Noobish Memory Question

[Snowcap]

Bit of a noobish question and i aplogise now if this has been asked before but here it goes.

I am currently running a ASUS A8V-E Deluxe motherboard with 2 x 512Mb PC3200

The memory modules i have are double sided and are not in a duel channel configeration (I know, don't ask, got a mate to put it together)

I recently wanted to add another 2 x 512Mb to the system but when the memory i ordered arrived it was single sided and when installed the system would not post and gave out a long beep every couple of seconds.

i have read some where that my motherboard can support 4 rows of memory but that double sided memory takes up 2 rows per module. Is this correct?

 

[FlyingPenguin]

I've never heard of "double sided memory taking up two slots". That's nonsense. Some memory has chips on both sides, some don't. That doesn't mean anything except it affects the internal layout of the memory array.

There are literally hundereds of POSTS on this board about people who order the wrong memory for their mobo. Modern mobos are VERY fussy about timing - especially dual channel mobos. I strongly urge people to use the online database at Crucial.com or Corsair.com (other RAM manufacturers may also have one on their websites) to lookup the EXACT memory that's designed to work on your mobo.

ADDITIONALLY, high performance memory (like Corsair XMS memory which I strongly recommend for high performance dual channel mobos) may require SPECIFIC timing settings to work optimally with your mobo. Corsair has a detailed list of mobos they've tested their memory with and recommended timing settings located here: http://www.houseofhelp.com/v2/showthread.php?t=38150

It's also possible the memory you just purchases will work if used by itself or if you tweak the timing, but frankly that's an aggravating game. Better to return it and order the right memory.

Additionally you're MUCH better off ordering two 1Gb Memory sticks and replacing your old memory. Modern mobos - again - are very fussy about timing and I've seen plenty of mobos that wouldn't work properly with 4 memory sticks if the pairs were mis-matched. Modern mobos are MUCH more stable using 2 sticks instead of 4. Sell your old memory once you're certain the new memory is running stable.

NOTE ABOUT DUAL CHANNEL: There is no setting (usually) to enable or disable dual channel. All that's required is to install the memory in the proper sockets for dual channel operation (check your mobo manual). HOWEVER it is STRONGLY recommended that your two memory sticks be the same brand and model. Dual channel requires "matched" memory. Corsair goes one step further and sells XMS Twin-Ram packs with two sticks that they've tested to be perfectly matched for optimal dual channel performance.

A final note: Do you REALLY need 2Gb? 1Gb is more than sufficient for most people - even power users and serious gamers. The only reason I can see for 2Gb right now is if you're a serious Battlefield 2 player (only game that REALLy makes use of 2Gb) or you're a serious Photoshop user, or use some other RAM-hungry app like VMWare Workstation or AutoCAD.

Hope this helps...

 

[Snowcap]

Thanks
Much appricated