Memory configuration?

[jmwcctx]

OK--I've read through about half of the very informative FAQ's and definitions of memory. I hope I don't have to go into too much detail because, frankly, I've kind of already ordered what I'm going to order--but for future reference...

IN GENERAL...is a 4x1024, dual channel configuration faster than a 2x2048 dual channel configuration? It seems to me it would be, but I could be dead wrong. Thanks in advance.

 

[jaquith]

Dual-Channel is Faster than Quad-Channel; without too much detail as you say it becomes a bottleneck; CPU/Controller/RAM are switching between channels A->B->A->B. The question is will you notice, no; an obscure benchmark yes.
2 | E | 2 | E | = 4GB {most efficient}
1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | = 4GB

 

[Maziar]

The performance difference between them isn't noticeable in games/apps, however 2x2GB usually OC better than 4x1GB,also it lets you to add more RAM later(because of having two empty slots)

 

[4745454b]

Dual-Channel is Faster than Quad-Channel;

Huh? How do you figure? I'm assuming you mean two sticks is faster then four sticks as they tend to be able to be ran with tighter timings. Tri channel (i7 920) gets more bandwidth then dual channel (i5 750) so I don't see how the statement you made is correct.

 

[jaquith]

^ Ditto.

Dual vs Quad Channel
2 | E | 2 | E | = 4GB {most efficient}
1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | = 4GB

Tri vs Hexa Channel
E | 2 | E | 2 | E | 2 | = 6GB {most efficient}
1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | = 6GB

However, if you mean to compare Dual vs Tri Channel {apples & oranges}:

2 | E | 2 | E | = 4GB
E | 2 | E | 2 | E | 2 | = 6GB {most efficient}

I am not comparing DDR2 vs DDR3 memory. The question is "Dual vs Quad Channel" and Dual indeed is more efficient.

 

[4745454b]

Ditto? You just repeated the error.

Dual vs Quad Channel
2 | E | 2 | E | = 4GB
1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | = 4GB Most efficient assuming you have a quad channel memory controller.

 

[jaquith]

^ Prove it; not some forum post. {Intel or AMD site}

Using that rational Hexa is more efficient than Tri channel.

 

[4745454b]

I noticed my error, efficient might be the wrong word. It is faster/provides more bandwidth. And if its faster, its probably more efficient as well.

Your posting memory configs showing sticks. That has little to do with the controller. If you put two sticks like your top example in a system that has a single channel memory controller, you don't get "dual channel". Putting four sticks in a dual channel system doesn't get you quad channel. It means you are using 4 sticks in a dual channel system.