SurClaro Flight Simulator Resources

121a · Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2005 11:16 pm Post subject: Dual channel

My question is, could you use any of the same memory sticks. Like i have one of these http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=6714317&type=product&productCategoryId=cat01169&id=1083714105790

so can i just buy another one of these. and i know somewhat about daul channel but what does it really do?

Exxman · Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2005 12:15 am Post subject:

Dual-Channel involves the use of two memory pipelines to the memory controller as opposed to Single-Channel RAM configurations in which only one is used This does not mean that there are two pipelines for each RAM slot on the board.

Dual-Channel mode on recent motherboards requires that there be two Dual-Channel compatible RAM modules installed in two paired sockets. In Single-Channel mode, only one module needs to be installed. Motherboards where the FSB is or might not be sufficient for single-channel RAM configurations, Dual-Channel is often included to increase the efficiency of the system. When upgrading Dual-Channel ram modules, always purchase identical sticks. Hope that helps...

Exx

121a · Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2005 2:35 am Post subject:

well is the memory i have now does it suport dual-channel?

rd · Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2005 3:06 am Post subject:

This is a real good question/thread.

How do you know if your system can support two 512mb memory sticks??? Exx did a great job explaining the dual channel process, makes sense. I know I could use more memory. But never thought about the channel/pipeline stuff.

So. How do I know if I am going the right way on this??? I know I have to buy the same stick, but don't know the other *geek* stuff involved.

Ardie/rd

groundsquirrel · Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2005 3:26 am Post subject: check

Check your motherboard specs for front side bus speed, memory slot speed and memory type. When you really dig into your motherboards build sheet, you find a lot of interesting stuff. sometimes I like to use a magnifying glass and explore my mobo. Every once in awhile, you will find some little signature of an engineer or assembler.

121a · Posted: Tue Sep 20, 2005 12:07 am Post subject:

thanx all

wheelright · Joined: 15 May 2004 Posts: 169 Location: KDNL/KAGS

I'm pretty sure that for dual channel use, the sticks should be marked as certified for that purpose. At first I was under the impression that two of the same of any mem speced for your mobo would do but, after a little research I found that although others might work, for best results, you should get matched pairs specifically marked for dual channel use.

skipperdan · Joined: 10 Aug 2003 Posts: 1217 Location: Florida

There are people out there who know a great deal more than I do about Memory. However, I have been under the impression that the best memory comes from Kingston and Crucial.

I have the ASUS A7N8X-Deluxe Motherboard with Duel Channel DDR Memory. Here is a link to the Crucial Website for my ASUS Motherboard. My Motherboard has "three memory slots". I have elected to install 512MB in slot #2 and 256 each in slots #1 and #3.

Note:
All three memory boards are from Crucial.
Slots #1 and #3 share the same duel channel.

You can page back to their home page and follow the three step process to choose various memory for your computer. Just click on the icon in the upper left corner for HOME and fill in the data related to your computer. 8) 8)

http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.asp?Mfr%2BProductline=ASUS%2B+Motherboards&mfr=ASUS&tabid=CR&model=A7N8X+Deluxe&submit=Go

groundsquirrel · Posted: Tue Sep 20, 2005 1:16 am Post subject: yayyyyy,

yayyy, you're both right. My brother (incredible technician), said one rule of thumb was that if there are an odd number of RAM slots, match isnt crucial, by design. Boards with an even number of slots indicate a matched preference and from my experience tend to be a bit speedier.

skipperdan · Joined: 10 Aug 2003 Posts: 1217 Location: Florida

Groundsquirrel:

Nice choice of words there good buddy "MATCH ISN'T CRUCIAL". I like that you chose to use the word crucial instead of critical after I indicated that I am using "Crucial" brand of memory. 8) 8)

Exxman · Posted: Tue Sep 20, 2005 2:46 am Post subject:

Always best to do three things when buying ram:

a. Take the serial #/make/model of the motherboard down and,
c. Take the ram stick with you (make sure you have a anti-static strap or ground yourself prior to removing/installing ram and use an anti-static bag)
c. Listen to all of the advice above

Do all of this and you should be posting back with your success shortly thereafter...!

Welcome to the Surclaro Ask/Answer shop... ;)

Exx

rd · Posted: Tue Sep 20, 2005 5:27 am Post subject:

OK, I think I am alittle confused here, bare with me !!

Quote: I have elected to install 512MB in slot #2 and 256 each in slots #1 and #3.

Quote: Slots #1 and #3 share the same duel channel

My first question: Why would you want two lower (256mb) to run as a dual channel, and a single 512, by itself. Wouldn't things be even faster/easier, if all 3 were 512 ??? :roll:

Second: I have 3 slots on my m/b. 2 are square with each other, the third is next to the 2, but about a 1/2-3/4 " lower. Is this a second port for a dual channel. Or possibly a primary port, if there is one ???

Reason why I am asking, is I don't know squat about this stuff. But was told if I wanted another stick, I had to get the same thing, period. Also, this is the first time I have ever heard of making sure your m/b is dual channel.

HELP ME PLEASE!!! Before I shoot my big toe off. :lol: :lol:

Ardie/rd

Exxman · Posted: Tue Sep 20, 2005 6:05 am Post subject:

Give us the make/model of your mobo Ardie and we'll explain it all. Ram is really funny, what looks like double sided isn't, parity or non can be mixed but they can't be mixed...ddr400 will run but only on certain systems etc.etc. All depends. Yes, always buy good quality ram as Skip suggested, check your system for #'s and ID's as GS called. Tons of options, therefore the variables. Post up your specs, grab a pen and paper and we'll start class...

Exx

rd · Posted: Tue Sep 20, 2005 6:58 am Post subject:

Can I make it any easier than this?? LOL, just looked at it myself, and it is dual channel. Sorry, my brother built it, I just run it. But here it is:

http://www.dfi.com.tw/Product/xx_product_spec_details_r_us.jsp?PRODUCT_ID=3301&CATEGORY_TYPE=MB&SITE=NA

Ardie(stoopid/lacking/non-geek, no offense guys) / rd

Exxman · Posted: Tue Sep 20, 2005 1:57 pm Post subject:

LOL...good stuff.

Exx