Upgrading to 2GB RAM question

[Denvers Dawgs]

I have been told and read that for 1GB of RAM us 2x512 gives you better performance so for 2GB RAM is it better to have (2) 1GB sticks or (4) 512mb sticks?

Is there a big difference in performance between this two? 2.0GB PC3200 DDR SDRAM or 2048MB PC2-4200 DDR2 SDRAM

[Prot]

Look at what's cheaper. Also, if you buy four 512 sticks, you will have to replace them if you want to further upgrade memory. I'd go with two 1 gig sticks. When I bought my system, I told them I wanted to upgrade from 512 to 1 gig. What did I get? Four 256 sticks!!! grrrrr......
If I want to go to 1.5 or 2 gig, I have to replace chips.
Don't know what type of memory is best. Consult mb docs or try a google search.

[redwudz]

You are not likely to see any appreciable improvement by going to 2GB RAM from 1GB. It's good if you are using some RAM intensive programs like Photoshop or a few CAD programs that store graphics in RAM for manipulation. And maybe some video editing programs can make use of extra RAM. For video encoding, it will likely make no difference at all. When I encode I usually see about 300-500MB RAM usage. Even though I run 1GB, it doesn't make any difference.

The amount of sticks you use depends on your motherboard. Some motherboards function better with two sticks in a dual channel setup. But still not a major difference between 512MB dual channel and a single 1 GB stick. A few motherboards may function slower with 4 sticks of 512MB memory as they have to work harder to resolve all those addresses.

Adding memory is not a 'magic bullet' to speed things up. Most of the 'action' in the newer CPUs happens in the CPU, the CPU cache and the system bus. RAM memory is more of a final holding area for the CPU, it doesn't really need a lot of space for that as it should cycle the data out of there as it's running.

Watch your Task Manager when encoding and see how much RAM is used. If you want 2GB RAM, go for it. But don't expect a big difference, if any at all. Your money will always be better spent in a faster CPU.

Others may differ. Always, JMO.

EDIT: And you are asking the difference between DDR and DDR2 memory? That depends a lot on the motherboard. Usually DDR2 has a whole different system that supports it. A different type CPU possibly, a different motherboard chipset. Not so easy to compare. In theory, DDR2 should double the data rate through the RAM, but it needs a wholly different setup in the motherboard and CPU to make proper use of it. There are probably some experts that may be able to explain it better.

[ROF]

I have been told and read that for 1GB of RAM us 2x512 gives you better performance so for 2GB RAM is it better to have (2) 1GB sticks or (4) 512mb sticks?

2-1GB sticks is preferred. This will leave open space when and if you decide to add more.

Is there a big difference in performance between this two? 2.0GB PC3200 DDR SDRAM or 2048MB PC2-4200 DDR2 SDRAM

Not only is there a performance difference one has 240pins while the other has 184pins. You need a motherboard that has compatible RAM slots.

[jagabo]

Is there a big difference in performance between this two? 2.0GB PC3200 DDR SDRAM or 2048MB PC2-4200 DDR2 SDRAM

Not only is there a performance difference one has 240pins while the other has 184pins. You need a motherboard that has compatible RAM slots.

In case it wasn't clear: you have no choice. You're mothboard takes one or the other.

[INFRATOM]

One review was saying 2 sticks are faster than 4 sticks. Looks like market is going towards 2 RAM slots on motherboards so the bigger the better also main stream best price is going for 1GB stick. Browsers, programs and spywares (license managers!, update checkers! toolbars etc) demand more and more RAM everyday.

[jagabo]

One review was saying 2 sticks are faster than 4 sticks.

When you go from two sticks to four you are increasing the load on the bus, increasing rise/fall time slightly. Most motherboards will add a wait state to assure stability. The difference is measureable but not really of significance.

[Sam Ontario]

You are not likely to see any appreciable improvement by going to 2GB RAM from 1GB. It's good if you are using some RAM intensive programs like Photoshop or a few CAD programs that store graphics in RAM for manipulation. And maybe some video editing programs can make use of extra RAM. For video encoding, it will likely make no difference at all. When I encode I usually see about 300-500MB RAM usage. Even though I run 1GB, it doesn't make any difference.

....

It was true but now Windows XP SP2 and Vista prefetch has made a huge difference of 2GB Vs 1GB. A lot faster and more essential with Vista.