Hi fellow gamers.
I just bought a pack of 2x2GB memory.
From a gaming perspective, should i use 2x2GB or 2x2GB+ 2x1GB since i heard that you lose performance if you use all memory slots.
All modules are same brand and speed but different size.
If anyone tried this or have any ideas please post here.

More sticks will equal better performance in the vast majority of situations If you have a choice between 4gb and 6gb of RAM, the performance boost from the extra ram vastly outweighs the performance hit from extra load on the bus.
My only comment would be to ensure you put them in dual channel configuration, where matching slots have identical RAM in. This is normally staggered, so you'd put a 2gb stick in SLOT 1, a 1gb in SLOT 2, a 2gb in SLOT 3, and a 1gb in SLOT 4. Your motherboard should be colour coded so that matching sticks go in matching colours, but occasionally you'll come across a manufacturer who likes to do things the completely opposite way from everyone else, so have a read of your motherboard manual to be sure ^_^

I assume your using a 64bit OS.

simply because 32bit can do a max of 3.5gb if you were to use your 2gb+2gb+1gb+1gb set up you'd only actually be able to use 2gb+1gb the other 2gb+1gb would be scrapped unfortunatly it doesnt take that .5gb from your 1 it just blanks it entirely aside from that i see no problem using all your slots. though check your motherboard manual as some require specific slots for match pairs like shaking mentioned

Thanks for the replies.
I am running 64-bit os.
Thanks for the info on dual channel.
Running dual channel according to cpu-z so proabably installed the ram correct.

The other thing to look at is the speed of your front side bus. i.e. if your motherboard supports a FSB speed of 1333MHz, then purchase memory that runs at the same clock rate to ensure you're getting optimum performance.

However, if your motherboard has say a 800Mhz FSB, buying 1333Mhz memory will give you no benefit.

Like Shaking said, definitely have a read of the motherboard manual.

Cheers, 3F

Memory is corsair 6400.
Motherboard Gigabyte p35 and cpu is E2160.
It works great and is pretty silent.
Will be silent if i figure out how to control chassi fans from software and/or buy a fancontroller.

Your motherboard has a 1333Mhz front side bus, but it's difficult to tell what the memory is as a quick search yielded many version of this memory model number.

I took a look at the datasheet for TWIN2X2048-6400 memory bundle and it said the memory was 100% tested at 800Mhz, but I didn't look at the other models.

800Mhz is still pretty damn quick, but your motherboard is capable of faster. 1333Mhz memory is a fair bit more expensive (relatively speaking) than 800 though.

I'm sure some forum members can offer advice on overclocking if you're into that sort of thing.

Bus speed is 200 and rated FSB is 800 with the cpu im using now, running it at stock speed since i dont use any fan on it.