Windows 7: 1x4GB VS 2x2GB additional RAM -- Does It Matter?

Hey and Merry Christmas to all of you,

I am going to upgrade my RAM soon and I was wondering if there was a difference between adding one chip of 4GB or a pair of two, 2GB each. I already have 2x2GB (see my motherboard in my Specs) and I have two slots available so it wouldn't really make a difference for me whether I buy a pair or not. Only if I get 1x4GB I will have a bit more space for future upgrades.

The type, speed, brand and model will be the same (Corsair, 1333mhz), so only this makes me wonder. What do you say? Should I go for a pair or no?

Thanks in advance. Feel free to ask for more details.

Just about everything I've read concerning best performance from any motherboard says to use matched pairs of RAM. The usual reason given is for the extra throughput of the dual channel (accessing both RAM modules at once). But actual noticeable improvement from this is open to debate. I really don't think the average user would be able to tell just from performance if the computer has 4x2gb or 2x2b + 1x4gb.

Cost is also potentially a factor as two smaller DIMMs are often cheaper than the single large DIMM. If it was me I'd let my finances determine if I go with 1x4gb or 2x2gb. And that whatever you choose is on the Qualified Vendor List.

ASUS - Motherboards- ASUS M4A785TD-V EVO

Lets put it like this...

If you have a choice, get 2x2 of the exact same model and you will be running quod channel, it will beat any 1x8 or 2x4 in unnoticeable performance and it will help under heavy use

Well its simple... better to have 2 (if one screws up.. you can still work with the other)...whether its 2GB sticks or 4 GB one

I would go with the 1x4Gb, with the intention of adding another 1x4Gb later on. Actually, If you can afford it, I'd say go ahead and add 2x4Gb. I'd expect that you will see a difference in upgrading from a total of 4Gb to 8Gb, but maybe not much difference in going all the way to 12Gb. Try using the Taskmanager to see how much free memory you have in your normal operation.

I'm running my new DELL with 2x4Gb and it is pretty responsive. I've assigned 2Gb to my virtual XP, but even when it is running there is still left over memory not being used. I have a DELL credit that I might use to get another chip -- even though I don't need it now.

8gb is plenty even at todays standards. Go with 2x2. Anyway OP will problably upgrade to haswell thus not needing the extra ram because of the release of ddr4

Petroc1999, looking at your system specs, you are running with only 1 GB. Does that work ok for you to run W7U?

Yes and quite well. It does slow down after a while if i dont keep and eye on it but you should be ok. I play games and have multiple tabs open in google chrome and am running dual monitors(not in system specs)

I'd say 2x2GB. You won't notice a lot of difference between 8 and 16 GB, it makes little sense to keep upgrading your rig beyond that even in the future, save money for a whole new rig.

Ultimate runs fine on netbooks with 1GB of ram as well, better than Starter actually. Of course it makes little sense to buy an Ultimate key for such a low-end machine.

I bought a home edition pack which has 3 activations, i also have it on my htpc and im keeping the last one for my future build. I got advised that ultimate runs better than starter on lower end machines so i went for it