ram configuration difference performance 4x512mb and 2x1gb?

[rob100]

Is there any difference in performance between 4x512mb and 2x1gb?Upgrading from 2x512mb to 2gb ram.

 

[The_Prophecy]

The difference would be in the command rate. The 4 x 512MB set would run a 2T command rate, where the 2 x 1GB would run 1T (1T being better). The only actual difference this would make though, is in the benchmarks. You won't see a framerate drop with a config running 2T.

 

[col-p-todd]

on most mobo's having 2 x 1GB DDR 400 (PC 3200) will make it run at 400 having 4 x 512MB DDR 400 (PC 3200) will make it run at 333. So if possible go for the 2 x 1GB.

 

[The_Prophecy]

on most mobo's having 2 x 1GB DDR 400 (PC 3200) will make it run at 400 having 4 x 512MB DDR 400 (PC 3200) will make it run at 333. So if possible go for the 2 x 1GB.

That only affects AMD systems, because of the integrated memory controller. It does not affect Intel systems.

 

[Scarchunk]

on most mobo's having 2 x 1GB DDR 400 (PC 3200) will make it run at 400 having 4 x 512MB DDR 400 (PC 3200) will make it run at 333. So if possible go for the 2 x 1GB.

I don't think that is accurate any longer. I had heard this was an issue with older chipsets and Athlon XP IMC. I run 4 x 512 @ 400Mhz no problem on a 915P chipset. It does drop you to 2t though, which has been shown to decrease memory benchmark scores, but the real life effects are negligible.

Edit: Prophecy beat me to it

 

[The_Prophecy]

Edit: Prophecy beat me to it

*Scores one for himself and his fast fingers*