Enabling/configuring dual channel DDR RAM...

[sxftdeep]

I know this is Off Topic, but there seems to be a lot more traffic going through here than in General Hardware, so I thought I'd at least attempt to ask.

So I just purchased two sticks of Samsung PC3200 512MB DDR RAM and installed them into my Abit AN7 board. My question is this: If I put the sticks in the two slots that are the same colour, is there somewhere in the BIOS that I have to enable or configure the RAM to be dual channel, or does it automatically become dual channel? Sorry for the n00b question, this is my first time using or, attempting to use, dual channel memory.

Thanks in advance for any advice/help.

Like I said, I'm sure this doesn't belong here, but if the moderators wouldn't mind waiting until I have a definite answer until moving or removing this thread, I'd greatly appreciate it.

BTW, I made sure I got two sticks from the same batch with the same serial numbers, etc. People informed me that it might be important when it comes to performance and compatibility.

 

[Zelmo3]

In my Abit NF7, I just had to put the RAM in the designated slots (the manual should tell you which slots to populate to use dual-channel) and it was automatically recognized and enabled.
My new FIC AU13 works the same way.

 

[sxftdeep]

The manual doesn't state which slots to use or how to enable/configure it. It says that I should install the DIMMs from slots 3, then 2, then 1. But slots 2 and 3 are a different colour than 1, so I figured that these slots are where the memory should go if I want to use dual channel. Is this correct?

 

[Zelmo3]

Slots 1 and 2 are a different colour than 1?
Install in the order that the manual specifies. When the POST screen comes up, hit your "Pause" key and look at the memory line. It should say something like "Dual-Channel DDR Enabled."

 

[sxftdeep]

Sorry, I meant slots 2 and 3 are a different colour than slot 1 (as you can see, I edited my previous post). I'm at work right now, but I'll take a look at that when I get home this evening and let you guys know how it worked out. Thanks again for all your help.

 

[GunDog]

Use slots 1 and 3 for Dual Channel operation.

 

[sxftdeep]

Thanks GunDog. That's exactly how I set it up and it works perfectly. Slots one and two work also. Slots two and three revert it to single channel mode. I paused the boot process at the post screen and indeed it shows me that my memory is operating in dual channel mode. Thanks guys/gals for all your help.