4GB vs 6GB DDR2

[StockDC2]

Hello, I'm currently in a situation where my computer is getting murdered with 4GB of memory (Photoshop + Streaming + Listening to music). With that said, I have 2 x 1GB sticks of memory laying around and was wondering if it'd be beneficial for me to give up "dual channel" for more ram.

Thanks in advance.

 

[tynopik]

if your motherboard supports that configuration, yes

 

[nenforcer]

I think you can possibly still maintain dual channel memory if your motherboard has 4 DDR2 DIMM slots.

Just put the 2 x 2GB ones in Channel A and both of the 2 x 1GB in Channel B. Check your motherboard manual.

 

[TurtleCrusher]

I literally just did this a couple days ago. Added some cheap 2x1gb cas 6 ram to my patriot ddr2 4gb kit. Slowed my timings, added needed ram. I think it was worth it. I've seen a few times I've gone over 4gb while gaming and encoding. They overclock a little just fine.

Btw, I kept dual channel on my ep45-ds3l board by using this config.


|2gb| |1gb| |2gb| |1gb|

I didn't try the others, but this worked well.

 

[StockDC2]

Thanks so much for the great responses.

I just went over the manual for my EP45-UD3P and it states that dual channel can be retained even though memory capacities are different. I didn't know that!

I'm off to install 2 more GBs! Thanks again!

EDIT: Wow, SUCH A HUGE IMPROVEMENT! Even with all of my applications open, I have 2.18GB of memory left and my computer doesn't experience any slowdowns. This is by far the best bang for buck (especially since the memory was free 😛) thing I've ever done on my computer.

 

[BrightCandle]

dual channel will partly be maintained. 1GB of the stick that isn't mirrored on the other side would be missing its partner for performance but if your low on RAM then adding more is always the answer. The impact of dual RAM and tight timings etc is minor compared to accessing the hard drive.

 

[Topweasel]

dual channel will partly be maintained. 1GB of the stick that isn't mirrored on the other side would be missing its partner for performance but if your low on RAM then adding more is always the answer. The impact of dual RAM and tight timings etc is minor compared to accessing the hard drive.

Don't know what you are saying. He installed 2 1GB sticks. It should be mirror and there for 6GB of dual channel DDR2 memory.

I think you can possibly still maintain dual channel memory if your motherboard has 4 DDR2 DIMM slots.

Just put the 2 x 2GB ones in Channel A and both of the 2 x 1GB in Channel B. Check your motherboard manual.

Bad way to do it. He would want to 2GB Channel A DIMM 1, 1GB Channel A DIMM 2, and then same with Channel B. You want matching pairs for each respective DIMM slot for each channel.

 

[TurtleCrusher]

dual channel will partly be maintained. 1GB of the stick that isn't mirrored on the other side would be missing its partner for performance but if your low on RAM then adding more is always the answer. The impact of dual RAM and tight timings etc is minor compared to accessing the hard drive.

I actually don't get this at all.

Slots 1 & 3, 2 & 4 are usually mirrored slots. If they have the same capacities for corresponding slots, wouldn't it make no difference?

I just don't see how dual channel could be partly maintained. It works or it doesn't, am I right?

 

[Topweasel]

I actually don't get this at all.

Slots 1 & 3, 2 & 4 are usually mirrored slots. If they have the same capacities for corresponding slots, wouldn't it make no difference?

I just don't see how dual channel could be partly maintained. It works or it doesn't, am I right?

Correct. In fact it reads like he lightly skimmed over one post when responding.

The slot orientation can change up based upon board manufacturers. But what you are saying is sound.

 

[StockDC2]

I actually don't get this at all.

Slots 1 & 3, 2 & 4 are usually mirrored slots. If they have the same capacities for corresponding slots, wouldn't it make no difference?

I just don't see how dual channel could be partly maintained. It works or it doesn't, am I right?

That is definitely correct 🙂.

Anywho, the computer runs fine but after more testing, it seems like I need more memory :whiste:. Sounds like a great excuse to jump ship and onto the SB bandwagon :biggrin:.

 

[tynopik]

I just don't see how dual channel could be partly maintained. It works or it doesn't, am I right?

it can work in dual channel mode for the first 4gb and then single channel mode for the last 2gb

what speed you get depends on where in memory something is

 

[TurtleCrusher]

it can work in dual channel mode for the first 4gb and then single channel mode for the last 2gb

what speed you get depends on where in memory something is

Umm, not correct at all. Just making sure both channels have the same capacity makes it run in complete dual channel. None of this incomplete non-sense.

 

[tynopik]

Umm, not correct at all.

http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/sb/cs-011965.htm

Flex mode

- The 512 MB DIMM in the Channel A, DIMM 0 socket and the lower 512 MB of the DIMM in the Channel B, DIMM 0 socket operate together in dual channel mode.
- The remaining (upper) 512 MB of the DIMM in Channel B operates in single channel mode.

you're welcome

 

[TurtleCrusher]

That states that if there is a remaining (odd number) that the last part would be single channel. That is certainly not the case in OP's and my system. He has a matched pair.

 

[tynopik]

That states that if there is a remaining (odd number) that the last part would be single channel. That is certainly not the case in OP's and my system. He has a matched pair.

right, but I wasn't addressing the OP

I was addressing this quote from you:

I just don't see how dual channel could be partly maintained. It works or it doesn't, am I right?

Flex mode is how it can be partly maintained

not relevant to the OPs situation, but answers your question nonetheless

 

[TurtleCrusher]

Well, you are correct. I didn't know of a "flex" mode. However typically impractical, i can see its uses in a ram heavy situation.

In the link I find it odd that you can run dual channel with 3 dimms, only if the capacities match. That's new to me as well..

 

[tynopik]

In the link I find it odd that you can run dual channel with 3 dimms, only if the capacities match. That's new to me as well..

yes, i never realized you could virtually 'join' 2 smaller dimms to equal 1 larger dimm for dual channel purposes either