DDR 3500 dual chips needed to run properly?

[Jesse Miller]

Just about to get a new system, with an intel 865 board which supports
ddr400, i've pretty much picked out my memory (ddr 433), and was first
wondering if I actually need to buy a pair for them to run most
efficiently, or to run at all?

also if it's wise to use ddr433 on a ddr400 board, even if it's just
running at 400? the price between it and 400 is the same. was thinking
of getting just one 512 now, another 512 later, rather than getting an
affordeable pair of 256's now, if I can do this.

let me know what ya'll think,

Jesse

 

[MikeW]

The 865 Chip set uses dual channel DDR, so, yes, you need two seperate
modules. I don't know if it has a fall back single channel mode, but
even if it does, your better off using 2 modules in dual ddr mode.

If you want to overclock go with PC3500 or PPC3700. However, if
you're not going to overclock, you may be better off with PC3200 with
better timings.

 

[Jesse Miller]

thanks for the tip. so I assume I need to buy my memory in a set pair,
rather than two single retail packages of it that aren't identical
twins. or as long as they are the same kind would that work?

-Jesse

 

[DaveW]

If you want to run the memory in dual channel mode you have to buy a matched
pair of DDR memory.