Quick RAM question

[xboard07]

I have a question about RAM. I just recently built my first custom PC so if this question seems stupid, you will know why. I put in a 2GB pair of Corsair XMS2 DDR2 800MHz RAM.

I wanted to upgrade to 4GB. I bought another set but the revision number is different and I am having some issues and errors. According to the forums at Corsair they don't recommend mixing revisions.

Would it be better to get another new 2GB pair of the same revision number and have 4 1GB sticks at a stock timing of 5-5-5-12 or get Corsair's 4GB pair and have 2 2GB sticks with stock timings of 5-5-5-18?

Will the timing of 12 vs 18 make a big difference? Any advantages of one over the other?

Thanks!

[Tyreal]

It would be better to have a 2gb pair than a 4x1gb set.
The 12/18 timing won't make a big difference.

[xboard07]

Thanks for the quick reply!

What makes it better to have 2 2GB sticks as opposed to 4 1GB sticks? I'm just curious because some of this is new to me and I'm trying to learn.

[Stormcrow]

More room for expansion. Instead of having all your RAM slots filled with 1GB DIMMs, you have the possibility of adding another 4gigs to your system. Mobos nowadays support a memory capacity between 8-16GB, with 16 becoming more common.
As said, a latency from 12 to 18 won't even be noticeable.

[Tyreal]

Usually you have to run at higher timings and/or frequency with 4 sticks so overclocking is limited. You are almost always forced to run at 2T as well. Since you already have 2 1gb sticks you should just get another 2 sticks because it's almost not worth the hassle to buy another full set.

[xboard07]

Thanks for the replies! I was really confused on the timings. Glad to know it won't make a big difference between 12 & 18.

[Stormcrow]

Originally Posted by Tyreal

Usually you have to run at higher timings and/or frequency with 4 sticks so overclocking is limited. You are almost always forced to run at 2T as well. Since you already have 2 1gb sticks you should just get another 2 sticks because it's almost not worth the hassle to buy another full set.

That too, I like to think of it as the more you add, the harder it is to synchronize. Getting four DIMMs to work on the same level is more difficult then two as each stick has it's own overclocking ability. At least how I understand it. Of course if you're not going to overclock, you probably won't care much which is why I said capacity in the above post (wasn't sure, no use in causing confusion).

[xboard07]

Thanks for all the help. You guys cleared up my questions.

[stinger608]

Originally Posted by xboard07

Thanks for all the help. You guys cleared up my questions.

I am glad to see that the fine members at HardwareLogic could lend a hand!!!

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