Need 4GB Non-kit RAM

**4D(Fordy(Ford) Ollie** · #1 29th Dec 2008, 07:43

Hey does anyone know of a decent 4GB stick of RAM?

Doing a build atm, and I want 4GB to start off with but I don't want to use up 2 of my slots - so that I have 3 left for future upgrading. So this can't be a 2x2gb kit.

Thanks, Ollie.

**spot** · #2 29th Dec 2008, 12:56

If you tell us the motherboard we can look up the required specification of the memory.

**spot** · #3 29th Dec 2008, 13:20

If it's for the P5Q you're losing the dual channel functionality unless you put in a pair. With just one stick you drop down to single channel operation.

Dual-channel architecture requires a dual-channel-capable motherboard and two or more DDR or DDR2 SDRAM memory modules. The memory modules are installed into matching banks, which are usually color coded on the motherboard. These separate channels allow each memory module access to the memory controller, increasing throughput bandwidth.

from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual_channel

What your user guide says is

You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The
system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel
configuration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then
mapped for single-channel operation.
It recommended that to install the memory module from yellow slots for
better overclocking capability.
Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum compatibility,
it is recommended that you obtain memory modules from the same vendor.

**4D(Fordy(Ford) Ollie** · #4 29th Dec 2008, 15:28

Yeah yeah yeah mate I know...

I wasn't asking for info on how it all works..
nor did I want someone to tell me what my own mobo does and what my very own user guide says.. if I didn't already know and wanted to I could have reached out an arm and found out myself.

I'm merely asking if someone knows of a good cheapish 4 gig stick of RAM.
Later I can get another same spec same vendor stick and shove it in for dual channel operation.
Even later another 2.

For now I'm just after a 4GB stick of DDR2 DIMM non-ECC RAM

**Carbon** · #5 29th Dec 2008, 15:54

Corsair makes a 4GB stick, they're very expensive though ($100 here, so with VAT + usual UK prices..ouch).

**spot** · #6 29th Dec 2008, 16:32

You can have big or fast but not both, it looks like. 2GB will go at 1200MHz, 4GB will go at 800MHz. I don't think anyone's yet worked out how to cool a 4GB 1200MHz stick. I could easily be wrong.