What is better: 2 * 4GB RAM or 4 * 2GB RAM modules?

[pstein]

In order to extend my current motherboard RAM from 4Gb to 8GB I am thinking about buying either

2 modules 4GB each or
4 modules 2GB each

What is better regarding

- performance
- power consumption
- price?

Peter

 

[Layback Bear]

Performance is variable. It depends on the cpu, motherboard, and ram modules.

Power consumption; who care. What ever it takes.

Price. Well you have to do some shopping for the best price.

You need to fill in your specs completely. Use this tutorial by Brink.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/180324-system-info-see-your-system-specs.html

 

[Gary]

I have 24 Gigs of ram, 6x4 setup. I got Corsair Ram when it was cheap.

 

[matts6887]

I have 24 Gigs of ram, 6x4 setup. I got Corsair Ram when it was cheap.

24 gigs!!! dang!!!. Wish i had that but i was thinking about doing that myself awhile back but ive needed the funds for other things. And also i made the mistake of getting a motherboard that only has 4 slots for ram instead of 5 so in order for me to up my ram i would have to take out 1 of the 4 gig modules i have and put in a 8 but the 8 is like 70 bucks still cause its ddr 3.

 

[matts6887]

Layback bear is right. It really depends on the configuration of your system etc. Although now that i think about it; if it were me I would probably do the 2 4 gig modules if you have the funds to do that. If not then go for the other config you are considering as either one will work but one will probably work a bit better than the other.

 

[essenbe]

2 sticks are preferable to 4 sticks. Most CPUs have 2 memory controllers, one for each channel, only using one is less stress on the CPU and if you ever need more ram in the future, you may be able to add to it rather than buying a whole new kit.

 

[paulpicks21]

If you happen to have an X79 board then 4 sticks will be better. For anything else 2.

 

[AddRAM]

Definitely get 2 x 4 GB sticks, so you can add 2 more later, get 4 x 2 GB sticks now and your stuck.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233144

or, if your board will support 2400 MHz, get these, alot of members have them and they`ll be my next purchase.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231587