Is RAM better in large quantities or small quantities?

Question

Ok, I am building a computer, and I am to the RAM step of the process.

I am purchasing 4GB of RAM because I am only going to use a 32-bit Operating System. Yes, I do know that most OS's can only support 3.5 GB of RAM.

Anyways, will I get better performance if I buy 2 2GB sticks of RAM or 4 1GB sticks of RAM. Either way, the RAM will be PC2-8500 (1066MHz).

Which setup is better?

2 2GB sticks of DDR2 1066

or

4 1GB sticks of DDR2 1066?

Thanks for the help!

Answer 1

2 2gb sticks

Answer 2

Here is the thing

Now if u bring two memory sticks (2 GB) u will have a dual channel which improves the performance of your RAMS

THE Bad: If u have any problem in the future in only one ram it might damage the other which in this case might also harm your main board so i suggest u avoid any future trouble and BUY A 1 (4 GB)

Answer 3

Simple, see how many memory slots you have and how much RAM you need now. Then consider if you were to upgrade keep 1-2 slots empty.  Also look at price of memory.

Best to strike a balance on price of memory and keep 1-2 slots empty.

Answer 4

You could probably save some money getting one pair of 2 Gig sticks. Like a post above said though you might want to allow for future upgrades. (Like if Vista 64 becomes cost-effective.)

Answer 5

If your motherboard support 4 slots of ram, then getting 2 2gb sticks will allow you to upgrade later.

Having 4 1gb sticks will not hinder performance nor will it be faster than the 2 2gb sticks if they are the same specs.

As for your additional details. You asked for opinions, you got opinions. But I don't see where anyone is telling you "well this is what I did." You asked what people though was the better thing to get and they suggested it. Take the advice or don't. It sounds like you made up your mind already and just wanted us to agree with you.

Answer 6

2 sticks would be better as you can run them in dual channel mode on must current motherboards.  If you want to do this make sure the two sticks are identical.  Best to buy them as a pair.

Answer 7

Smaller quantities allow future upgrades.

Answer 8

2x2gb sticks will do you better in the long run.

Upgradeable if you decide to move to a modern OS,

and may save power requirements.

That said, 4x1gb will allow for you to swap out a stick if it goes bad for cheaper.