Need help for best match

[boozie]

So I currently have 2x1 GB DDR2 800. What I have is similar to:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145153&cm_re=CM2x1024-_-20-145-153-_-Product

but it is the dual channel version:

CM2x1024-6400C4DHX Which I can't seem to find anymore.

The voltage listed on the site is 1.9, but it is currently running at 1.8V. I'm looking for the best possible dual channel match for this (I want to add either 2x1 GB or 2x2 GB.

Current speeds are 5-5-5-18 (1.8v). What I'm confused about is do I want to try and match the 1.8v or the 1.9v and do I want to match the 5-5-5-18 for best results.

Also is 6 GB RAM necessary for gaming anytime in the next 2 years if I want to play in windowed and/or be able to tab out with ease. (one monitor)

 

[jaquith]

First if at all possible don't mix+match DDR.

I found this set - http://www.buy.com/prod/corsair-xms2-dhx-2gb-2-x-1gb-pc2-6400-800mhz-240-pin-cl4-ddr2-dual/q/loc/101/204587284.html {Features: "Two matched CM2X1024-6400C4DHX modules"}

ANS - No - "Also is 6 GB RAM necessary for gaming anytime in the next 2 years", but a better GPU will be required over time.

Good Luck & Hope that Helps!

 

[Emperus]

A 6GB RAM setup will help in smoothing your gaming and other heavy duty application experience.. As for the high voltage RAM modules, you can lower the voltages and tweak the timings from BIOS to match your existing RAM..

 

[jaquith]

^ 4GB is adequate in a 4XDIMM and 6GB is typical in a 6XDIMM, and IF you go above 4GB you must also use Windows x64 OS {XP is horrible in 64-bit}; 32-bit limit 2^32 = 4GB; also in many cases XP 32-bit w/4GB "may" only recognize ~3.5GB of 4GB+ which is a BIOS H/W reserve issue.

Recommended:
32-bit OS 2GB
64-bit OS 4GB

 

[boozie]

Yea, part of the reason I am upgrading is because I plan to switch to Win 7 64-bit. I just want to do my best to maintain dual channel and the best performance with the least manual tweaking.

Ideally, I pop in the two extra sticks either 2x 2 gb or 2x 1 gb ddr2 800 and be done with it all.

 

[jaquith]

^ "I found this set" - meaning I found for sale your "CM2x1024-6400C4DHX Which I can't seem to find anymore." - there you go! 4GB is perfectly good with 64-bit!

Good Luck!