Dual Channel Memory Questions

[Questi4110]

Well, i have a DELL mobo based off Intel Chipset. Its the one that comes with the Dimension 4600.

Anyway, I had 2-128 sticks that were PC3200 (400Mhz) DDR. They were located in the 1st and 3rd slots (2 slots next to each other then a gap and then 2 more).

However, after getting my 256 PC3200 (at least thats what the guy said it was - got it off of EBAY - and on the cover it says OCZ PC3200), I called DELL up and asked them if i could still have dual channel capabilities and she said yes (she was kind of unsure though). She said to put the 256 in the first slot and then the 2-128 in the second and third slot (so the first three are occupied).

After doing so and booting up i went to bios and it was detecting 512 MB alright but it now said 333mhz which is PC2700. Before i think it was saying 400mhz for the memory.
1. My first question is that why is this saying 333mhz now? Is it because of the new RAM doing something or it not being actually PC3200 (i am pissed and i talked to the guy).

In the bios i also checked and it was now saying single channel memory as compared to dual channel before.
2. My second question is that is there anyway to have a dual channel setup with my 3 sticks of RAM, and if so, how?

Also, i ran 3dmark 2001 and it came up over 1000 less than before.
3. My third question is that is the drop in marks due to the memory speed dropping even though i upgraded from 256 to 512?



THANKS

 

[billyjak]

You must use the same type of ram in a Dual Memory setup.
Your other ram is both 128meg pc 3200 and performed faster because it took advantage of Dual memory.
Get another identical stick of OC 256mz and you will get the benefit of dual channel again.
They recomend buying matched pairs for optimal performance., although it does work in some instances if you have the same identical stick not bought in pairs.
Some people buy 1 stick now and then later on get another identical stick and that works.
I recomend putting the sticks back the way they were and add the 256meg stick to the empty slot and bench.

 

[Questi4110]

Ok, so why is it reporting 333mhz when that has nothing to do with dual channel?


THANKS