Is DDR400 & "DDR400 dual channel" memory the same thing?

[computer]

Hi all. Is DDR400 and "dual channel DDR400" memory two DIFFERENT things, or the same thing? I was told there is only one type of DDR400 and that's what you use (2 of them) in 865/875 mobo's that support dual channel memory. Yet I'm seeing more expensive memory prices at the same places for what they label Dual Channel DDR400 compared to what they label "DDR400". Is this just some selling ploy to get one to pay more $ for it just because they call it "Dual channel"?

What is DDRII 400?

Thanks.

 

[arcenite]

Hello. Dual Channel is actually not memory, it's a way the memory is used. DDR400 is a type of memory.

If you see a website that labels memory as "Dual Channel" and upping the prices, you're just getting ripped off ^^. Unless by that they're claiming that the memory comes from the same batch, but.. that's not really a big deal.

Bill

 

[computer]

Ok that's what I thought. Some even have it listed at Pricewatch like that; "dual channel memory" for a greater price. Of course, as usual pricewatch's search is down yet again so I can't check the places.

Thanks Bill.

 

[egale]

When you run a computer in dual channel mode, it is much more finicky about the memory that is in there. If the two modules do not match exactly, you may not be able to run dual channel. Memory that is sold as dual channel is sold in matched pairs that come from the same batch and are tested for compatibility. That doesn't mean that if you buy two single sticks you won't be able to run dual channel but if you buy a matched pair you will probably have better luck.

 

[TheCorm]

But surely there is a reasonable guaruntee that if you buy exactly the same type and model number from a main manufacturer like kingston or crucial....it should work?

 

[egale]

I don't know how close the two have to match. If lot numbers are different, they say there could be a problem. You can certainly try just buying two sticks from the same manufacturer but try and find a place that will let you return them just in case.

 

[Lalakai]

as was pointed out, running dual channel, doesn't leave alot of room for error. Not many sites will sell packaged ram that has been tested for compatibility (Mushkin is one of the few places i know of), but if you want to use the dual channel options AND try oc'g, better get good memory and avoid at least one potential headache.

 

[Acanthus]

You can actually mix and match the ram brands and itll still work most of the time... a lot of it is PR. Some of the newer chipsets are finicky about certain brands and speed grades but overall any high quality DDR will work, even when its not paired. You just run it at the slowest chips speed/timing/both.

 

[computer]

I've been reading a lot on this lately and what I've found out is the dual channel "kits" are pre-tested by the memory maker and guaranteed to work in dual channel supported mobo's. The memory is also "optimized" as they put it for DC operation. Of course Crucial blows that out the window since the best they sell is only PC3200 CAS3 SINGLE sticks and it's blowing away even Corsair in dual channel tests. It overclocks MUCH more than Corsair TwinX (as well as others tested in the review like Muskin, KingMax, et al). I was rather shocked to see that test.