clueless question #17873: ddr3 4gb dimm or ddr2 4gb dimm?

[MarkHR]

Turns out that the stock Dell xps730x motherboard only has slots for 3 memory dimms/things/cards. ?(

Edit: ignore below as I've found 4gb (and bigger) ddr3 1066mhz on kingston's website. However, a little help as to checking compatibility would be greatly appreciated.




Part A: When are 4gb DDR3 dimms/cards/things likely to come out? If they're available already please could you link to a manufacturer's site so I can give the part number to a supplier for a special order (5 boxing on 6gb is borderline "thrashing", I think).
Part B: Alternatively, as upgrading memory would seem easier than upgrading the motherboard, what would the performance hit be, if any, if I change from:
3x2gb 1067mhz ddr3 tri-channel
to
3 x 4GB DDR2 DDR2 800mhz (for example http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134864 )
If there's a minimal performance hit what do I need to do to check that the memory is com patible and will actually physically fit?

[Sajuuk]

Since it's an i7 motherboard, it'll be (more likely than not) DDR3.

[MarkHR]

Yup

I found there are 4gb dimms available in ddr3 1066mhz from Kingston. However, there seem to be multiple options so IT-idiot me is kind of confused (no change there then :D )

http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/configurator_new/memtype.asp?root=us&LinkBack=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kingston.com&type=DDR3+1066MHz%2C%2C18%2C22

Examples:
Kingston KAC-MEMH/4G - http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/configurator_new/partsinfo.asp?root=us&LinkBack=http://www.kingston.com&ktcpartno=KAC-MEMH/4G&id=8
Kingston KFJ-FPC413/4G - http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/configurator_new/partsinfo.asp?root=us&LinkBack=http://www.kingston.com&ktcpartno=KFJ-FPC413/4G&id=8
Kingston KTA-MB1066/4G - http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/configurator_new/partsinfo.asp?root=us&LinkBack=http://www.kingston.com&ktcpartno=KTA-MB1066/4G&id=8

Yet another question: How, other than obviously contacting dell's CS, would I tell the maximum memory allowable on the stock motherboard? Is there an option from (vista64) control panel or system?

[Smoooth]

I found a little info on that motherboard that should help.

Your Dell XPSmaximum RAMcapacity: 12GB The XPS 730x has 3 memory slots or sockets This XPS module upgrade PIN count is: 240-PIN The memory speed is: DDR3 1066MHz, PC3-8500 The PC DIMM type for your XPS 730x is: UDIMM, Unbuffered DIMM, Unregistered DIMM

[wowphreak]

holy shit there $730 a piece ouch.

Check this out its a search by model lil more reasonably priced

http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/configurator_new/modelsinfo.asp?SysID=&mfr=&model=&search_type=&root=us&LinkBack=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kingston.com&Sys=52341-Dell-XPS+730X&distributor=0&submit1=Search ('http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/configurator_new/modelsinfo.asp?SysID=&mfr=&model=&search_type=&root=us&LinkBack=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kingston.com&Sys=52341-Dell-XPS+730X&distributor=0&submit1=Search')

How much memory yer mobo it can hold, only way to find out is look at the manual or go to Dells site and find out there.

[Smoooth]

I bought 16gb ram for $400 but it is ddr2 and a slower speed 667mhz. You will have a hard time finding 12gb ram for a decent price.

I've 5 boxed on 4gb ram and got by everywhere except dalaran. You may be able to do it on 6gb.

Here is a link to 2gb ram chips for you computer for only $37.
http://www.bzboyz.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProdID=10733

[MarkHR]

Smooth - thanks very much, especialy for the detailed information.

Everyone else, thanks for the replies. The cost is prohibitive and a single SSD with an increased page file size would seem to be cheaper (not sure if it's better though).

I used the tweakwow addon to increase the texture cache size to 512mb (single boxing this improves dalaran performance a lot) so 5x512mb plus the normal memory load plus >50mb of addons so far means I'm often >5gb memory used.

Would it be safe to assume that the price difference between the 2gb and 4gtb ddr3 modules is purely down to volumes manufactured and sold?