Kingston Valueram comparison?

KHPower · 10-14-2007, 11:27 PM

I have 2 sticks of Kingston 1 gb kvr400/1gr valueram and my motherboard can support up to 4 gigs of dual channel. I am kicking myself for not buying more ofthe kvr400/1gr from circuit city for 49.99

Anyways I have found similar deals on other Kingston valueram the kvr400x64c3a1g and was wondering what the difference between the 2 rams I listed are? Which is better? and why?

Thankyou

**speedster123** · 10-15-2007, 05:48 AM

usually you can achieve tighter timings with the more expensive ram.
you definity need a dual channel set of ram to get the best performance from your board. a 2 gig dual channel set [2x1] of ram should do fine.
http://www.valueram.com/datasheets/default.asp

KHPower · 10-15-2007, 08:52 AM

Thanks for the info

I was doing some research and was wondering, since I already got the individual 1 gig sticks +2gi, can I then add a dual channel kit? I want to max out the MB but I also dont want to start over , I kinda want to find a solution ( the best price) to get the 4 gig , but with tthe best performance. Here is the specs on memory for my motherboard.

Thankyou for your help

System Memory:
Maximum 4GB
4 x DDR SDRAM DIMMs
Dual Channel DDR 266/333/400
PLEASE NOTE:
This motherboard DOES NOT support high density or ECC memory.
Use identical memory modules to use dual channel mode, and DO NOT use three individual sticks of memory as it may cause failures. Please use either 1 piece, 2 pieces, or 4 pieces. Refer to your manual for proper memory configurations for your motherboard.

Maximum memory speed may decrease when the following memory combination is used:
- Each memory slot is installed with double-sided memory
- Both DIMM1 and DIMM3 are installed with double-sided memory module (for motherboards with 4 DIMM sockets)
Due to resource usage by the South Bridge chipset, system memory may only detect up to 3.9 GB (not the full 4GB) when each DIMM is installed with a 1GB memory stick. To utilize a full 4GB of system memory, you will need to use 2x 2GB sticks of memory

**mattlock** · 10-15-2007, 10:24 AM

If you are running a 32bit OS you won't be able to utilize the full 4gb, it'll be closer to 3gbs.

KHPower · 10-15-2007, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattlock

If you are running a 32bit OS you won't be able to utilize the full 4gb, it'll be closer to 3gbs.

It says that it is best to install 2 or 4 sticks of memory and doesnt recommend just 3 sticks. 3 sticks to equal 3 gigs

I am wondering if I have enough , I dont play any games that would require alot of ram , but I do like a fast computer and I guess I want to max its performance if possible.

**mattlock** · 10-15-2007, 10:35 AM

It is best to run either 2 or 4 modules to maintain Dual Channel memory mode. I'm simply making you aware that, unless you are running a 64bit OS the PC will only be able to address around 3gbs of the 4gbs installed. It's due to the limitations of the 32bit operating system.

Vista eats up about 500mb of ram leaving you 1.5gb for your other apps, you would not see much improvement by adding more RAM.

KHPower · 10-15-2007, 10:36 AM

To add on to the info.

It is a socket 939 Machspeed mobo and it jas the AThlon 64x2 processor. I picked up this mobo as a cheap solution to run Vista. It to me is very fast in everything I do. I got the processor overclocked slightly , a little under its max and seems to be doing quite well.

I am also curious , even if I did max out the memory or got it to 3gigs if I would even see a difference? I guess I may be a little compulsive when it comes to computers and upgrading the hardware to its fullest , but I dont want to be wasting over 100 more dollars and not notice any difference and benifets by upgrading the ram.

ANy one have any more advice?

Thanks for all the help

**mattlock** · 10-15-2007, 10:39 AM

I have a 939 and a FX60. I've ran Vista and XP on both 2gb and 3gb and could not see any difference in performance. I would recommend saving your money.

KHPower · 10-15-2007, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattlock

It is best to run either 2 or 4 modules to maintain Dual Channel memory mode. I'm simply making you aware that, unless you are running a 64bit OS the PC will only be able to address around 3gbs of the 4gbs installed. It's due to the limitations of the 32bit operating system.

Vista eats up about 500mb of ram leaving you 1.5gb for your other apps, you would not see much improvement by adding more RAM.

oops , I didnt realize you posted that before I re-posted.

Do you have to have dual channel memory modules to run in dual channel mode? I eiter have my memory in dimm 1 and dimm 2 , but I think I may have installed 1gb in dimm 1 and 1gb in dimm 3

Thanks again

KHPower · 10-15-2007, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattlock

I have a 939 and a FX60. I've ran Vista and XP on both 2gb and 3gb and could not see any difference in performance. I would recommend saving your money.

Thanks mattlock

your advice has been takin. But is the memory I have now(The Brand and specs) efficient enough?

**mattlock** · 10-15-2007, 10:48 AM

Typically, you'll have two different colered Dimm slots, for Dual Channel mode the two sticks have to be installed in the same colored Dimm slots.

10-14-2007, 11:27 PM	#1 (permalink)
KHPower Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Nebraska Posts: 131 OS: Windows Vista Ultimate My System	Kingston Valueram comparison? I have 2 sticks of Kingston 1 gb kvr400/1gr valueram and my motherboard can support up to 4 gigs of dual channel. I am kicking myself for not buying more ofthe kvr400/1gr from circuit city for 49.99 Anyways I have found similar deals on other Kingston valueram the kvr400x64c3a1g and was wondering what the difference between the 2 rams I listed are? Which is better? and why? Thankyou __________________ "If you kill the Jo you make some mo"

10-15-2007, 05:48 AM	#2 (permalink)
speedster123 Mentor Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: United States-New York-Long Island Posts: 5,223 OS: xp pro SP3	Re: Kingston Valueram comparison? usually you can achieve tighter timings with the more expensive ram. you definity need a dual channel set of ram to get the best performance from your board. a 2 gig dual channel set [2x1] of ram should do fine. http://www.valueram.com/datasheets/default.asp __________________

10-15-2007, 08:52 AM	#3 (permalink)
KHPower Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Nebraska Posts: 131 OS: Windows Vista Ultimate My System	Re: Kingston Valueram comparison? Thanks for the info I was doing some research and was wondering, since I already got the individual 1 gig sticks +2gi, can I then add a dual channel kit? I want to max out the MB but I also dont want to start over , I kinda want to find a solution ( the best price) to get the 4 gig , but with tthe best performance. Here is the specs on memory for my motherboard. Thankyou for your help System Memory: Maximum 4GB 4 x DDR SDRAM DIMMs Dual Channel DDR 266/333/400 PLEASE NOTE: This motherboard DOES NOT support high density or ECC memory. Use identical memory modules to use dual channel mode, and DO NOT use three individual sticks of memory as it may cause failures. Please use either 1 piece, 2 pieces, or 4 pieces. Refer to your manual for proper memory configurations for your motherboard. Maximum memory speed may decrease when the following memory combination is used: - Each memory slot is installed with double-sided memory - Both DIMM1 and DIMM3 are installed with double-sided memory module (for motherboards with 4 DIMM sockets) Due to resource usage by the South Bridge chipset, system memory may only detect up to 3.9 GB (not the full 4GB) when each DIMM is installed with a 1GB memory stick. To utilize a full 4GB of system memory, you will need to use 2x 2GB sticks of memory __________________ "If you kill the Jo you make some mo"

10-15-2007, 10:24 AM	#4 (permalink)
mattlock Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 4,183 OS: XP SP2, Win 7 Beta, Win 7 RC My System	Re: Kingston Valueram comparison? If you are running a 32bit OS you won't be able to utilize the full 4gb, it'll be closer to 3gbs. __________________ Matt Everest-Thermal Paste Instruction-Power Supply Info-Sensorview PSU Calculator-Speedfan-Bench Test Help TSF Fight Disease. It's Free!

10-15-2007, 10:35 AM	#6 (permalink)
mattlock Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 4,183 OS: XP SP2, Win 7 Beta, Win 7 RC My System	Re: Kingston Valueram comparison? It is best to run either 2 or 4 modules to maintain Dual Channel memory mode. I'm simply making you aware that, unless you are running a 64bit OS the PC will only be able to address around 3gbs of the 4gbs installed. It's due to the limitations of the 32bit operating system. Vista eats up about 500mb of ram leaving you 1.5gb for your other apps, you would not see much improvement by adding more RAM. __________________ Matt Everest-Thermal Paste Instruction-Power Supply Info-Sensorview PSU Calculator-Speedfan-Bench Test Help TSF Fight Disease. It's Free! Last edited by mattlock; 10-15-2007 at 10:37 AM.

10-15-2007, 10:36 AM	#7 (permalink)
KHPower Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Nebraska Posts: 131 OS: Windows Vista Ultimate My System	Re: Kingston Valueram comparison? To add on to the info. It is a socket 939 Machspeed mobo and it jas the AThlon 64x2 processor. I picked up this mobo as a cheap solution to run Vista. It to me is very fast in everything I do. I got the processor overclocked slightly , a little under its max and seems to be doing quite well. I am also curious , even if I did max out the memory or got it to 3gigs if I would even see a difference? I guess I may be a little compulsive when it comes to computers and upgrading the hardware to its fullest , but I dont want to be wasting over 100 more dollars and not notice any difference and benifets by upgrading the ram. ANy one have any more advice? Thanks for all the help __________________ "If you kill the Jo you make some mo"

10-15-2007, 10:39 AM	#8 (permalink)
mattlock Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 4,183 OS: XP SP2, Win 7 Beta, Win 7 RC My System	Re: Kingston Valueram comparison? I have a 939 and a FX60. I've ran Vista and XP on both 2gb and 3gb and could not see any difference in performance. I would recommend saving your money. __________________ Matt Everest-Thermal Paste Instruction-Power Supply Info-Sensorview PSU Calculator-Speedfan-Bench Test Help TSF Fight Disease. It's Free!

10-15-2007, 10:48 AM	#11 (permalink)
mattlock Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 4,183 OS: XP SP2, Win 7 Beta, Win 7 RC My System	Re: Kingston Valueram comparison? Typically, you'll have two different colered Dimm slots, for Dual Channel mode the two sticks have to be installed in the same colored Dimm slots. __________________ Matt Everest-Thermal Paste Instruction-Power Supply Info-Sensorview PSU Calculator-Speedfan-Bench Test Help TSF Fight Disease. It's Free!