Memory

sickpup · Old Timer Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Karma :

I can fit either 1Gig of dual channel or 3Gigs of standard memory to the new motherboard, which would be best?

Silver · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 Oct 2004 Karma :

What are the specs on the two sets of memory (clock speeds, latency etc)? Most applications won't use more than 1Gb either way.

veeeffarr · Super Spammer Joined: 22 Jul 2004 Karma :

1GB Dual Channel I'd imagine, but depends on the spec of the memory.

sickpup · Old Timer Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Karma :

Just the usual crucial and the crucial balistix stuff.

Anyone got a good explanation of dual channel?

Forgot to add I have no need to overclock.

Silver · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 Oct 2004 Karma :

Sorry, I should have asked - I assume your Dual Channel RAM consists of 2 x 512Mb sticks? Apologies if I'm stating the obvious but 1 x 512Mb of Dual Channel RAM won't work.

veeeffarr · Super Spammer Joined: 22 Jul 2004 Karma :

Dual Channel

A development in motherboard and chipset design that allows for increased bandwidth transfer when using two or more memory modules in separate transfer channels. These separate channels allow each module access to the memory controller, increasing throughput bandwidth. It is a good idea to use matched pairs of modules to ensure the best compatibility for dual channel operation.

Skunkcap Freddie · Brolly Dolly Joined: 20 Oct 2005 Karma :

sickpup · Old Timer Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Karma :

Thanks for that.

sickpup · Old Timer Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Karma :

I've been doing a load of reading on this Dual channel stuff and I think I may be suffering from a misconception.

If I get 2 sticks of 1gig crucial memory, just the standard stuff but the same size and the same part No. I should be able to run it in dual channel as long as my motherboard allows it?

You don't need specific matched dual channel memory?

Getting a bit confused here as some references say you need matched pairs but most references say you don't.

I have emailed Crucial so hopefully will get a definative answer.

Skunkcap Freddie · Brolly Dolly Joined: 20 Oct 2005 Karma :

depends mate, i've seen 2 sticks of 1gb crucial, same kind, make and same manufacture batch work. altho its probably more advisable to try and get a matched pair (they'll of been tested together, memory timings eg)

DucatiEVO · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 02 Sep 2005 Karma :

You don't need the modules to be matched, long as they are of the same size (ie 512Mb) and type (ie DDR), if one stick is faster than the other, (Mhz or CAS rating) then the board will slow the faster one down to match (bios memory settings left on AUTO).

Matched pairs are if you want guaranteed performance (or you overclock), as it's know that motherboards get picky when run in Dual-Channel mode.

Smile

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aKa: Ducky

Skunkcap Freddie · Brolly Dolly Joined: 20 Oct 2005 Karma :

thats what he's talking about dude. maybe i didn't explain very clearly

sickpup · Old Timer Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Karma :

No problem with your explanation, more a problem with the computer industry talking never being clear.

Skunkcap Freddie · Brolly Dolly Joined: 20 Oct 2005 Karma :

lol,

were to start,

i actually asked for a punch bag in the warehouse at work.

McJamweasel · BCF Junkie Joined: 22 Mar 2002 Karma :

Dual channel can be very picky with memory - some combinations of motherboard and unmatched memory will not work, others will. Some motherboards will not work even with matched pairs of certain memory. The safest bet is always to go with a matched pair - but it doesn't always have to be bought as a pair. If you buy 2 individual sticks of the same stuff you will probably be OK, but not always.

What is best depends on what you will be using the machine for. If you are doing video/image editing etc. that is very memory hungry then 3gb will probably be best, but if you are gaming then the faster dual channel will be better.
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BCF: Be yourself, just don't be an arse.

sickpup · Old Timer Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Karma :

It's possible to run 3gb in dual channel on this board.

2x1gb DS and 2x512mb SS. It's one of the few nforce boards that has 4 memory slots.

Skunkcap Freddie · Brolly Dolly Joined: 20 Oct 2005 Karma :

probably not worth the hassle mate.

2x 1gb DS would do fine.

my nforce4 board has 4 slots. altho i've only got 512mb in it at the moment. pure waste of a nice board

sickpup · Old Timer Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Karma :

sickpup · Old Timer Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Karma :

Just had an email from Stephanie at Crucial.