there are 2 issues with the i7 (desktop, single processor) systems:
- in fact you can't get 4 GB sticks (non-ECC, unbuffered) so you're limited to 6 x 2 = 12 GB RAM
- our tests turned up that memory bus speed _is_ important (6 modules run at 1066, 3 modules at 1333 MHz)
*also sprach zarathustra*, 22 instruments, buffer 128, 8-core XEON 5550 overclocked to 2.93 GHz, HT (now called VT) enabled.
12 x 2 = 24 GB running at 1066 MHz - CPU 39%, crackles sometimes
6 x 4 = 24 GB running at 1333 MHz - CPU 34% no crackles
same with 12 x 2 GB (1066) buffer 256 - CPU 18% and of course no crackles