Dual Channel RAM

[Guest]

I currently have 1gb DDR2 800 RAM in a computer, I want to add more,
the advice I need is whether to buy a 2GB stick or 2x 1GB sticks (it
has 4 slots and is running debian x64)

I know the general rule is buy the biggest single stick you can
afford, *but* will have a 1gb stick and a 2gb stick stop the ram from
running in dual channel? What is the better option for performance? I
have heard that if you have a 1 gb stick and a two gb stick then half
of the 2gb stick runs in dual channel is that right?

Flamer.

 

[Paul]

I currently have 1gb DDR2 800 RAM in a computer, I want to add more,
the advice I need is whether to buy a 2GB stick or 2x 1GB sticks (it
has 4 slots and is running debian x64)

I know the general rule is buy the biggest single stick you can
afford, *but* will have a 1gb stick and a 2gb stick stop the ram from
running in dual channel? What is the better option for performance? I
have heard that if you have a 1 gb stick and a two gb stick then half
of the 2gb stick runs in dual channel is that right?

Flamer.

For more precise advice, mentioning the motherboard make and model would help.

Generally speaking, match what you've got. The 1GB capacity is the
sweet spot for price right now, and unless you have plans of
going over 4GB, I'd just stick with the 1GB stuff.

Paul

 

[Brett Kline]

I currently have 1gb DDR2 800 RAM in a computer, I want to add more,
the advice I need is whether to buy a 2GB stick or 2x 1GB sticks (it
has 4 slots and is running debian x64)

I know the general rule is buy the biggest single stick you can
afford, *but* will have a 1gb stick and a 2gb stick stop the ram from
running in dual channel? What is the better option for performance? I
have heard that if you have a 1 gb stick and a two gb stick then half
of the 2gb stick runs in dual channel is that right?

Flamer.

What is the brand name and model number of the motherboard? What does
the owner's manual say?

 

[GT]

I currently have 1gb DDR2 800 RAM in a computer, I want to add more,
the advice I need is whether to buy a 2GB stick or 2x 1GB sticks (it
has 4 slots and is running debian x64)

I know the general rule is buy the biggest single stick you can
afford, *but* will have a 1gb stick and a 2gb stick stop the ram from
running in dual channel? What is the better option for performance? I
have heard that if you have a 1 gb stick and a two gb stick then half
of the 2gb stick runs in dual channel is that right?

I believe RAM works in pairs, so try to match the 1GB in the slot next to
your existing 1GB, but then you could put any size in the other two slots,
so why not a single 2GB DIMM for now and perhaps another (matching) 2GB in a
year or two.

 

[DaveW]

Wrong. You must use two IDENTICAL sticks in order to run in dual channel
mode. That is the only combination that works.

 

[Guest]

Wrong. You must use two IDENTICAL sticks in order to run in dual channel
mode. That is the only combination that works.

its a Gigabyte GAM57SLI-S4 ATX AM2

I think Ill put another gig in it now and another 2 later on if
needed.

Thanks for the help

Flamer