Which memory is better? Single Ranked DIMMs or Dual Ranked DIMMs?

Question

I'm purchasing a web server for our company, and need to decide between dual ranked DIMMs memory or single ranked DIMMs memory. Other than freeing up more slots by using the dual ranked memory, are there any other performance ramifications when deciding between the two options? Here are the choices I'm deciding between, what is the best choice?

4GB 533MHz (4x1GB), Dual Ranked DIMMs

or...

4GB 533MHz (8x512MB), Single Ranked DIMMs

The single ranked DIMMs are actually a couple hundred dollars more expensive, and will use up all available memory slots. I'm leaning toward the dual ranked memory.

Answer 1

In either situation you will have the same number of ranks, 8, so I would say that performance will be pretty much the same either way. If there is any advantage either way, it will most likely be negligible, so I would go with the less expensive solution that leaves you room for expansion.