Memory Question: 3GB vs. 4GB

[js81]

OK, so I found a great deal and am buying a white iMac. Its a C2D 17" and comes with 2GB RAM. Needless to say, I want more RAM. This model supports 4GB but only utilizes 3.XGB. Here's my question; which should I buy?

(Both are 667MHz DDR2 and from Newegg, and I like both brands )

4GB Corsair ValueSelect (2x2GB) with 5-5-5-15 timings for $37.99
-OR-
3GB Kingston HyperX (2+1GB) with 4-4-4-12 timings for $36.99.

Basically my question is which will perform better a slower matched pair or a faster unmatched?

Thanks for the advice!

EDIT: The iMac has the Radeon X1600 video card, NOT the integrated Intel.

 

[aprofetto]

I'd say go with the 4GB of ram.

 

[Mike in Kansas]

OK, so I found a great deal and am buying a white iMac. Its a C2D 17" and comes with 2GB RAM. Needless to say, I want more RAM. This model supports 4GB but only utilizes 3.XGB. Here's my question; which should I buy?

(Both are 667MHz DDR2 and from Newegg, and I like both brands )

4GB Corsair ValueSelect (2x2GB) with 5-5-5-15 timings for $37.99
-OR-
3GB Kingston HyperX (2+1GB) with 4-4-4-12 timings for $36.99.

Basically my question is which will perform better a slower matched pair or a faster unmatched?

Thanks for the advice!

EDIT: The iMac has the Radeon X1600 video card, NOT the integrated Intel.

Based on what I have read, you get a speed bump in having a matched pair even though it doesn't utilize all 4GB.

Regarding the 5-5-5-15 vs. the 4-4-4-12 though, I haven't seen anything comparing the two.

Can you get two 2GB sticks of the 4-4-4-12 for the ultimate?

 

[js81]

Based on what I have read, you get a speed bump in having a matched pair even though it doesn't utilize all 4GB.

Regarding the 5-5-5-15 vs. the 4-4-4-12 though, I haven't seen anything comparing the two.

Can you get two 2GB sticks of the 4-4-4-12 for the ultimate?

Just checked and found the Kingston HyperX 4GB kit on Newegg for $42.50. Guess that just made my decision easier, huh? I must have overlooked it the first time.

 

[Mike in Kansas]

Just checked and found the Kingston HyperX 4GB kit on Newegg for $42.50. Guess that just made my decision easier, huh? I must have overlooked it the first time.

Problem solved!

Could also check OWC too (www.otherworldcomputing.com)

 

[js81]

Problem solved!

Could also check OWC too (www.otherworldcomputing.com)

I've used OWC in the past with my older Macs (particularly a SuperDrive for an old PowerMac). I haven't checked their memory prices. **opens a new tab to check**

 

[michael.lauden]

would you rather run your car for an hour at at 10,000RPM or 7,500 RPM?

4GB would probably be best. it's not that much more expensive so i don't see the debate

 

[js81]

would you rather run your car for an hour at at 10,000RPM or 7,500 RPM?

4GB would probably be best. it's not that much more expensive so i don't see the debate

CAS 4 is faster than CAS 5, yeah - but my question was whether it would be faster than a matched pair. Now that I found the matched pair of CAS 4 for a similar price, there is no debate. I'm going to get the 4GB CAS 4 kit (HyperX).