Dual channel module matching requirements on IB+HM76?

[sheh]

Any idea what specs need to match for two memory modules to function as dual channel? Specifically, I'm trying to find that out for an Ivy Bridge CPU on an HM76 chipset.

Matching the size won't be a problem, but for a given module capacity, does the bank/rank/whatever configuration needs to match as well? Does timing need to matchl? Is it SPD timing, or the actual timing set by the BIOS?

 

[sheh]

It took ASUS a while to answer about that. I thought the delay was because they elevated it to someone with proper technical knowledge, but no. It was a typical clueless reply. I don't understand what's the point of "technical support" in addition to "customer service" when it's the same people who in both cases have very little hardware knowledge.

 

[zir_blazer]

As far that I know, universally its just the capacity and the amount of Chips (Ranks). There are some platforms that allow some assymetry under some circunstances, but that varies from platform to platform. Check here.

 

[sheh]

Thanks for the link. Interestingly, it states for dual channel that things that don't necessarily have to match are: "timing specifications" and "speed (MHz)". But the article is on Intel Desktop Boards, so I'm not sure how much it applies globally. At least it means it's not unlikely.

As far as I know the numbers of chips doesn't really correlate to the number of ranks. The logical configuration is the trickiest part to figure out, and what I'm always unclear about.

 

[Coup27]

I am not sure what the confusion is here but the standard specification for Ivy Bridge memory is:

DDR3 1600Mhz 1.5v

So just buy a dual channel kit that conforms to the above specification. I believe lower voltage ram, such as 1.35v does work, and 1.65v also works when using XMP. That's it really.

 

[zir_blazer]

Thanks for the link. Interestingly, it states for dual channel that things that don't necessarily have to match are: "timing specifications" and "speed (MHz)". But the article is on Intel Desktop Boards, so I'm not sure how much it applies globally. At least it means it's not unlikely.

There should be a quite broad range of Motherboards that uses Intel reference specifications.

As far as I know the numbers of chips doesn't really correlate to the number of ranks. The logical configuration is the trickiest part to figure out, and what I'm always unclear about.

Single Rank = 8 Chips (Single Sided)
Double Rank = 16 Chips (Double Sided)
Quad Rank = 32 Chips (Double Sided). A monster like this.

Here is the official rank meaning. However, I don't know examples of modules that don't match what I said above.

I am not sure what the confusion is here but the standard specification for Ivy Bridge memory is:

DDR3 1600Mhz 1.5v

So just buy a dual channel kit that conforms to the above specification. I believe lower voltage ram, such as 1.35v does work, and 1.65v also works when using XMP. That's it really.

That's not what he asked. Not even related. He wants to know what sort of Frakenstein setups are possible mixing modules.

 

[Coup27]

That's not what he asked. Not even related. He wants to know what sort of Frakenstein setups are possible mixing modules.

Fair enough, my bad. Seems a bit unnecessary though.

 

[sheh]

A response I got from ASUS regarding the laptop with these CPU and chipset says timing and voltage don't matter, only capacity and speed. On the other hand they "recommend" getting the same brand, which is somewhat contrary. No mention of ranks, but then again, I didn't ask about it specifically.

I guess I'll just get something and see how it goes.