Matched memory install

[Mudbone]

I purchased some of Corsair's TwinX series matched memory. Is this stuff really "matched" or is it just two DIMMS of the same thing. The reason I ask is I am going to install 4 sticks in a dual channel mobo and was wondering if it mattered how it was installed. The mobo manual indicates that when installing a single pair that each one should go in slot one for each channel. If the two pair really are matched how should I install them, each matched pair in one channel or split across the channels?

 

[gobucks]

if all 4 dimms are the same exact kind, then it doesn't matter too much, usually. However, the idea of the matched pair is that the modules have actaully been tested together in a system and are guaranteed to work in dual channel at the rated speed and timings. If you go unmatched, then there is a small chance that they willl only be able to run at a lower frequency or looser timings to achieve dual channel, or might not even work in dual channel at all. Still, it'll likely work just fine.

One last thing, though. Are you using a P4 system, A64, or what? I'm not sure exactly how the P4 controller works, but with the A64, running 4 DIMMS causes the memory to drop down to DDR333 with 2T timings, which results in quite a hit. With Opteron, because of the registered memory, i think they can run at full speed, though. Oh, yeah, and i also heard the upcoming rev E0 A64s will fix this problem, and should be compatible with existing 939 mobos, so that might be worth waiting for.

 

[Mudbone]

I am going to use a FX-55. Do they have this problem?