Worst thing with single core and 4x512?

We're(me and my bro) thinking upgrading the mem in my bros computer(to 2gb), but he doesnt want to buy another 2gb ram, and throw what he's got in a pile.

So we're thinking of getting 2 more 512mb sticks, but I've heard that 4x512 (or 4x1024 or anything like that) doesnt work very well with single core a64 cpus.
Whats the biggest negative effect that it can have?

 

With cores before the current Venice version, you were forced to run a 2T command rate at PC2700 when using four modules. Fortunately, in anything later (including any dual-core CPU), this was fixed and you are now able to run them at full speed with a 2T rate. Not perfect, but the benefits from the capacity exceed the performance deficit.

Check out the recent article on RAM to have a look at what performance gains you'll see.

 

50% correct. On pre-venice cores (i did this on my winchester for a while), you can run 4x[Whatever], but the only requirement is that you push it along at 2T. None of this PC2700 buisness.

 

Winny's were ok with this too afaik, it's the 0.13 cores that force 2t and 166 running

Running 4 Dimms on the opty rig atm, havent noticed any difference running 2t over 1t...

 

ok, so a SD 3700 should work great with 4x512?

 

not with 5 mate, think that must be a typo
if youve got single sided memory modules, then it might be possible to run 1T, but its a bit hit and miss. but you should be able to run 4x512mb dimms at rated speed with 2T command rate no worries

 

hehe.. typo there

No idea if Corsairs value are dual sided or single sided, and im to lazy to open up my computer (Thats next to me) and check

 

Well technically the CPU only supports PC2700 prior to Winchester (or Venice, don't remember) core, but in 99% of the cases, you could run all four sticks full speed 2T. Rather like overclocking - most CPUs can do it, but you find a handful that just won't budge at all.

 

Got 4 sticks working great here. 2t makes very little difference in real world performance too. (Less than 1%)

 

Hmm.. my dad's got 1gb of corsair value in his computer that we bought at the same time as mine and my brothers. Ill steal that someday, and try it out