Double Checking - Adding 2GB kit to a 4GB kit?

[2Supra4U]

Hello,

Hey guys, new on the boards but been around a long time. As well as on other boards.
Was out of the game for years in terms of keeping up with new PC tech and stuff on the internet until I build my new rig this past summer. My last rig was built in early 2004 (P4 rig). I managed to keep that beast in check until about a year ago (coudl play all new games aside from the most intense 3d at high settings).....it still would play crysis etc at lower settings fine......suprisingly.

So I need a bit of a refresher now. Although i'm pretty sure I know the answer already.

Was thinking of upgrading my ram and was looking for another 4GB kit of what I currently have

Long story short, no one in Canada or US seems to have it anymore and its discontinued. If I did find it, they want like $200+ cdn (no f'in way).......most places that had it out of stock now wanted around $120-140 for it.

Now what I have come across is the exact same memory, except its in a 2BG kit (2x 1024) instead of 4GB (2x 2048).

For those who know memory well, will it matter that I pop in a 2gb kit opposed to a 4gb kit? There shoud be no difference between the 2GB kit and 4GB kit if they are the exacy same memory model correct?? I know if it was different speeds then it would downclock, match the lowest one, etc.

Because if I can't get another 4GB, I will at least put another 2gb in as long as it wont affect performance other then adding more memory to the system.

Also I will be overclocking, hence why I went with 2000mhx in the first place......it will eventually be running at the full 2000mhz

Thanks for your help

[LarkStarr]

no diff, though it's usually nice to overclock using the same components. but it doesn't matter if you pop an extra 2x1gb kit in there. doesn't even have to be the same made or model.

[2Supra4U]

Thanks. Yea i know you can mix and match....but its something ive only done way back when with mx'n'matchin pc-100 and pc-133 ram together. I will only put same model/version if I am upgrading. Same goes if I decide to grab another asus 4870 1gb dk....will only get that version no others. Just a preference...and pickyness.

I just want to make sure that there will be no effect in terms of performance vs. another 4gb kit.
I know that it will still be dual channel since its 2 more sticks (4 total).

I.E. - from a performance standpoint.....other than better numbers because there is an extra 2gb,
would the 2gb and 4gb kits perform the exact same?

I just wasn't / am not sure whether or not there is actual disadvantage to putting a 2gb kit instead of a 4gb kit....aside from the extra memory

[LarkStarr]

My first inclination would be that they would perform close enough to the exact same to not have a noticeable difference. no disadvantage.

[2Supra4U]

Thats what I origianlly figured. I know my shit but being out of it for so long (2004-2005) so much new stuff has come out since then and things have changed. and I just havn;t read up on everything to know 100% on anything.

If I can't find a 4gb kit I'll just go with the 2gb

I actually found a 2gb set thats been used, but it was only used at 1600.....might be able to get it for peanuts if I'm lucky...under 30-40 hopefully.

I just have the urge to grab that 4gb kit and another 4870 1g dk to compete the setup. was going to do it from the beginning but due to lack of funds made the decision hold off. I kinda just feel like doing it so I can upgrade and be done with it until i buy a new system in 3-4 years.

Until then this thing will be a beast at 3.6ghz once I get it back to that point and me cooler comes in.

Thanks for the help

[Zink]

Wow, I've been wondering about this for a little while as I need to get the -bigadv flag running in my folding at home client and only have 4GB ram. I wasn't even looking for this thread and just opened up the Memory forum and there it was. Thanks!