4x512 DIMMS vs 2x1024 DIMMS: which is better?

[quixote]

Hi all

 

I have read 2 posts that contradict each other: one post said that 2 stix of 1Gb each is better than 4 stix of 512Mb each if you are achieving the same memory capacity. The other post was obviously the opposite. Can some one clarify this?

 

I would like 4Gb RAM (but apparently XP isnt capable of reading more than 3Gb - is this true?). Would I be in a disadvantage to have 4Gb now and wait for the new Microsoft OS (the upgrade from XP)?

 

To let you know I have the ASUS A8N32-SLI M/B with AMD +4800 CPU.

 

Just one more question... What Corsair memory type is recommended for a system used both for the latest games, ADOBE photoshop and Macromedia applications? (I am no overclocker).

 

Thanx for any help.

Javier.

[Wired]

2 sticks is better than 4, yes.

 

XP 32-bit will only use 2 GB, XP 64-bit can use 4 GB (and more IIRC).

 

As far as XP SEEING more than 2 GB (which is different than using of course), that's because of the motherboard. Some boards have fixes to let XP see it all, some don't.

[quixote]

Hi

 

I thank WIRED for the answer into my question on 2 DIMM stix vs 4 DIMM stix.

 

Out of curiosity, if one was to buy 2 TwinX2048 modules, how would you match up the TwinX modules? (I read a post by Ram Guy that explains how TwinX are matched, two individual modules are tested and if they work well together then they are paired/matched and sold as TwinX).

 

Thanx

[Wired]

Out of curiosity, if one was to buy 2 TwinX2048 modules, how would you match up the TwinX modules?

 

What do you mean by this? Do you mean how would you make sure that they'd work together fine? If so, the part # and version # would have to match. If the lot #s match, all the better. Keep in mind the memory controller may force (BY DESIGN) the memory speed to drop from 200 Mhz to 166 Mhz. Nothing you can do about that. Also, the command rate will have to drop to 2T.

 

Why 4 GB though?