2 RAM questions.

[Perd Hapley]

Is A-Data a good brand?


Am I correct in thinking that, all other things being equal, 4 x 1GB is better than 2 x 2GB? 


Just to clari-mo-fy, I meant 2 matched pairs of 1 GB DIMMs, versus 1 matched pair of 2 GB DIMMs.

Also, the four Gs will max out this system's capacity either way. 

[PTK]

No, and due to matched sets running better together, no.

[Sergeant Bob]

You're not going to notice enough difference in performance Unless you do some pretty serious benchmarking) to warrant going either way. I would use the 2Giggers so I'd have more room in case I wanted to add additional RAM later.

[Perd Hapley]

Just to clari-mo-fy, I meant 2 matched pairs of 1 GB DIMMs, versus 1 matched pair of 2 GB DIMMs.

Also, the four Gs will max out this system's capacity either way. 

[PTK]

In that case, I'd go with four sticks and a good brand. Crucial comes to mind, as does Kingston.

[Perd Hapley]

Reviews of A-Data I've seen have been very positive.  Why the thumbs-down? 

[Vodka7]

AData's a fine brand, I'm running a few sticks of theirs in my machine right now.

Generally what people recommend is what they're used to.  Older people tend to say Kingston or Crucial, sometimes Mushkin or Corsair.  They're the ones they grew up with.

Younger people tend to say A-Data or OCZ.  Maybe PNY or Patriot.  They're all good products.  Go with whatever's cheapest and has the best reviews.  You can safely ignore any review involving overclocking.

[PTK]

I say boo to A-Data because I've received four different orders with their RAM DOA! Happened ONCE with Mushkin, thought it was a fluke but switched brands. No problems with Crucial or Kingston (and I'm not OLD!  )

[jackdanson]

I always use the kingston econo line, it works great and is usually one of the cheapest.

[Jim147]

Go with which ever pair or pairs you can get cheaper. I don't think you'll notice the difference from 4 gig to 4 gig.

jim

[Nick1911]

Typically, I buy something cheap (PNY is cheap around here), and run memtest86+ overnight.  If no errors are reported, I'm good to go.  If any error is reported, I return the ram and try again.

So far, this process has worked out well.

[RocketMan]

Typically, I buy something cheap (PNY is cheap around here), and run memtest86+ overnight.  If no errors are reported, I'm good to go.  If any error is reported, I return the ram and try again.

So far, this process has worked out well.

How often have you had to return DRAM, Nick?  Do you see problems very often?

I'm with the others on sticking with the major manufacturers of DRAM.  You will rarely have a problem if you do that.
The user reviews on Newegg have proven useful as a general indicator.  I have found if a large majority of users (>75% at five eggs) have had no problems with a specific type of DRAM, and if its specifications are compatible with the target system, there is seldom a problem using the memory.
I then use an appropriate flavor of memtest86+ to confirm the memory's compatibility and function in the target system.
Many of the motherboard manufacturers publish lists of tested or approved memory for their products.  I use those occasionally, but often the lists are out of date.

[Nick1911]

How often have you had to return DRAM, Nick?  Do you see problems very often?

Once so far.  Got PAGES of errors.  That said, I'm not a big buyer of RAM.  I have probably bought about 8-10 sticks over the years.

[Perd Hapley]

Once so far.  Got PAGES of errors.  That said, I'm not a big buyer of RAM.  I have probably bought about 8-10 sticks over the years.

I had the same deal with some Corsair Value Select a few months ago. 


The A-Data in question is on special at Micro Center, a 2x2GB pair for about $80.  New Egg's reviews are quite positive. 

[Jim147]

Once so far.  Got PAGES of errors.  That said, I'm not a big buyer of RAM.  I have probably bought about 8-10 sticks over the years.

Used to have to buy 8 sticks to get 2 Mb.

I think I have 8 40 pin 256 Kb's sitting in a box here.

jim

[Perd Hapley]

I went with the A-Data 2x2GB modules.  Will Memtest tonight.

Sadly, despite my 64-bit OS, I only gets to play with 3.5 GB.     The motherboard is limited to 4GB, and I guess the built-in "video card" takes up 1/2 GB of that?    

[Marnoot]

I went with the A-Data 2x2GB modules.  Will Memtest tonight.

Sadly, despite my 64-bit OS, I only gets to play with 3.5 GB.     The motherboard is limited to 4GB, and I guess the built-in "video card" takes up 1/2 GB of that?    

You might try checking the BIOS settings to find a toggle to switch off the 4GB limit, mine has such a thing; if not there, maybe try upgrading the BIOS to see if a later version has such a setting.

[Perd Hapley]

I'm afraid there is no such toggle, and the BIOS is current.  


It's way easier to watch Veronica Mars on WB.com now.  Also, my new RAM has heat spreaders, so I feel like a total stud.

[tyme]

The motherboard is limited to 4GB, and I guess the built-in "video card" takes up 1/2 GB of that?

What motherboard is this that supports 64 bit processors but only 4GB ram?  I would call that borderline negligence by the manufacturer.

[AZRedhawk44]

It's way easier to watch Veronica Mars on WB.com now.  Also, my new RAM has heat spreaders, so I feel like a total stud.

Spread the heat, yo!



 

(That's all I have to add to this subject since Fisty just went ahead and bought his crap RAM instead of waiting to hear more from the rest of us...)

[Perd Hapley]

What motherboard is this that supports 64 bit processors but only 4GB ram?  I would call that borderline negligence by the manufacturer.

It's in a Dell Optiplex GX620, with Pentium D processor and 945 chipset.  I got it for about a hundred bucks, so I don't complain too much.  

I've got another computer that will run 64-bit OS's, but only recognizes 4 GB.  That one was free.  


Both are business-oriented desktops from a few years back, so...