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| Thread ID: 67958 | 2006-04-11 20:02:00 | Upgrading RAM | Ralph (10190) | Press F1 |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 445785 | 2006-04-11 20:02:00 | Hey guys, I have a 512MB DDR2 400Mhz SDRAM Dual channel (2x256MB). I was wondering if it was better to upgrade with 2x512MB DDR2 = 1024MB or replacing one of the 256 by a single 1GB DDR2 with the other 256MB on the other slot = 1280MB. Thanks in advance. | Ralph (10190) | ||
| 445786 | 2006-04-11 20:47:00 | Two matching pairs only matters if you have a dual channel motherboard and want the RAM to run in dual. | pctek (84) | ||
| 445787 | 2006-04-11 22:46:00 | Well what I need to know is witch options (1024MB dual channel or 1280MB) will be faster for running some programs such as Matlab witch uses a lot of ram and more importantly gaming of course. | Ralph (10190) | ||
| 445788 | 2006-04-11 22:55:00 | As far as I know it only works for IDENTICAL sticks ie 2x 512MB would be best, 2 different sticks will NOT run in dual channel. I would recomment 2Gb of RAM if you can afford it, I have 2Gb (see below) and VERY often while gaming and video editing/converting I get as low as 25% free RAM :horrified |
The_End_Of_Reality (334) | ||
| 445789 | 2006-04-12 00:40:00 | Well what I need to know is witch options (1024MB dual channel or 1280MB) will be faster for running some programs such as Matlab witch uses a lot of ram and more importantly gaming of course. Dual channel is. But it depends on if your motherboard supports. And yes, 2Gb is better than 1Gb. |
pctek (84) | ||
| 445790 | 2006-04-12 01:54:00 | First make sure your motherboard supports dual channel. It is always good practice to buy good, robust ram. It doesnt have to be the most expensive but you should buy from a well known manufacturer (ie crucial or corsair?). I run the Corsair Vaue Select 1GB kit (2x512MB) PC3200 400MHz which is currently around $180 from Gadget People (shipping inclusive). I have been very pleased with this ram to date and it is nice on the pocket :) And remember if you want to upgrade to 1GB of ram purchase 2x512MB, if you want 2GB get 2x1GB etc. and always get identical sticks. And yes dual channel 1GB (2x512) is better than running a single 1GB stick of ram, especially for games. Have fun :cool: |
systm (9904) | ||
| 445791 | 2006-04-12 12:40:00 | First, thanks for all your comments. Now, I have a laptop that has already dual channel 2x256MB so I know that my motherboard support it. I also know that 1GB dual channel is better than 1GB single channel and that 2GB is way better than 1GB. With that said, when I'm gaming, I have some trouble with my RAM so I need to know witch is better between 1024MB dual channel or 1GB + 256MB = 1280MB. Someone told me that 2x512MB is faster but 1280MB will be better when I will need a lot of RAM while gaming. So witch way to go? As for the 2x1GB like some of you have mentionned, I will check for the price but I don't think I'm going to buy that. ($$$$) | Ralph (10190) | ||
| 445792 | 2006-04-12 20:04:00 | Unless I am wrong, which is a possibility and I will be told :D in dual channel (you need identical sticks) the RAM is running at 400Mhz (2x 512Mb) and not in dual channel it will run at 200Mhz (1x 1Gb + 1x 256Mb) so in theory having 1Gb in dual channel is simmilar to 2Gb not in dual channel due to the double speed so I would say 1Gb but the others will know more. (if I am wrong please tell me :)) HTH :thumbs: |
The_End_Of_Reality (334) | ||
| 445793 | 2006-04-12 21:21:00 | With that said, when I'm gaming, I have some trouble with my RAM so I need to know witch is better between 1024MB dual channel or 1GB + 256MB = 1280MB. Someone told me that 2x512MB is faster but 1280MB will be better when I will need a lot of RAM while gaming. What trouble? If theres a problem its probably due to faulty RAM. If you can't afford the 2 x 1Gb then I'd get the 2 x 512Mb. And you don't need Corsair, Legend is fine and a whole lot cheaper - it has a 5 year warranty too. |
pctek (84) | ||
| 445794 | 2006-04-12 23:43:00 | What trouble? If theres a problem its probably due to faulty RAM. If you can't afford the 2 x 1Gb then I'd get the 2 x 512Mb. And you don't need Corsair, Legend is fine and a whole lot cheaper - it has a 5 year warranty too. I totally agree there, if there is a problem with RAM and it is faulty, send it back to the place you got it from (if it is still in warrenty). I have Legend and it is fine, I got 2x 1Gb for $140 each ($280 total) |
The_End_Of_Reality (334) | ||
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