dumb question

[larry20082]

Was wondering why new prebuilts are coming with 3G of memory in 2 sticks ,doesn't that negate dual channel setup or doesn't it matter ?

 

[TheStu]

It does negate dual channel, yes. But Dual channel generally only nets you about 3-5% performance boost, so it is more in the realm of the "It's free, why not" category of things you can do for your computer.

The reason, I imagine, that they are putting 3GB in the systems is because it is more than 2GB, but less than the 4GB system RAM limit imposed by 32bit Windows (and most all 32bit OSes). They don't put 64bit Vista onto the systems, so instead they put 3GB of RAM.

 

[bamacre]

Usually when I see 3GB in a pre-built, its 4 dimm's.

 

[mpilchfamily]

As long as the 3Gb is either split between 2 or 4 DIMMS and its split evenly amoung those DIMMS it will still run Dual Chennel. If its 3 DIMMS or is miss matched like 2gb on one and 1gb on the other then there will be NO dual Channel.

 

[BlueAcolyte]

WRONG! A 3GB setup w/ 2gb in one slot and 1gb in the other may be able to run "flex" mode, where the first 1GB of the 2GB stick is in dual-channel with the 1GB stick.

 

[larry20082]

ok thanks was just wondering about it seemed odd to me but then most prebulits are odd lol the one i looked into said 4 memory slots 2 open so i would guess 2g and 1g sticks .I guess people that buy prebuilts would only see its more then 2gb.

 

[mpilchfamily]

Originally posted by: BlueAcolyte
WRONG! A 3GB setup w/ 2gb in one slot and 1gb in the other may be able to run "flex" mode, where the first 1GB of the 2GB stick is in dual-channel with the 1GB stick.

Wow, thanks for such a polite correction. :roll:

 

[BlueAcolyte]

Sorry mpilch.