I'm building a new computer and just got 4x1GB HP PC-5300 667 Mhz Ram for $10 each using slickdeals.

I'm most likely going to be using an IP35-E Mobo and Windows XP Pro for my new computer that I'm building, and I know that XP (and Vista 32-bit) can only address 3.1 GB or so of RAM.

My question: I'd like 3GB of RAM, but is 4x1GB going to run in dual channel mode and give me a speed boost even though 900MB is wasted? Or should I sell one module and use 3x1GB and lose the dual channel capability? Or, should I call 2GB good and sell 2GB and effectively make my RAM free?

You can get 3GB in dual channel : 2 X 1GB + 2 X 512 MB

I say leave the 4 GB and accept the 32 limitation for now. 64 bit will pick up in popularity.

Quote from Mavtech : I say leave the 4 GB and accept the 32 limitation for now. 64 bit will pick up in popularity.

with mav but wanker is right as well

Not a bad idea, but I already have the 4x1GB. How much extra speed is dual channel ... can anyone point me to some stats?

Quote from mirrordude : Not a bad idea, but I already have the 4x1GB. How much extra speed is dual channel ... can anyone point me to some stats?

google/wikipedia is your friend

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual...al_results

Quote from Mavtech : I say leave the 4 GB and accept the 32 limitation for now. 64 bit will pick up in popularity.

i'd leave it. if you're feeling froggy, switch to a 64-bit os (i'd recommend vista). its been working flawless for me so far. the only stipulation would be if you had any old applications

http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/sys...AEdrv.mspx

Fixing the ram limitiation FTW!!!!

FYI---if you have no idea what to do, don't try it.