Memory Timings

[passerby3141]

OK, so I decided to add a gig of memory to my system. I had 2x512, now I have 4x512. I then had some issues with my system not booting, so I reset the bios settings on the board with the jumper. When I went into BIOS, I noticed that the memory was set to 333? I did all the usual things I did to set up my system in BIOS, including change the memory timing in the advanced chipset options to 1T. No boot? Reset again, changed the timings manually to 400, and left the main timing on auto. Boots right up!

Then I went to Google. I found out by reading a gaming enthusiats' article, that to run 4x512 with an Athlon 64 CPU requires a memory setting of 2T. I have searched around many forums in the past dealing with computer enthusiasts, and I know they all say 1T is "better". Should I return my new sticks, and pony up for a 2x1gig set-up, or is this not an issue with audio? Any one have any idea?

[Bops2000]

i THINK that the memory needs to be matched....
so run the 2 512 sticks in the blue slots and the other sticks in the brown slots. If memory serves me well, ( pun intended ), the cpu will clock at the slowest stick....

[passerby3141]

Thanks for the reply.

I am running 4 512 sticks, all rated ddr400 made by Buffalo. The chip numbers do not match on all sticks, but the timings are nearly identical when set to auto. (I have tested the matching pairs I have individually). I know my post was a bit disordered!

So I guess basically I was wondering if anyone knows whether or not 4 512 sticks are worse performance wise, than 2 1 gig sticks, on an Athlon 64 set-up. I don't think I would run 2 512 and 2 1 gig sticks together, I have heard it's best to not run different sized memory sticks.

[itsplayed]

Yes, your system will perform better by only occupying two DIMM slots. Whether or not you'll notice is another matter.

[SilentBob]

I think you will be fine with switching to 2T.

Are the two new sticks you bought the same make/model/recommended timings as the original two?

I think Bops is correct in which slots to place the mem.

I don't know about performance, but I do know that 4mem sticks will draw more power from the PSU than two, regardless of what size the sticks are.

So, two sticks of 1gig would (theoretically) be a better set-up, But I think you will be fine with 4sticks and 2T.

As Itsplayed pointed out, you may not be able to notice the difference though.