Quote from Bolimomo:
Memory clips are much less expensive than they used to be. So buying all 16GB at once nowadays may not be a big deal. Or you can buy half, monitor the actual usage under normal trading conditions before deciding if you want to add more. Higher memory is most likely not needed unless you are doing heavy number crunching (e.g. giant spreadsheets or optimizing for back-testings, etc.).
Thanks Mr. B for all your input/support, I'm sure you've forgotten more about all this than I'll ever know. I value your (all) suggestions/opinions and totally agree with the above statement.
I understand the amount of supported memory in the different 32/64 bit OSs (XP pro, Windows 7 pro) and made many decisions in my build based on which OS I chose. As I suggested in a previous post, I began my build "with the end in mind." I'm
planning to run ALL my trading software in 64 bit Windows 7 pro, thus the 16 gigs will be "available," but as you stated maybe not used (future proofing). Furthermore, I found a "wrinkle" in the idea of adding memory later (as needed) when the processor/motherboard supports dual channel memory.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual-channel_architecture
wikipedia
If the motherboard has two pairs of differently colored DIMM sockets (the colors indicate which bank they belong to, bank 0 or bank 1), then one can place a matched pair of memory modules in bank 0, but a different-capacity pair of modules in bank 1, as long as they are of the same speed. Using this scheme, a pair of 1 GB memory modules in bank 0 and a pair of matched 512 MB modules in bank 1 would be acceptable for dual-channel operation.[2]
Modules rated at different speeds can be run in dual-channel mode, although the motherboard will then run all memory modules at the speed of the slowest module. Some motherboards, however, have compatibility issues with certain brands or models of memory when attempting to use them in dual-channel mode. For this reason, it is generally advised to use identical pairs of memory modules, which is why most memory manufacturers now sell "kits" of matched-pair DIMMs. Several motherboard manufacturers only support configurations where a "matched pair" of modules are used. A matching pair needs to match in:
* Capacity (e.g. 1024 MB). Certain Intel chipsets support different capacity chips in what they call Flex Mode: the capacity that can be matched is run in dual-channel, while the remainder runs in single-channel.
* Speed (e.g. PC5300). If speed is not the same, the lower speed of the two modules will be used. Likewise, the higher latency of the two modules will be used.
* Number of chips and sides (e.g. 2 sides with 4 chips on each side).
Dual-channel architecture is a technology implemented on motherboards by the motherboard manufacturer and does not apply to memory modules. Theoretically any matched pair of memory modules may be used in either single- or dual-channel operation, provided the motherboard supports this architecture.
The terms
Dual, Triple, Quad and
Hexa Channel
Kit(s) are nothing more than a retailer's buzz word that describes the
number of matched modules within the "kit" (set). A "Dual Kit" contains 2 matched modules (sticks) a "Triple Kit" contains 3 matched modules (sticks) and so on. I don't know the intricate workings of a memory stick, but I have experienced the compatibility issues described in the Wikipedia post. Not to create a firestorm on this issue but, a "Quad Kit" is
not 2 matched pairs of 2 modules, per se,,, it is a matched set of 4 modules (in my case 4x4Gb) selected to work together as 16Gb and
guaranteed (by the manufacturer) to function at the advertised speed and capacity (e.g. PC3 12800 16Gb ).
Newegg Review and response from G.Skill Tech Support
Cons: price sucks. I found that if you buy 2 of the 8gb pack (2x4) you can save about $100. They are exactly the same but for some reason its much cheaper if you don't buy the 16gb pack. pretty lame since it should get cheaper when you buy a larger quantity.
Dear Customer
We are sorry to hear the price concerns you. Rest assure that it is accurate and justified. 8GB kits are only tested and guaranteed as 8GB. If you purchase two separate kits, they may not work together. With dual channel and triple channel motherboards, the memory must be match tested to insure full compatibility. If this was not required, we would just sell individual modules and have you purchase as many as you need. In addition, perfectly matching kits are much more rare, and that is reflected in the pricing. There are plenty 4GB kits, but as you go higher in capacity such as our Trident series, you will notice they are commonly out of stock.
Thank you
G.SKILL SUPPORT
One last thought. I'm building a trading computer, to be used daily for day trading and future backtesting/optimizing, with my eye (both eyes) on automation.
If, "(Unless)
you want to use your box to play video games as well,
" or you're into over clocking the processor and/or RAM, adding the Mobo's maximum memory (loading all DIMMs) is probably
not a good idea. I'm sure if anyone's into that sort of thing they already know this.
As I said, "I've taken the side cover off my old computer twice (except for cleaning), both times were to add memory."
I think to thought process is, the