How to get Dual Channel to work?

[Rich_T]

H i all,

My new system is all set up and working well, however, im using PC3200 Ballistix ram which ive just put into the mobo and left. I dont need to changed any BIOS settings to set it up correctly do I? if so which ones?

Thanks

Rich

[Keiron]

Read your mobo manual, there are certain RAM positions (as in which slots to use) that are for dual-channel.

[Rich_T]

ahh right, well im using DIMM1 Which the manula says is ok for dual channel.

Thanks

[mattspalace]

You must use two pieces of memory in either slot 1 and 3, or 2 and 4, to enable dual channel.

[Rich_T]

Well i only have one 512 stick, i thought dual channel ment it sent data fast. So i need to dual channel sticks to see any benifits?

Rich

[mattspalace]

Yes, you'll need another 512mb dimm...

[David]

Dual Channel uses two sticks of RAM. Basically it means the memory controller can access both sticks of RAM at the same time, which can result in an increase in performance. It can not be done with just one stick however.

[Rich_T]

I see, so why does a dual kit of 2 x 256 DDR cost more then 1 512 stick?

Thanks

Rich

[mattspalace]

Just because you're paying for an extra pcb, heatsink... not much more, just a little. That's what you'll need for dual channel though.

[David]

I see, so why does a dual kit of 2 x 256 DDR cost more then 1 512 stick?

Thanks

Rich

They will generally have tested the sticks together and they will be guaranteed to work well together in Dual channel operation. Also it costs more to make 2 256MB sticks than 1 512MB one.

[Rich_T]

I see, thanks for that :)

Rich