Pre-build Question on memory.

[pinibo]

O/S on new build will be Vista Home Premium 64 or Vista Ultimate. Now, I noticed that a lot of folks here are running Vista 64 with only 4 GBs. How come no one is running 8 gigs (2x4 gigs)?

 

[attesan997]

I'm running Vista Ultimate 64 on a p5q deluxe with 8gb of Gskill. It's running 2X4. It installed and runs flawlessly, I'm not sure if you still have to install vista with just one 2gb stick and then plug in the rest after the install completes but I did it anyway. All I did was make sure the memory I got was on the qvl I downloaded from the asus global site before I purchased the parts. It also helps that the memory runs at 1.8v, timings aren't perfect but for around $60 a stick I can't really complain. There's that mushkin kit everyone on this site recommends (its on newegg for around $64/2gb stick, 1.8v alsohttp://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146731) but it wasn't on the p5q deluxe qvl so I didn't wan't to risk it. I'm sure it would've been fine since it runs at 1.8v, the timings are a little bit better than the ram I chose but I don't think I would be able to tell the difference. Doing a decent amount of multi-tasking (MMORPG, Music, firefox with a few tabs open) the highest I've ever seen memory utilization is at 30%.

Edit. I forgot to add all the mentioned memory runs at 800mhz. For the p5q deluxe there was much less compatible memory running at higher speeds. I didn't need higher personally but I think asus still has some compatibility issues even after bios updates.

 

[Proximon]

There are not many 2x4GB kits out right now. Filling all four memory slots seems to be a bit problematic with most boards.

OCZ is actually selling a 4x4 kit it claims will be fully compatible with the P45 chipset... but only on Amazon "Usually ships in 1 to 2 months."

 

[Fwertz]

8 gigs isn't totally practical at this point. 2x4gig sticks are more efficient than 4x2's, and the price of 4gig sticks aren't really worth it unless you're heavy into production.

 

[pinibo]

Thanks. I appreciate the input.

If I may, is there an advantage to go with DDR2 1066 vs 800? This is for a gaming rig.

 

[Proximon]

Only if you intend to overclock the FSB beyond 400Mhz. If you don't, or have no idea what I'm talking about, get 800Mhz RAM