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4 X 2GB Ram vs 2 X4GB Ram?

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paulg1979

macrumors member
Original poster
Oct 29, 2006
98
0
Hi all,

Just bought my self a Mac Pro and I have two options:

1. Buy 2 x 4GB Ram for £279

or

2. Buy 4 x 2GB Ram for £200

My question is are these going to give the same performance?

I assume the 4GB sticks are more expensive as they do not take up as many slots allowing you to get the full 32GB Ram if needed which I know I will never need for the time being.
 
4 sticks stresses the memory controller more than 2. Will you notice? Doubtful.

This questions comes up a lot in the pc market concerning overclocking. Typically you can run tighter timings and less voltage with fewer sticks.

In your case, no it won't make a noticeable difference, as you won't be doing anything related above. Except wasting memory slots.

The server boards in the MacPro are designed to be filled with memory.
 
Just another quick thought that should help. If one of memory modules fail in the 4x2GB config, it'll be cheaper and easier to replace the module and you won't notice much performance hit going from 8 to 6, as apposed to 8 to 4.
 
2x4Gb I reckon. Filling up slots because you do not want to pay a bit extra always kicks you in the arse at a later date. Its too easy to say "why would I ever need more than X Gb?"
 
Do you guys realize that Mac Pro's have 8 slots for memory? You really think hes going to need more than 24gbs of ram one day? £79 is more than just a bit, he could get another 2-4gbs for that much, or get another HDD, or a bluray burner, theres a lot of things you can get for £79 that would help a lot more than being able to use 32gbs of ram instead of 24gbs of ram.

He still has 16gbs to play with. He'll be fine.
 
mcnicks said:
2x4Gb I reckon. Filling up slots because you do not want to pay a bit extra always kicks you in the arse at a later date. Its too easy to say "why would I ever need more than X Gb?"
Click to expand...

Gates: "640kb ought to be enough for anybody"

Haha, you reminded me of that.
 
stainlessliquid said:
Do you guys realize that Mac Pro's have 8 slots for memory? You really think hes going to need more than 24gbs of ram one day? £79 is more than just a bit, he could get another 2-4gbs for that much, or get another HDD, or a bluray burner, theres a lot of things you can get for £79 that would help a lot more than being able to use 32gbs of ram instead of 24gbs of ram.

He still has 16gbs to play with. He'll be fine.
Click to expand...

I agree with you. I think i'll go for the 4 as by the time I need 32GB i'll be purchasing a newer Mac Pro anyway.
 
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