Need help deciding on upgrading memory

[TDOGS630I]

I want to upgrade the memory and memory speed in my XPS630I.  Dell only lists 800mhz memory, but the memory configurator on the Corsair Memory page shows that 1066mhz memory is compatible with the 630I.

http://www.corsairmicro.com/configurator/corsair_custom.aspx?id=464913

I can't seem to find anything about maximum speed in the owners manual. Does anyone know if the 630i supports memory speed faster than 800mhz?

Also, is it better to have 4-1Gb sticks, or 2-2gb sticks?

Thanks

[Dev Mgr]

If you put in faster memory, it'll easily just run slower if/when needed.

I personally prefer 2 x 2GB as it would allow me to later add another 2 x 2GB to go to 8GB total.

Do keep in mind that 32-bit Windows will only be able to use 3.25GB at the very most. Vista SP1 says it sees 4GB, but still is only able to use 3.25GB (or less if you have 1 or more videocards with a lot of memory on the videocard).

If you want to really be able to use the full 4GB (or more), you'll need to switch to 64-bit Windows (Vista or XP). This requires a full reinstall of Windows. 32-bit applications still will be limited to 2GB a piece (unless it was written for PAE, but that's very rare), but when multitasking each application can use up to 2GB.

[kill_dash_nine]

One suggestion, if you get memory that is EPP/SLI enabled, get it all at one time.  I've been burned twice by buying memory a few months apart.  The part numbers may be the same, but the EPP profiles differ and typically lower the speed at which the memory will run.  Had it happen with the Corsair memory that came with my XPS and the memory from newegg.  Then, with the OCZ reapers that I bought, again, same part number but CPU-Z showed different profiles on the memory. 

[Rambler358]

If you plan on overclocking and want the fastest speed out of your PC, I'd suggest getting high-end 800MHz RAM with low timings.  When attempting to get the highest speed out of your CPU, you'll probably have to Link and Sync your RAM.  This means you'll have RAM speeds somewhere between 700 and 800 MHz.  High-end 800MHz RAM with fast timings will perform the same as 1066MHz RAM with slower timings.

If you don't plan on overclocking you can get the 1066MHz RAM and it'll run at that speed.

[cd60]

I agree with most of what everyone else has said. The 630 as well as the 720 that I have both have a max of 800MHZ (it does say it in your manual). The 64 bit would be the way to go in opinion and as far as the Corsair I can tell you that it is a good choice, I have 8 gigs of the Dominator series.

[kodiakdl]

Sorry, don't mean to hi-jack this thread, but I don't fully understand this whole RAM thing.

I have a XPS 720 H2C w/ qx6850.  It came from Dell OC'd to 3.67.  I notice my ram is PC2-6400 800 mhz, but is running at 1066 mhz (verified in CPU-Z and NVidia CP).  If I want to add more RAM, would it be better to just purchase DDR-2 PC 8500 @ 1066 mhz since my current stock ram is already OC'd to that speed?  Would it make for less wear and tear on the memory?  Or would it be better to just purchase 800mhz (same spec as what came in my computer) and let my computer over-clock it.

Thanks.

[Rambler358]

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@kodiakdl wrote:

@If I want to add more RAM, would it be better to just purchase DDR-2 PC 8500 @ 1066 mhz since my current stock ram is already OC'd to that speed?

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In your case, it would be best to purchase more of the exact same RAM that's currently in your system.

[TDOGS630I]

Ok, thanks for all the responses.  So if I understand correctly, if I don't overclock, I could go with the higher speed 1066mhz and it will be faster than my current 800mhz.  Basically the same thing as over-clocking 800mhz to a higher speed?

And there really is no difference between 2-2gb sticks or 4-1gb sticks other than the latter limits you to a total of 4gb.

Have I got this right?

[Rambler358]

Ok, thanks for all the responses.  So if I understand correctly, if I don't overclock, I could go with the higher speed 1066mhz and it will be faster than my current 800mhz.  Basically the same thing as over-clocking 800mhz to a higher speed?

That's basically correct.  Also, you will likely have to go into the BIOS and manually enter the memory speed.

And there really is no difference between 2-2gb sticks or 4-1gb sticks other than the latter limits you to a total of 4gb. 

Some motherboards might not be able to handle the 1066MHz speed with 4 1066MHz modules.  I'd suggest getting 2 x 2GB modules to be on the safe side.

[kill_dash_nine]

Good luck getting the same memory part/revision.

...just warning ya