Please help me decide 2 gig sticks vs 1 gig sticks

[Äߧý∩†H♠H䎀]

I'll be ordering memory tonight to replace my bum stick of ram. Heres the thing though I know some of you have recommended certain sticks of ram and I thank you for that. But my motherboard supports 8gigs at 2gigs per dimm.

My question is would I be better off getting 2x2gigs sticks of ram or should I just get 4x1gig sticks of ram because the 1gig sticks have better timings. My only problem is if I get 4x1gig sticks all my dimms are filled and if I decide to upgrade later basically the 1gig sticks go back in the box never to be used again. But heres the one's i've narrowed it down to. Also I'll just add right now I know 2 gigs is fine but its so cheap i'm getting 4 gigs now and saving myself the hassel down the road.

2X2 gig sticks

CORSAIR XMS2 (800) Timings 5,5,5,18 Voltage Not listed review suggest between 1.8-1.9Volts $269.99 w/heat spreader.

G.SKILL 4GB (800) 5,5,5,15 timings Voltage 1.8-1.9 volts $209.99 w/heat spreader.

G.SKILL 4GB (667) 4,4,4,12 timings Voltage 1.8-1.9 volts $199.99 w/heatspreader

So the best 2X2 gig sticks would appear to be the G.Skill (800) with the lowest timings at 5,5,5,15 or would the G.SKill (667) with 4,4,4,12 timings actually be faster even though its clock is lower?

Now the selection of 4X1 gig sticks. Please note buffalo firesticks are not on the list because there out of stock at newegg currently.

Crucial Ballistix Tracer 2GB (800) 4,4,4,12 timings voltage 2.2Volts $139.99X2 = $279.98

Crucial Ballistix 2GB (800) 4,4,4,12 timings voltage 2.2 volts $114.99X2= $229.98


G.SKILL 2GB (800) 4,4,4,12 timings voltage 2.0-2.1 volts $114.99X2 = $229.98

G.SKILL 2GB (800 low latency) 4,4,3,5 timings voltage 2.0-2.1 volts $104.99X2= $209.98

G.SKILL 2GB (800) 4,4,4,12 timings voltage 1.9-2.0 volts $89.99X2= $179.98

So looking at these I would think the best would be the G skill low latency with the lowest timings and 2.1volts but why is it slow low priced? I mean it is getting good reviews just curious. Then you have say the cruical ballistics with 4,4,4,12 timings but running at 2.2volts. Does more volts mean anything really? My board supports up to 2.65 volts.

One other thing I was also looking at ram coolers. Would it be worth it to buy something like this or would it interfere with my airflow? CORSAIR CMXAF1 Fans

 

[Mattyl110792]

Although i'm not the best on brands etc of RAM, I do know that you said if you get 4X1GB sticks theres no room for upgrade. I don't think you'll be needing more than 4gb of RAM in the near future. I personally would buy the G.SKILL 2GB (800 low latency) just by looking at the specs in your post.

Matt

 

[Äߧý∩†H♠H䎀]

Thanks that was what I was kind of leaning towards myself. I mean $210 for 4 gigs of low latency ram. I mean 85% of the people are giving it 5 stars. I just didn't know if there was a advantage of having something with a higher rated voltage. You think 4 gigs should be fine for a year or 2 then?

 

[Mattyl110792]

Yeah 4gb's would definitely last a good 3 years. Vista users now only have generally a maximum of 2gb and it runs everything they want fine, including games.

As for the voltages, sorry mate I don't know much about them in the RAM department.

Matt

 

[Äߧý∩†H♠H䎀]

Think I should pick up that ram fan 2?

 

[Mattyl110792]

It would definately help the RAM stay cool, and it's really not THAT expensive, so if you got the extra $20, yeah go for it.

Matt

 

[Cabbs]

You don't have to buy a RAM cooler if you have a couple of 80MM fans laying around. You can just did what this guy did: http://www.blazingpc.com/showthread.php/best_ram_cooler_ever-6230/index.html

I think you could also use some long screws and a nut too. There's room for another 80MM fan too.

 

[Äߧý∩†H♠H䎀]

Ahh thanks for the suggestion but i'll just buy a cooler. If it was more I'd probally rig something up but its just $20 bucks. So you think that G.Skill should be alright?

Ahh I just figured it out it stands on end and blows directly down on the ram right? That means I need 2 of them then right?

 

[Äߧý∩†H♠H䎀]

Anybody else with some insight? I'm going to place a order shortly so let me know its a good buy. I was going to do the 4X1 gig sticks of G.Skill (800 low latency) with the corsair fan. I was also going to pick up this thermaltake side fan

 

[NEED WOW NOW]

well i like OCZ because of there built in heat spreader or Heat sinks like these if u are running vista
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227189
Or these
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227185
or even these
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227231

Many to chose from