DDR2 dual channel memory

[blake99]

I couldn't find a memory forum so my apologies if this is off topic

Can someone advise if I should get dual channel of single channel DDR2/800Mhz memory? Is there much performance difference?

With Windows Vista I would think it wise to get 4GB memory (as opposed to 2GB). However, all of the dual channel packages only come in 2GB "kit of 2". Can you use 2 of these modules to obtain 4 gb memory (I assume you would need 2 x (2 x 1GB dual channel) = 4GB). The MOBO i plan to purchase is Asus P5N32-E SLI (Intel 775, E6600).


Thanks!

 

[mechBgon]

You should use dual-channel for full CPU/memory performance.

If you are going to install 64-bit Vista, then it will see all 4GB whether you do 4 x 1GB or 2 x 2GB. Both setups give you dual-channel, too.

If you install 32-bit Windows, it will not see all 4GB. It will see something like 3.25GB. It'll still be dual-channel.

 

[PurdueRy]

There is no difference between a stick of ram marketed as "Dual channel" and standard stuff. Most all ram will work in dual channel provided they are similar in size and specs. Its the motherboard which has to know to use them in dual channel.

So don't think that a stick of ram needs to say "Dual channel" to be able to be used as such.

 

[blake99]

Is there much performance difference going from 2GB to 4GB of dual channel RAM in Windows Vista ?

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: blake99
Is there much performance difference going from 2GB to 4GB of dual channel RAM in Windows Vista ?

yes for vista there is a difference, but only for x64 which can use all 4GB. The normal 32-bit edition or x86 can't

 

[blake99]

Do any memory manufactuer's make DDR2/800 2GB kit-of-2 Dual Channel Memory (4GB total)?

I would prefer to use only 2 memory slots for 4GB dual channel, so the other two slots can be used in case I upgrade to 8GB in the future (with Vista 64).

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: blake99

Do any memory manufactuer's make DDR2/800 2GB kit-of-2 Dual Channel Memory (4GB total)?

I would prefer to use only 2 memory slots for 4GB dual channel, so the other two slots can be used in case I upgrade to 8GB in the future (with Vista 64).

they do http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLi...gory=147&description=&Ntk=&srchInDesc=

that's a listing of the different ones

 

[jkresh]

I just picked up a set of patriot ddr2 800 5-5-5-12 for $225 from outpost (check my post in hotdeals), probably doesn't overclock that well (haven't tested it as I run my memory at 1:1 and my e6600 is not that good an overclocker so I end up underclocking the memory but...) I will say that going from 2 to 6 is a definite improvement for me in vista 64 (dont know if I would notice from 4 to 6 but I decided if I was going to fill up the remaining slots I didn't want to run into issues for a while).