What makes RAM not compatible with Dual-Channel?

[Striker181]

So I went to Best Buy today to look at RAM (i have a gift card, so sue me ;-))

I already have a stick of Kingston ValueRam 512mb pc2700, and I found a similar stick in Best Buy (Kingston VR, same size, same speed) for a good price.

But the stick was labeled "Not Compatible with Dual-Channel" so I didnt buy it since that was my whole purpose in getting more.

I was under the impression that dual-channel would work if you had a compatible motherboard, and 2 sticks of the same size ram with the same speed and same manufacturer (ideally bought together but not required).

so...what is special about this ram at BB that means it wont run in dual-channel?

Think I need to check out my current stick also and see if it's compatible also, so what do I look for?

Thanks in advance cause i'm going to sleep 🙂

 

[ts3433]

Odd, because dual channel operation is strictly determined by the memory controller.

 

[Conky]

It may be that Kingston uses different suppliers for their value RAM and rather than say it might work just take the easy way out and say it won't work.

 

[Striker181]

thanks for the responses.

sounds like i wasnt as far off as i thought i was

so is it worth going ahead and getting the ram, and trying it with Dual-Channel?

or should I take Kingston/BB's word on it?

not sure what the return policy is

thanks