nForce2 dual RAM question

[renditionkid]

Is it possible to use different size RAM sticks on a nForce2 board, so long as they are from the same maker and run the same speed? Example, can you use 1 512MB stick of Kingston DDR 333 RAM and 1 256MB stick of Kingston DDR 333 RAM in a nForce2 board, say the Asus A7N8X, for a total of 758MB of RAM and still get the benefits of running dual-channel RAM
that the nvidia chipset offers?

 

[KameLeon]

Actually, I have the same question so i didn't wanna make a new post. I currently have 256mb PC3200 stick, and I want to add another 512mb PC3200 stick. Will I still be able to run it dual-channel by using 1 256mb and 1 512mb stick?

 

[mechBgon]

Interesting question, what works, and what works best. It would be extremely simple to find out, if there were any boards out there with the integrated graphics core. The framerate will be enormously higher if you've got dualDDR running, compared to if you don't, with integrated graphics. Still haven't seen 'em come to market yet.

From the tests I've seen, performance goes up with the second module and goes up some more with the third one, in general application benchmarks. But those modules were the same size, too. So it's an intriguing question: what happens with modules of different sizes?

 

[Warlord187]

Does your processor have a FSB of 333MHz? If not, nForce2 isn't really worth it. Not sure if RAM sticks of different size will work with dual setup though. I thought they had to be the same size, but don't quote me on that.

 

[mechBgon]

My 1600+ has a FSB of 333MHz... now.

 

[Adul]

from my understanding of modules of different sizes

PC2700/cas 2
512 MB DDR and 256 MB DDR running in dual channel

it will work only up the the size of the smallest stick. Anything beyond that is treated has single channel.

So the first 256 MB of the 512 stick will be ran in dual channel, while the last 256 MB will be single channel access

 

[MatthewF01]

what if you did this:

Channel ONE:
-512 MB 3200

Channel TWO:
-256 MB 3200

BUT, Then later on, put the 256MB module into Channel one alongside ANOTHER 256, then put the 512 into Channel 2.

Then youve got equal amounts, but diff. module sizes.


And if you have extra RAM being put into single channel access, but 256MB of it still goes to DualChannel, will the performance still be there until you add another 256MB module as mentioned above?

 

[Toymaker]

Answering your original question. Fourth paragraph from the top.
Anand Nforce2 review