Dual Channel

[sridatta]

I have a PC with following config...

P4 3.0 GHz HT
Intel 915 GVWB motherboard (4 DIMM sockets)
2 x 256 MB DDR RAM (400 Mhz) (same make.. same speed dual channel enabled)
80 GB SATA

I would like to install vista in my computer... So, i thought of upgrading My RAM to 1 GB. I have few queries...

* If i install one 512 MB chip in one of the two empty slots, will dual channel works for my older RAMs??

* Can i install a 512 MB DDR2 memory module (my mobo supports it) into one of the other two slots?? Suppose say i installed 533 MHz speed.. will it work with 400 Mhz speed (speed of my older RAM)

Please suggest me with some ideas on how to upgrade RAM for my PC...

[shashank4u]

inorder to get the most out of dual channel mode..
the RAM sticks shud be of same freq and specs..
however u can run 512 MB with older RAM's but dual channel mode will not work.

if u install 533Mhz with older rams both will work in 400 Mhz mode.!
1GB Ram gives gud performance in Vista and even gr8 with dual channel mode.
hope u find this useful.

[sridatta]

so.. do u think i should install one more pair of 256 MB to enable dual channel? or if i install one more 512 mb slot, will dual channel work for the older rams?

[shashank4u]

Dual channel mode works like this;
Get same specs RAM.
place RAMs in similar coloured slots. to get dual channel mode activated
u ll notice it when u boot yr computer first time in dual channel mode.
i.e
a notification will come when u boot in dual mode for the first time, only for a few seconds.

if u use three 256 mb ram sticks the dual channel mode will not work.
i think u must have got yr answer now.



reps are a gud way to give thanx

[deathvirus_me]

Well , to get dual channel to work , u need to install a new pair of 256 MB RAM in the remaining two slots ...

[s_aerin]

why dont u buy two 256 modules,. dat shud solve ur problem.

[keith_j_snyder2]

Hey guys this Dual Channel creates a problem for me.
My system runs in Dual Channel mode but its just showing 384MB of RAM.I've shared 128 MB to Video.So if i add 384+128=512MB.
Why is it there that it is showing 512 Mb since i have 1 GB RAM?

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[sridatta]

well shashank... i got what u said.. fine...
can i install two more DDR2 256 MB modules in my other two slots (Not DDR) if i install, does the RAM speed remains different for older and newer ones or the newer ones operate at speed of older??

can any one plz quote RAM price for 256 MB

[shashank4u]

keith
try running with either RAM one by one and check .
also try interchanging the RAM sticks.
also check in BIOS if your RAM is working in dual mode or not.
This will let u know where the problem is .
sridatta:
u want to try SDRAM in combination with DDR..
and i dont think they wud ever be compatible..u can experiment always..no prob will occur to the pc.

but u can definitely install two more same 256 mb ddr sticks ,they will work in dual channel mode in pairs giving a slight more performance boost.

price 256 mb RAM: 900-1200 rs simtronics.
kingston:around 1400 rs here in agra.


reps are a gud way to give thanx

[sridatta]

not sdram.. its DDR with DDR2
by da way.. repped u

[shashank4u]

DDR modules have 184 contacts@ 2.5V,
while DDR2 modules have 240 contacts @1.8V.
also the frequency will differ and CAS(coloumn access strobe) timing will
also differ .
so finally they will be incompatible.
check this also this might help u understanding the concepts.
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/26
i think now all yr doubts are clear.

[sridatta]

yeah... finally decided to go for two more DDR 256 MB slots then...
thanx..