Memory 2048 vs 4096

[creichert]

Hello Everybody.
I'm experimenting with my first build...a budget (very budget) machine for NON-GAMING. MB is ASUS M2N68-AM PLUS. The QVL supplied with the MB list (800mhz) Corsair CM2X2048-6400C5 XMS2 as qualified memory. This is a little out of my price range which I want to spend, (they're both XMS models, which ASUS recommends)
I'm looking at the Corsair TWIN 2x4096-6400C5C XMS2. I've been reading some of the memory articles (here, and other sites) and I haven't seen definitions for the numbers: 2048 & 4096 ?
So, my question is can I use the TWIN pack 4096 kit, instead of purchasing two 2048 sticks?
I'd like to stick with Corsair (unless somebody has a better suggestion for a budget build) because I've used Corsair "Value Select" in two PC's and they continue to work years later.
Thanks for your time, I realize it probably is a lot to ask, but I'm learning...in my spare time.
Charles

 

[rolli59]

The motherboard supports up to 8GB so 2x4096 = 2 x 4GB should work fine!

 

[creichert]

The motherboard supports up to 8GB so 2x4096 = 2 x 4GB should work fine!

Thanks for the reply, I forgot to say I'll be running 32 bit Win7. Will this still let me use the 4096?
Thanks for the help
Charles

 

[rolli59]

32 bit will allow you to use 3.5gb so it would be a waste buying more than 2 x 2GB kit. Any specific reason to run 32bit?

 

[creichert]

32 bit will allow you to use 3.5gb so it would be a waste buying more than 2 x 2GB kit. Any specific reason to run 32bit?

Hi R...Thanks for the reply

I'm running 32 bit because:
1. I already have a 32 bit Win7 disk that I can use so I wont have to purchase another (low cost is my main concern)
2. A couple of the programs I'll load do not like to play with 64 bit.

So, because it's a 32 bit budget build, I'm trying to buy inexpensive memory with a good reputation.
Thanks for the help

 

[creichert]

What does the 4096 mean? compared to the 2048?
Thanks

 

[leo2kp]

It's 2GB vs 4GB. With Win7, even 32bit, you'll want to go with 4GB. You won't be able to use it all, but Windows 7 will use at least 1GB by itself leaving you with not much left over if you stick with 2GB. The more RAM you have, the more temporary file storage you have for loading programs. Multitasking and Windows performance will be faster, and you won't have to worry about paging to disk as much which could help save your HDD in the long-run.

My 2c

 

[creichert]

It's 2GB vs 4GB. With Win7, even 32bit, you'll want to go with 4GB. You won't be able to use it all, but Windows 7 will use at least 1GB by itself leaving you with not much left over if you stick with 2GB. The more RAM you have, the more temporary file storage you have for loading programs. Multitasking and Windows performance will be faster, and you won't have to worry about paging to disk as much which could help save your HDD in the long-run.

My 2c

Ahh...Got It. By what you and rolli59 have told me, the Corsair 2x4096-6400C5C XMS2 will work for the ASUS M2N68AM PLUS Mother Board. this will give me system memory of 4Gigs; of which, I'll really only have around 3GB of useable memory? (Win7 Pro 32bit)
Am I thinking correct here?
Thanks for the help.

 

[rolli59]

Ahh...Got It. By what you and rolli59 have told me, the Corsair 2x4096-6400C5C XMS2 will work for the ASUS M2N68AM PLUS Mother Board. this will give me system memory of 4Gigs; of which, I'll really only have around 3GB of useable memory? (Win7 Pro 32bit)
Am I thinking correct here?
Thanks for the help.

2 x 4096 is the same as 2 x 4 GB = 8GB which is a waste on the 32 bit system. 2 x 2048 is the same as 2 x 2GB= 4GB total and is what is effectively the max for a 32 bit system!

 

[creichert]

Got it...2 (2048) = 4096. What I really need to find is a 2x2048 kit...which I haven't found yet.

 

[rolli59]

See a little confusion here based on Corsairs naming. You have been looking at this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145241
It should be just as compatible as the single module, same timing and voltage!

 

[creichert]

Oh man!! I can be so slow sometimes.
Does:
2048=2,048 MB?
&
4096=4,096 MB?

Is that how they are getting the gig numbers...is that what those numbers mean?
Thanks
Charles

 

[creichert]

See a little confusion here based on Corsairs naming. You have been looking at this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145241
It should be just as compatible as the single module, same timing and voltage!

Thanks guys for the information, I went ahead and ordered from NewEgg what you suggested, and they have a $20 mail in rebate, which brings the two boards down below $50.00...that seems like a pretty good deal. Hope they don't melt.

Thanks for the time.

 

[rolli59]

Oh man!! I can be so slow sometimes.
Does:
2048=2,048 MB?
&
4096=4,096 MB?

Is that how they are getting the gig numbers...is that what those numbers mean?
Thanks
Charles

Yep! I was slow to because I did not turn onto their naming until I started looking at kits!