4GB: 4x1gb or 2x2gb

I am starting to build out a new quad core 6600 based system (on windows xp x64).

My current system is an amd x64 based.

With my current system, I had started out with 4x512 (2 gig total) and had nothing but problems in addition to the 2T issues. When I switched to 2x1gb all my memory problems went away.

My question, that I didn't see anything enlightening anywhere, is for core 2/p35 based systems which is more preferable:

• 4 sticks of (faster) 1 gig ram (will this run at 1T?)
• 2 sticks of (slower) 2 gig ram (will this run at 1T?)

The timings don't seem to be that much slower for 2 gig sticks, my main concerns is 1T vs 2T timing and other memory related issues from having four sticks vs two sticks.

I don't want to get stuck with the same problems I had for my current system regarding 4 sticks vs 2 sticks.

Does anyone have some clarity on this?

Thanks for any insight.

Fewer sticks generally = fewer headaches. Especially when OCing and trying to tighten up your timings.

Personally I went with 2x2GB sticks of 5-5-5-15 memroy instead of cheaper 4x1GB sticks of 4-4-4-12. One, for future 8GB upgrading, and because its easier to work with timings on two sticks.

I've been thinking the fewer sticks = less headache + more room for expansion later myself, although there is a bit more cost and a bit less timing it seems to be my preference at this point.

I wish one of the big sites would do a comparison breakdown of the various ram configurations to high light any potential stability/performance/cost issues.

Another potential factor is I'd like to hold out for the x38 boards to reach market and see how the 2x2 and 4x1 ddr2 vs ddr3 compare as well.

Nah I don't think I want a combo board, I simply meant I would like to see a comprehensive comparison between:

• ddr2 4x1 gb
• ddr2 2x2 gb
• ddr3 4x1 gb
• ddr3 2x2 gb

(ideally using quad core + x38, but even p35 would useful)

So that we can make an up to date and accurate decision regarding cost/stability/performance when building a new system.

I have a quick question. What if the speeds are exactly the same for the 1G and 2G sticks of ram. Will using 4 sticks of 1G be any slower than using 2 2G sticks? Or nowadays with modern motherboards does this even matter?