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General discussion

1 GBx1 - or - 512 MBx2

Mar 7, 2005 10:05PM PST

1 GB DDR-SDRAM (DDR2-400, 1 GBx1)
1 GB DDR-SDRAM (DDR2-400, 512 MBx2)
^two choices I'm interested in for a sony S-380 series notebook

-I was configuring a notebook. What is the difference between these two and why does one cost more...should I spend the extra money? Is it worth it?
Thanks, any help would be appreciated...

Discussion is locked

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Here's a test we performed.
Mar 7, 2005 10:17PM PST

Two identical machines (P4 and the usual items). These were same make/model/firmware/etc right down to the clone of the hard disk and OS.

We ran a DVD final cut program (it makes the production copy) on both machines. One machine had 512M, then other 1G.

The machine with 512M finished in 6 hours. The one with 1G RAM finished 5 minutes sooner.

To make sure this test was fair, we swapped RAM with each box and repeated the runs. Again, the 1G machine won by 5 minutes over the 6 hour run.

As such, my response is this. Since you are writing about a P4 class machine and not any 64-bit CPU, you will get as much usage out of this 1G RAM as you possibly can for as many years as it lasts and may never add more RAM.

My thought? Go with the cheaper option.

Bob

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Don't think that was the question
Mar 8, 2005 12:32AM PST

I don't think you answered his question. He wanted to know if he should get 1GB of memory in one stick or two.

The answer depends on the motherboard. If it's set up to use Dual Channel Ram then go with the two sticks to add up to 1 GB. The motherboard shares the writes and reads to the two sticks so that the result is faster ram access then if you only had one memory stick.

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Many ask since they plan on adding more RAM.
Mar 8, 2005 12:46AM PST

With today's 32-bit CPUs and current OSes, there is little payoff past 512M and certainly less after 1GB.

The original poster noted a specific Pentium M based notebook and ... it doesn't use Dual Channel RAM. Please do a little more research please about this.

Bob

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Here it is right from the customizing screen
Mar 8, 2005 2:12AM PST
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Nice.
Mar 8, 2005 2:16AM PST

Just consider that in 32-bit land, and the current OSes that you may run, there is not much payoff from 512M to 1G. And even less after 1GB.

As such, if you were thinking of 1 stick so you can add more later, unless you need this for bragging rights my advice is to get the cheaper configuration.

Also, while the web site offers the single 1GB stick, spot shortages seem to be upsetting orders so be sure to ask if this is an issue.

Be sure to get at least the 2 year warranty.

Bob

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Thanks
Mar 8, 2005 2:36AM PST

Ok, good to know...So get 1 stick if I plan on upgrading...But at that point when I need more than 1 GB, chances are that I won't even have the same notebook anymore. But as far has performance/speed wise (as I understand it) are equal..... (1GB)1GBx1 = (1GB)512MBx2 correct?

Thanks for the help...I just didn't understand the seperation of sticks. But now I do!

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With this laptop, chipset...
Mar 8, 2005 2:54AM PST

You shouldn't be able to see or measure a speed difference from 1 or 2 sticks.

Bob

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With the S series
Mar 8, 2005 3:23AM PST

Amazing...I wasn't going to even consider getting the sony S-series, but my brothers roommate had just gotten one. Beautiful...that is all thats needed to be said, just absolutely beautiful. The Xbrite screen is so crisp and... well.. BRIGHT!