Hello
Not exactly linux except I will run linux. I post here to reach knowlegable computer users.

My new motherboard is a Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD4. It has four memory slots with up to 2 GB for each slot. They reccomend Kingston memory parts KVR..

I believe that a Kit of a pair of 2GB ( i.e. 2 x 2GB) is better than two 2GB non-kit sticks. But there is not a kit of 4 x 2GB. Will having to use two kits destroy the advantage of using kits? It is cheaper to buy 4 x 2GB than 2 kits (2 x 2GB)!

Hi,

It depends on which processor you are using with this board. Some processors are dual channel others are triple channel (your board supports both kinds).

Ideally, for a dual channel processors you need multiples of 2 banks filled (2/4/6/etc) and for a triple channel processors you need multiples of 3 banks filled (3/6/etc).

Hope this helps.

The GA-P55A-UD4 does only support CPU for socket 1156 (dual channel RAM), but not for 1366 (triple channel RAM).
Buying a kit means nothing more than these two sticks are tested to work together in dual channel mode. No other advantages. So it doesn't really matter (in my opinion), if you buy 2 kits ore 4 separate sticks. Go for what is the cheapest for you, and be aware of buying RAMs for Intel. There is DDR3 RAM out there that needs voltages above 1.65V to run flawlessly, and those voltages may damage the memory controller of the CPU. Gigabyte recommends sticks that run with 1.5V.

1 members found this post helpful.

Greetingz!

Shouldn't really matter if the question is "2 x 2GB kits" versus "4 x Single Sticks from the same place, purchased at the same time" As long as you get "pairs" that are identical, you should be good to go...assuming you purchase the correct size ram in the first place.

Remember, the primary concern as others have mentioned is having "pairs" of identical RAM.

Like other said : as long as pairs are matching (brand, speed, cl, ... etc) it's ok.
Ideally you would want to have all memories the same.
Just buy what suits you the best (4 singles or 2 pairs), just make sure they match.

I seriously doubt that those 'pairs' that you can buy are real 'tested matched pairs' since this would be clearly more expensive.
I guess they just assume that since it comes from the same batch they are ok as pairs and they are right about that, it's as simple as that.

I recieved this reply from Gigabyte:

Hi,

would I get the same result as with 4 memory modules of 2GB each?
--> Yes. Two kits (2x 2GB) it giving the same result.