Question about RAM (Number of DIMMS)

[Robert Langlois]

Hi.

I'm looking to built my first PC and I want 4GB of RAM. I was looking
online for information on, would it be better to have 4 DIMMS of 1GB
or 2 DIMMS of 2GB ? I can't seem to find a definate answer on this.
Also, 2GB DIMMS are hard to find too so I might as well go with 4
times 1GB right?

Thanks.

 

[Russell C]

Hi.

I'm looking to built my first PC and I want 4GB of RAM. I was looking
online for information on, would it be better to have 4 DIMMS of 1GB
or 2 DIMMS of 2GB ? I can't seem to find a definate answer on this.
Also, 2GB DIMMS are hard to find too so I might as well go with 4
times 1GB right?

2 x 2GB or 4 x 1GB is the way to go in dual-channel motherboards.

a) it's less expensive b) few if any desktop motherboards support 4GB
modules

http://www.crucial.com/store/listmodule.aspx?family=DDRII&tabid=DDR2+PC2-5300



What operating system do you plan on using ? Windows XP 32-bit can not use
the full 4GB.

64-bit versions of Windows XP, Vista, Linux, and *BSD all support 4GB RAM
and higher.

 

[Robert Langlois]

2 x 2GB or 4 x 1GB is the way to go in dual-channel motherboards.

OK, so what you're saying is that 2 x 2GB or 4 x 1GB, it doesn't
matter. One is not faster than the other?

a) it's less expensive b) few if any desktop motherboards support 4GB
modules

http://www.crucial.com/store/listmodule.aspx?family=DDRII&tabid=DDR2+...

What operating system do you plan on using ? Windows XP 32-bit can not use
the full 4GB.

64-bit versions of Windows XP, Vista, Linux, and *BSD all support 4GB RAM
and higher.

Yes, I will use the 64 bit version of Windows.

 

[Russell C]

OK, so what you're saying is that 2 x 2GB or 4 x 1GB, it doesn't
matter. One is not faster than the other?

One is as fast as the other. Most socket AM2 boards use DDR2 PC2-6400 or
slower.

 

[Paul]

Hi.

I'm looking to built my first PC and I want 4GB of RAM. I was looking
online for information on, would it be better to have 4 DIMMS of 1GB
or 2 DIMMS of 2GB ? I can't seem to find a definate answer on this.
Also, 2GB DIMMS are hard to find too so I might as well go with 4
times 1GB right?

Thanks.

Why not try 2x1GB first, then use Task Manager <ctrl-alt-delete>
to see how much memory you use regularly.

If you feel cramped for RAM still, you can add 2x1GB more later.

Paul