Get the second one. Not only is it faster, but dual RAM sticks run in Dual-Channel mode, greatly increasing performance. The only reason to use 4GB sticks is if you want a lot of memory, like 16GB.
Before this starts another dual channel vs. single channel ****storm, I'd like to jump in and say that there is no noticable performance difference between single and dual channel ram.
Buying 1x4gb instead of 2x2gb means you have the option to upgrade later to 2x4gb, which will put less strain on your memory controller when compared to 4x2gb (which means you might be able to get a higher overclock) but 2x2gb will be slightly faster in certain benchmarks that make use of the DC bandwidth.
edit: didn't notice they were different frequencies and timings
- but unless you benchmark a lot, you won't notice a difference between 1600 and 2000
Oohh didn't know this could turn into a flame thread, i guess i should have searched more thoroughly before posting this, but hey i tried and it was very inconclusive, have edited the OP to avoid flame-thowers.
Yea, if you like playing benchmarks, dual channel is better, but real world, no noticeable difference between single and dual channel.
The last set of RAM I got was a single 2 gig stick, since it was a budget build for a friend and the board only has 2 RAM slots, I wanted to leave the ability to add a 2nd stick later if funds allowed.
As for 1 stick or 2 sticks, 1 stick will use less power. For what you have linked, if price is the same (or close) get the XMS3, they are DDR3 2000 (but 1.65v) vs the single stick which is DDR3 1600 (and is 1.5v).
Originally Posted by AyeYo;13230412
You're thinking of dual channel vs. triple channel. There IS a significant difference between dual and single channel.
Originally Posted by Furrby;13230429
Two modules of ram would run in dual channel apposed to the single channel with one module so it will essentially run twice as fast. Hope this helps
Maybe not twice but the difference is indeed a big one and worth the price
Since there is no price difference and the likelihood is you don't need a ridiculous amount of RAM i.e. 16GB so expandability is no issue, you should by all means go with two DIMMs of RAM for dual channel.
One more thing, 2000mhz CL9 is not worth it on AMD. It is harder to stabilize and costs more; a 1600Mhz kit with CL6-7 timings would cost less, be easier to stabilize, and perform about the same anyway.
Well Thanks a lot people, well after reading the knowledgeable comments i went ahead and bought this --> XMS3 - 4GB Dual Channel DDR3 Memory Kit (CMX4GX3M2A1600C9)
It's 1600Mhz, plus dual channel, i hope i made the right choice, my Mobo is Biostar's TA890GXE and processor is Phenom II x2 555 BE, which i hope will unlock.
If it was at a good price then I guess you made the right choice
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