Help needed with understanding memory.

f123 · 30-12-2009, 01:06 PM

Hi,

Recently I purchased a new system, here is the link --> f123 looking for a new rig. please help him.

I have a few questions about the memory I purchased,

1. Since 4GB kit wasn't available I got two 2GB sticks from a 6GB triple channel kit. I expect the two memory sticks to work in dual channel mode, will it work as expected ?

2. The stated frequency and latencies are 1600 and 9-9-9-27 but during boot up it shows the frequency as 1333 by default.
If I manually change the frequency to 1600 in the bios the latencies change to 11-11-11-33. Why does this happen ?

3. In windows properties it shows the memory installed as just 2.75 GB when the actual memory is 4 GB.

4. The motherboard (Gigabyte GA-MA785GMT-UD2H) has integrated ATI Radeon HD 4200 graphics, why doesn't this show up in CPU-Z.

I have uploaded the screen-shots for better understanding.

I might be ignorant about a few things.
Kindly give your suggestions.
Thanks in Advance, Awaiting your Reply.

**asingh** · 30-12-2009, 01:15 PM

1. It should work in dual channel mode. Put each DIMM in an alternate slot. If your slots are say 1,2,3,4. Then fill 1 and 3 with the DIMMs. Leave 2 and 4 blank.

2. This will happen. Cause the RAM will not run 1600 out of the box. It has to be set to do this. Run CPU-Z and on the SPD tab, pick up the EPP settings. Change that in the BIOS. Not sure what the voltage will be. CPU-Z might tell you -- else you can easily google it.

3. You are probably using a 32BIT OS. This will happen. Move to 64BIT to see the full 4 GB RAM.

4. Goto start>>>run>>type 'dxdiag'. See the display tab. Your IGP should be shown. At times CPU-Z might not pick up IGP. Or did you mean GPU-Z..?

Could you embed the images here. It is going to download mode.

f123 · 30-12-2009, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asigh

1. It should work in dual channel mode. Put each DIMM in an alternate slot. If your slots are say 1,2,3,4. Then fill 1 and 3 with the DIMMs. Leave 2 and 4 blank.

Yeah, Even I had though the same but the motherboard manual says otherwise. (See the screen shot)

Quote:

Originally Posted by asigh

2. This will happen. Cause the RAM will not run 1600 out of the box. It has to be set to do this. Run CPU-Z and on the SPD tab, pick up the EPP settings. Change that in the BIOS. Not sure what the voltage will be. CPU-Z might tell you -- else you can easily google it.

Hmm.. If that's the case I could have gone with 1333 frequency RAM and just OC it a bit. (It could have saved me some bucks)

Should I do it ?

Yup, will google it out..

Quote:

Originally Posted by asigh

3. You are probably using a 32BIT OS. This will happen. Move to 64BIT to see the full 4 GB RAM.

Yes, I am using 32-bit OS. I thought it had issues if the RAM is more than 4GB's.
Will try out 64-bit OS soon.

Quote:

Originally Posted by asigh

At times CPU-Z might not pick up IGP. Or did you mean GPU-Z..?

Could you embed the images here. It is going to download mode.

OK, will try out GPU-Z as well.

**asingh** · 30-12-2009, 04:27 PM

^^
Images are not coming. I told you before embed them here using the "insert image" option. Cannot download the file.

Well that RAM is meant to run at 1066. So you better do it, else waste of cash.

f123 · 30-12-2009, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asigh

^^
Images are not coming. I told you before embed them here using the "insert image" option. Cannot download the file.

I am unable to do it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by asigh

Well that RAM is meant to run at 1066. So you better do it, else waste of cash.

I read somewhere that DDR2 if OC are as good as DDR3 1333. One would notice performance difference only at 1600 MHz.
That's the reason why I went for 1600 (for a few extra bucks).

So its not worth getting ram higher than DDR3 1066 with smaller timings ??

Hmm.. I will have to think about this one really quickly now ..

bippukt · 30-12-2009, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f123

I am unable to do it.

Have you used Imageshack? or Photobucket?

**asingh** · 30-12-2009, 05:46 PM

@f123:

1. Upload your image to imageshack.
2. Right click on image in imageshack. Choose "share it"
3. Copy the Direct link.
4. Paste it using the below icon.

f123 · 30-12-2009, 05:57 PM

Yup that insert image icon isn't working. @asigh

There you go... Done.
thanks asigh & bippukt.

**asingh** · 31-12-2009, 11:20 AM

The manual, shows what I said. Channel 0 is DDR3_1 (first slot) and DDR3_3 (3rd slot). The grid out seems wrong.

Try what I mentioned (alternate slots), during POST you should see DDR3 - Dual channel.

f123 · 31-12-2009, 11:22 AM

Tested it out with a 64-bit OS. It shows 4GB total (3.5 GB usable)..
500 MB is considerable memory to loose out on.

Same with the Hard Disk. I wish they could specify on the box label, how much is usable.

Going by this review,
http://www.pureoverclock.com/article864.html

I thought Kingston DDR3 1600 RAM would be great instead of regular 1333 MHz.
But if the performance gain isn't much, should I go back to 1333 MHz ?

Eagerly awaiting comments.. I have very less time to take a decision.

---------- Post added at 11:22 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:20 AM ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by asigh

The manual, shows what I said. Channel 0 is DDR3_1 (first slot) and DDR3_3 (3rd slot). The grid out seems wrong.

Try what I mentioned (alternate slots), during POST you should see DDR3 - Dual channel.

Yes, Channel 0 is DDR3_1 (first slot) and DDR3_3 (third slot).
and Channel 1 is DDR3_2 (second slot) and DDR3_4 (fourth slot).

So, if I put it in the first two slots or the last two slots, wouldn't that mean I would be using two different channels (dual-channel).

**asingh** · 31-12-2009, 11:37 AM

^^...Yups true. So put in 1st slot and 3rd slot. If you can get the RAM to run at 1600 why return it. You have quick ram..? Whats the issue..?

f123 · 31-12-2009, 12:07 PM

The stated frequency and latencies are 1600 and 9-9-9-27 but during boot up it shows the frequency as 1333 by default.
If I manually change the frequency to 1600 in the bios the latencies change to 11-11-11-33. Why does this happen ?

---------- Post added at 12:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:02 PM ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by asigh

^^...Yups true. So put in 1st slot and 3rd slot.

In that case it would be on channel 0. Channel 1 won't be used at all.
How will it work in dual-channel mode ??

(Now I am getting confused.. lol)

Quote:

Originally Posted by asigh

You have quick ram..? Whats the issue..?

Hmm.. even I think its a good buy, just have to figure it out a bit better..

harryneopotter · 31-12-2009, 12:08 PM

Single Channel - when both the RAM sticks are in the SAME Channel (i.e. Slot 1 and 3 here)
Dual Channel - when the RAM sticks are in Different channels so as to utilize the bandwidth of BOTH the channels at once (Double bandwidth).

So Use either the First two Slots or the Last two slots for Dual Channel.

f123 · 31-12-2009, 12:43 PM

yeah correct harryneopotter thats what I am saying

**asingh** · 31-12-2009, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f123

The stated frequency and latencies are 1600 and 9-9-9-27 but during boot up it shows the frequency as 1333 by default.
If I manually change the frequency to 1600 in the bios the latencies change to 11-11-11-33. Why does this happen ?

You will need to find the correct latencies for 1600 speed. Set those manually. The board is letting you directly change the RAM frequency to 1600.

Quote:

Originally Posted by f123

In that case it would be on channel 0. Channel 1 won't be used at all.
How will it work in dual-channel mode ??

(Now I am getting confused.. lol)

My fault...darn...! Was saying with reference to Intel. See my reply below.

Quote:

Originally Posted by harryneopotter

Single Channel - when both the RAM sticks are in the SAME Channel (i.e. Slot 1 and 3 here)
Dual Channel - when the RAM sticks are in Different channels so as the utilize the bandwidth of BOTH the channels at once (Double bandwidth).

So Use either the First two Slots or the Last two slots for Dual Channel.

This is the perfect answer. Just plug them in the first two light blue slots. Dual Channel. Sorry for the confusion.

Zangetsu · 31-12-2009, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f123

I thought Kingston DDR3 1600 RAM would be great instead of regular 1333 MHz.
But if the performance gain isn't much, should I go back to 1333 MHz ?

AFAIK no improvement in gaming....so 1333MHZ is cheap & best...
but u have already got this then well & gud...stick 2 it...now or later u will realize the
importance of 1600MHz RAM

I guess DDR3 supports triple channel mode also.....8)