How to check Dual Channel DDR on ASUS A8V motherboard

[campisia]

What do I look for to see if Dual Channel DDR Memory works on an ASUS A8V motherboard, or what tool can I use to test if Dual Channel actually works. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

[mechBgon]

If the memory modules are in DIMM slots DIMM_A1 and DIMM_B1 as shown on page 2-12 of your motherboard's manual, then both memory controllers are online and you can consider dual-channel to be operational. If only one memory module is being recognized, then dual-channel is not operational. There is no option for the CPU to use those two memory slots in single-channel mode, because each slot is wired to a different memory controller.

Since you're new here, I'll give you a tip: don't post the same question multiple times in a short timeframe. Give your first thread a day or so.

 

[campisia]

OK, but nobody is telling me bandwidth measurements or tools I can use to make sure dual channel is working. Everyone keeps telling me its enable if I do this or that, but nodoby is giving me specific details or options to use software tools to help out with the problem.

 

[Oyeve]

On boot up your BIOS post will tell you if your memory is running in dual channel and mode. My Asus board does that. I fyour ASUS board post with the stupid ASUS pic you can go into the bios to change that so you can see whats happening with your boot up posts.

 

[boomerang]

.

 

[Navid]

Originally posted by: campisia
OK, but nobody is telling me bandwidth measurements or tools I can use to make sure dual channel is working. Everyone keeps telling me its enable if I do this or that, but nodoby is giving me specific details or options to use software tools to help out with the problem.

You can download CPU-Z from this link.
http://www.cpuid.com/
Run CPU-Z and select the "Memory" tab.
You should see "Dual" for "Channel #" if you are runnig dual channel.

 

[Chopstick217]

Originally posted by: Navid

Originally posted by: campisia
OK, but nobody is telling me bandwidth measurements or tools I can use to make sure dual channel is working. Everyone keeps telling me its enable if I do this or that, but nodoby is giving me specific details or options to use software tools to help out with the problem.

You can download CPU-Z from this link.
http://www.cpuid.com/
Run CPU-C and select the "Memory" tab.
You should see "Dual" for "Channel #" if you are runnig dual channel.

:thumbsup:

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: campisia
OK, but nobody is telling me bandwidth measurements or tools I can use to make sure dual channel is working. Everyone keeps telling me its enable if I do this or that, but nodoby is giving me specific details or options to use software tools to help out with the problem.

Let's try this again:

1) you have two 1GB memory modules

2) you put them in the correct slots

3) this gives each of the CPU's two memory controllers one memory module

4) if both memory modules are being recognized, then both memory controllers are therefore online and you have dual-channel. There is no need to benchmark, just check whether a) the modules are in the correct slots, and b) all 2GB of RAM is recognized.

 

[Navid]

Originally posted by: mechBgon

Originally posted by: campisia
OK, but nobody is telling me bandwidth measurements or tools I can use to make sure dual channel is working. Everyone keeps telling me its enable if I do this or that, but nodoby is giving me specific details or options to use software tools to help out with the problem.

Let's try this again:

1) you have two 1GB memory modules

2) you put them in the correct slots

3) this gives each of the CPU's two memory controllers one memory module

4) if both memory modules are being recognized, then both memory controllers are therefore online and you have dual-channel. There is no need to benchmark, just check whether a) the modules are in the correct slots, and b) all 2GB of RAM is recognized.

What if I have a single-sided 1GB memory module in one slot and a double-sided 1GB memory module in the other. Are you saying that dual-channel will be enabled even then?

 

[mechBgon]

Do you have such a configuration, or is that a rhetorical question?

 

[Navid]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
Do you have such a configuration, or is that a rhetorical question?

I do not have that setup. It is quite clear from my post that I never said I did.
But, what difference does it make if I have such a setup or not?
Your answer made some generalizations. I was curious as to how valid those were. That is why I asked in order to learn?
Sorry if that bothered you.

 

[mechBgon]

No offense meant My advice to campisia is based on the knowledge that his modules do match exactly. I was wondering where you had gotten single-sided 1GB memory modules, if you want to know

If you attempt to use logically-non-matching modules or three modules, this chipset is not going to work, to the best of my knowledge. Three modules is a definite no-go and Asus warns to use matching modules in the manual.

 

[Navid]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
No offense meant My advice to campisia is based on the knowledge that his modules do match exactly. I was wondering where you had gotten single-sided 1GB memory modules, if you want to know

If you attempt to use logically-non-matching modules or three modules, this chipset is not going to work, to the best of my knowledge. Three modules is a definite no-go and Asus warns to use matching modules in the manual.

OK, that's cool.
What is your opinion on utilities like ctiaw or CPU-Z?
Do you trust them?

 

[campisia]

Ok I looked at your message. Once again I ask. HOW DO I TEST TO SEE IF DUAL CHANNEL IS WORKING?
The CORSAIR Twinx20483200Pro 2Gig memory is properly inserted into the correct slots. That is Slot 1 and Slot3. OK, are you with me?
Second, All of 2Gig is recognize
Finally, HOW do I check to see if DUAL CHANNEL IS WORKING, because my post does not say DUAL CHANNEL?

 

[Navid]

Originally posted by: campisia
Ok I looked at your message. Once again I ask. HOW DO I TEST TO SEE IF DUAL CHANNEL IS WORKING?
The CORSAIR Twinx20483200Pro 2Gig memory is properly inserted into the correct slots. That is Slot 1 and Slot3. OK, are you with me?
Second, All of 2Gig is recognize
Finally, HOW do I check to see if DUAL CHANNEL IS WORKING, because my post does not say DUAL CHANNEL?

Did you download CPU-Z?

 

[Chopstick217]

Just download CPUz. I think this has been covered many times.

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: campisia
Ok I looked at your message. Once again I ask. HOW DO I TEST TO SEE IF DUAL CHANNEL IS WORKING?
The CORSAIR Twinx20483200Pro 2Gig memory is properly inserted into the correct slots. That is Slot 1 and Slot3. OK, are you with me?
Second, All of 2Gig is recognize
Finally, HOW do I check to see if DUAL CHANNEL IS WORKING, because my post does not say DUAL CHANNEL?

If all of the memory is showing up, then both memory controllers have engaged. This constitutes dual-channel operation. There is nothing further to check. With the RAM in those slots, single-channel operation is not possible, PERIOD, unless one module fails to be recognized, and you've already confirmed that they are both being recognized.

Now go play some Doom3