Im going to use an nforce2 igp chipset motherboard, can i install 3 sticks of memory and still support dual channel ddr?

[TheNeck]

I know if you install 2 idenitcal sticks of memory in slots 1&2 or 2&3, this will enable dual channel mode. Can i install 3 sticks of memory and still have dual channel mode? for example, i have 1 512meg 333, and 2 sticks of 256meg 333 memory. with this work? thanks

 

[Vette73]

Nope, use the 2 256mg slabs if they match. Video card will perform better with those 2 then all 3.

 

[Vette73]

Nope, use the 2 256mg slabs if they match. Video card will perform better with those 2 then all 3.

 

[mechBgon]

My nForce2 non-IGP boards have both run dual-channel mode with three DIMMs installed, FWIW. They're not IGP boards, but I'd think you'd still get DC on an IGP board too. Anyone tried any gaming benchies with a Shuttle MN31N and 3 DIMMs versus 2?

Bigger picture: for $40 you can get a 64MB GeForce4 MX440 (AGP 8X, too) that will perform better than the onboard IGP video while also freeing up 64MB of your memory for the system to use. MWave.com has those, look under Video Cards > AOpen if you're interested.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

If you put 2 256mb sticks in slot 1&2 and 1 512mb in slot 3 I think you should be able to utilize your full gig of ram in dual channel. You may have to increase the vDIMM and/or relax timings to get them stable though.

 

[pspada]

Indeed, I have 3 sticks of PC3200 in my nForce2 mobo, and they are all running in dual channel mode.