be harsh on the FSB anyway you slice it b/c both have a low multiplier. Of those 2 choices, the Q9550 is the way to go money not being an issue. Look in my signature for details on about the MAX a Q9450 will do. Q9550 may see 4Ghz a lot easier, but your thinking regarding those processor being easier on the the ram is mistaken at best.

[Kondik]

Tbh OCing with all slots loaded sucks , You won't be able to push a 1066 MHz memory over 1100 MHz, the Voltage you'd need for stability would be massive , tried it , Trust me
get 2x2 solution or wait for nehalem, 4*1 is not good and 4*2 is not for mortals and ocers

[jason str]

ballistix die quite frequently, but just us'em till they die then buy a different kit

Aint that the truth.

Went through 3 sets in 4 months finally gave up on them and got 2-2gb sticks of 5300 free swap, crucial was very understanding though.

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

You could also make a nice case mod with 8GBs of RAM, would be just as useful as buying 8GBs of ram to play just one game.

Perkam

more of a joke than serious, but I guess I didn't make it clear via the abundant smiley selection on the board

[[XC] Synthetickiller]

I've run each config. 2x2 OC's better in general. 4x1 gig, not worth it anymore. 4 x2 gig is not worth it b/c you'll never use it all unless you use specific programs that really need it.

My vote is 2x2gig kit.

[saki_bomber]

so what if your not oc'ing, are 4x1GB sticks fine?

[gurusan]

Tbh OCing with all slots loaded sucks , You won't be able to push a 1066 MHz memory over 1100 MHz, the Voltage you'd need for stability would be massive , tried it , Trust me
get 2x2 solution or wait for nehalem, 4*1 is not good and 4*2 is not for mortals and ocers

That's not always the case. There's no doubt that 2x2gb is better than 4x1gb for high fsbs...but I have been ocing with 4x1gb for almost 2 years now and have always been able to hit very high mem speeds on reasonable voltages.

My current OCZ SLI 8500s are 4x1gb and do 1175mhz 5,5,5,15 @ only 2.16v...and 1.24vNB for 470fsb.

With 2.24v they will do well over 1200mhz or 1150 5,5,4,14

My ballistix could do even better but I gave up on those damned sticks awhile ago. failtastic they were

[Captain Zero]

Interesting thread. Anyone see a problem with this setup?

2x (8b)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145200

on this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131334