Dual channel vs. Single Channel

[Guest]

I just got a 512MB module, which will throw off my already configured 2x256
dual channel mode when I put it in there.

This will put me at 1 gig of ram. Was wondering if I will see a difference
in performance now that it will go from dual channel to single channel.
Eventually, I will fill that last slot of bring the dual channel mode, but
for right now, it's going to be single channel for now.

 

[Cari \(MS-MVP\)]

Could you return the 512mb and swap it for 2 x 256mb Dual Channel sticks?

 

[Guest]

Cari,

I probably could. I got it at Newegg.com. However, I would like to fill that
last slot with another 512 instead of a 256, bringing me in the end to 1.5
gig. I would hate to fill it across the way with 4x256.

I would much prefer maxing it out at 1.5 as opposed to 1 gig. Would the
performance drop even though I would be at 1 gig single channel? If so, I
could probably hold off installing the 512 until I get the last 512 and put
them in at the same time.

 

[BR549]

Why not just install it and try, doesn't cost anything.

Cari,

I probably could. I got it at Newegg.com. However, I would like to fill that
last slot with another 512 instead of a 256, bringing me in the end to 1.5
gig. I would hate to fill it across the way with 4x256.

I would much prefer maxing it out at 1.5 as opposed to 1 gig. Would the
performance drop even though I would be at 1 gig single channel? If so, I
could probably hold off installing the 512 until I get the last 512 and put
them in at the same time.

 

[Ryan]

Well I installed the memory and when I booted up, of course, it brought me
to a special part of the BIOS and said it was now configured to single
channel mode.

The odd thing now, which is probably minor, is when it boots up, my system
makes a single BIOS beep right before XP is displayed.

Any idea on this?

 

[JohnJ]

Hi Ryan,

Which processor are you using AMD64? Intel?

Dual-channel gives substantial performance difference with Intel, but not
with AMD64 (or even AMD Athlon XPs) - only around 3% or so.

The extra RAM will do loads of good.

Thanks,

John

 

[xfile]

Hi,

Which section of BIOS settings will I know if my DRAM is configured as
single or dual channel.

Thanks in advance.

 

[JohnJ]

Hi,

Motherboards supporting dual-channel DDR memory modules will require you to
populate (i.e., install) each RAM stick in a particular manner, for example
1 or 2, 2 or 3, etc. This will be outlined in your manual/pdf file on your
driver CD. It has nothing to do with the BIOS settings. Once you install
the RAM modules in the correct slots the BIOS will automatically detect
"dual-channel" mode and you should experience a *little* kick out of your
machine. Having identical RAM modules help, although unmatched ones may
also run.

JohnJ

 

[JohnJ]

Hi,

Motherboards supporting dual-channel DDR memory modules will require you to
populate (i.e., install) each RAM stick in a particular manner, for example
1 or 2, 2 or 3, etc. This will be outlined in your manual/pdf file on your
driver CD. It has nothing to do with the BIOS settings. Once you install
the RAM modules in the correct slots the BIOS will automatically detect
"dual-channel" mode and you should experience a *little* kick out of your
machine. Having identical RAM modules help, although unmatched ones may
also run.

JohnJ

 

[Guest]

The motherboard I have is D865GBF. The BIOS did detect, but I was curious
about the 1 beep during startup.

 

[JohnJ]

Well Ryan, as far as I know, that 1 beep just indicates a normal POST (power
on self-test) on bootup.

Thanks,

JohnJ

 

[xfile]

Hi,

Thanks and I did have two identical 512MB installed and Yes, when I paid
attentions to the boot-up screen, I read it's dual channel.

Thanks.

 

[Michael Kho]

if your mobo work only with dual channel, than it won't work if you put only
one single channel RAM on it.
Better you put other 2 x 512 or 2 x 256 dual channel on slot 2 and 4

good luck,
michael