More Testing:

There are two aspects that really works in favor of the 4GB kit. One is the memory bandwidth and the other is quicker access times all around with multiple applications running at once. Memory bandwidth actually out paced the 2GB kit which shows that there is something to be offered even if you don't think your system can use it. With multiple programs running, the system could easily still open a larger file like a game while the others were running. The processor was the only bottleneck, but the programs were easily cached to the memory thanks to the extra memory available over the 2GB.

The more memory bandwidth available, the faster the system can perform all around. In past tests, 4GB kits couldn't always out pace the matched 2GB kits probably due to the memory controller and/or chipset. With the two P35 based motherboards from ASUS, the performance results have shown promise in that respect. One thing is for certain, both the P5K3 Deluxe and Blitz Formula work their best with low level latency kits. The Blitz Formula definitely feels like a new more versatile machine with the extra memory, but hasn't lost its aggressive performance at all. The memory timings and Command Rate are no longer effected and you don't have to worry about losing overall performance like older chipsets. The bottom line is that you won't suffer any kind of performance loss just because you pack your system with 4GB of DDR2 memory.

Summary and Conclusion:

What about Vista boot times? Access times to the desktop was almost identical to XP Pro varying a couple seconds at the most. Where the 4GB does come in handy is if you happen to have a lot of start up programs. Most of those mini-icons typically show up in the bottom right corner of your desktop. If you aren't sure if that's all of them, you can do a Ctrl + Alt + Del and the Task Manager will pop up. Click the Processes tab and you'll see just how many applications are using up your system's memory. Everything labeled with your User name are typically programs you've installed that need memory to run in the back ground when the system starts up. If you have a ton of things in there you aren't sure about, it might be time to do some cleaning by removing some unused programs. Or, you can just pick up some Patriot Memory 2x2GB PC2-6400 Dual Channel Memory.

4GB Editor's Choice!

It's not the worlds most overclockable 4GB 800MHz DDR2 memory, but then it isn't suppose to be. Users who tend to pick up this kind of 4GB kit are serious about one thing and that's productivity. They aren't star struck overclockers looking for an insane benchmark, but would rather have plenty of memory to manage their large programs and applications without worrying about low memory volumes that potentially slow progress. Serious multitasking users won't want anything less than maximum efficiency and expect their choice of memory to perform flawlessly. With a well tuned 4GB Patriot Memory Kit, this is easily a reality.

The current pricing of DDR2 is still so amazingly affordable, users who don't overclock and need the memory should seriously consider a 4GB kit. You can find a 2GB kit for as little as $60.00, while the standard 4GB kit costs just about double that price. That's still a really affordable option and makes more sense than purchasing a higher clocked 1066MHz 2GB kit if you're not going to overclock. You can currently find the Patriot Memory 2x2GB PC2-6400LLK Dual Channel Kit from Newegg for about $175.00 and it's a deal currently out pricing the competition. What are you waiting for? Go get your 4GB kit now!

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