2x2GB + 2x1GB DDR3 memory sticks, performance considerations

I have 4 ddr3 memory modules, 2 different pairs: 2x1GB, 2x2GB.

Each pair is the same, of course, and all the speeds and timings across all 4 memory modules are equivalent.

How will this affect performance? Might it be worse than with just the 2x2GB configuration?

Looking for any insight into such a setup.

Thanks

 

should be the same. in the end, the most you notice is the amount of ram anyways, not the speed of it.

but it should be the same performance.

 

davepermen is right. Performance will not decrease. Nothing else to say really.

 

I'm specifically worried it will turn off the dual channel mode with different module pairs. Any word on that?

 

No. The same amount of memory in each channel = dual channel memory enabled.

 

you just added another pair of dualchannel rams => no.

 

As long as the sticks are properly matched up, then no. If you have them paired incorrectly in the memory banks, then you'll end up with asynchronous dual-channel... not that you're likely to notice except in benchmarks.

 

so yeah i would have 2x1GB in one paired set of banks, and the 2x2GB in the other paired set.

everyone giving the go ahead? any dissenting opinions?

 

Dude, just do it. Even if it dropped your performance by 50%, it would take 2 seconds to reverse it.

 

Yeah, just install the RAM. Make sure you run like memtest or another benchmarking program to test out the stability. Worst thing that could happen is it won't POST then you just figure out which stick is giving you trouble.

 

all the sticks work. I have a very small form factor case and it is actually quite difficult to access the memory. Size over convenience. I just don't want to see game performance drop because the memory bandwidth went down for some weird reason, even though it would be nice to have the extra bit of memory for some other uses.