How important is Dual Channel Memory for a SB-M Chip?

[RavenSEAL]

Just wondering! The CPU is a i5-2410M.

I bought a nice DELL Vostro, new, from a fellow AT member. However, it only has 1 DDR3 1333 4GB stick.

Should I drop the extra $25 on another stick to force the lappy to dual channel?

 

[Danimal1209]

I would.

 

[RavenSEAL]

You there IDC? I'd love your input on this! :awe:

 

[TakeNoPrisoners]

If it uses an integrated GPU then you will see a performance bump.

 

[RavenSEAL]

If it uses an integrated GPU then you will see a performance bump.

It has an dedicated 6630M and an HD3000 for low power consumption.

 

[TakeNoPrisoners]

It has an dedicated 6630M and an HD3000 for low power consumption.

There wouldn't be a bump since for anything demanding the laptop would switch to the 6630M.

 

[RavenSEAL]

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Do you benchmark? If the answer is no, you will see ZERO real world difference.

 

[Puppies04]

Do you benchmark? If the answer is no, you will see ZERO real world difference.

This/thread

(If it was me I would still buy another stick though 😀)

 

[beginner99]

Do you benchmark? If the answer is no, you will see ZERO real world difference.

But only because id has a dedicated GPU. It is pretty well known fact that even a HD3000 benefits a lot from dual-channel.

 

[Termie]

I looked into this a bit to decide whether to update my bro's laptop from 1x4GB/1x2GB to 2x4GB. I think it came down to about a 5% difference in memory bandwidth by going with dual channel, and less in the real world. Ram is really cheap, though, so when I found a 4GB chip for $8AR, I told him to get it.

Here's a stick for $19FS/no rebate: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220476

Worth it just for the extra memory, even it only gives you a 1-2% speed boost.