Upgrading RAM - Your Opinion

I was thinking about upgrading my RAM. Currently I have 4x 512 modules of 533MHz memory. How much of a difference in performance would I see if I upgraded to two 1GB sticks of 677MHz?

Also what's the performance difference between having 4 sticks of 2GB and 2 sticks of 2GB?

I'm guessing I'll see no real performance gain, but I'd like to hear you opinions............

Not much difference. Assuming your motherboard will support the memory at the higher speed, 533 to 677 is not much of an upgrade, especially since RAM is unlikely the performance bottleneck in yours (or anyone else's) system.

On the other question, I assume you meant 4 x 1GB vs 2 x 2GB? If that is the case, if they are the same speed and running dual channel, there should be no difference. 2 x 2GB is better since it leaves to free slots in case you wanted to go 8GB at some point, but since that is unlikely, get the cheapest fastest memory combo you can.

Not much difference. Assuming your motherboard will support the memory at the higher speed, 533 to 677 is not much of an upgrade, especially since RAM is unlikely the performance bottleneck in yours (or anyone else's) system.

On the other question, I assume you meant 4 x 1GB vs 2 x 2GB? If that is the case, if they are the same speed and running dual channel, there should be no difference. 2 x 2GB is better since it leaves to free slots in case you wanted to go 8GB at some point, but since that is unlikely, get the cheapest fastest memory combo you can.

ZBoater

I think my mobo supports 677 max.

No I did mean 4 x 512 vs 2 x1gb. I was led to believe having the same amount of memory in less modules is faster, but it's so slight it's not worth bothering about.

Doubt I'm going to bother then, just leave the 2GB of 533 as it is. I had my eye on some Ballistix 800MHz - I know i'll only get 677 performance but they are cheap and I can use them on a new system if I build one.

[QUOTE="ZBoater"]

Not much difference. Assuming your motherboard will support the memory at the higher speed, 533 to 677 is not much of an upgrade, especially since RAM is unlikely the performance bottleneck in yours (or anyone else's) system.

On the other question, I assume you meant 4 x 1GB vs 2 x 2GB? If that is the case, if they are the same speed and running dual channel, there should be no difference. 2 x 2GB is better since it leaves to free slots in case you wanted to go 8GB at some point, but since that is unlikely, get the cheapest fastest memory combo you can.

chessboxer1

I think my mobo supports 677 max.

No I did mean 4 x 512 vs 2 x1gb. I was led to believe having the same amount of memory in less modules is faster, but it's so slight it's not worth bothering about.

Doubt I'm going to bother then, just leave the 2GB of 533 as it is. I had my eye on some Ballistix 800MHz - I know i'll only get 677 performance but they are cheap and I can use them on a new system if I build one.

You wont notice a difference, save your money for a better upgrade.