Should I Fill All Ram Slots

Joined: Feb 20, 1999

Messages: 51,022

Nov 09, 2014 Additional Notes: For best performance, fill both memory slots, installing an equal memory module in each slot. The likely technical explanation here is that your MacBook (motherboard) supports dual-channel architecture and thus requires two identical memory modules. Benchmarks suggests that it gives a 5-10 percent performance boost. Maximum memory: 8192MB Slots: 4 (2 banks of 2).Not to exceed manufacturer supported memory. 2GB 2GB 2GB 2GB. This is fantastic news both in terms of PC performance - and my wallet! On top of all that, the exisiting 2x2GB sticks that came pre-installed with the PC 3 years a go stay put - so no need for throwing unwanted memory sticks in a drawer. It does not matter until you tweak. There are a few things to consider. Cost, reliability, maintenance when it does fail, overclocking. If you have quad channel memory you will want 4 or 8, and there will be no difference in memory speed.

Should I Fill All Ram Slots

The motherboard I am getting (ASUS P5WD2) has four slots for memory, total of 8 Gig. I'm going to put 2 Gig in (need it for large video editing files) Am I better off to get 4 512s and fill all slots so if one goes bad I can replace at cheaper price or am I better off to go with two 1 Gig sticks? Will that board run on only 1 stick or does it need to be in pairs? If the memory needs to be installed in pairs, then I think it would be better to have 4 sticks so you can troubleshoot memory.
What do you think?
And what about memory brands? Is Altas Good? If not what is do you recommend?

Do I Need To Fill All Ram Slots