dual channel ddr

N

noiseportrait

New member
I'm shopping for memory for my new p4 system and I'm unclear about this whole dual channel memory thing. I remember reading that it would probably be wise to utilze this function on my motherboard, rather than going with a single stick of the same mb, so I plan to go with 2 sticks of 256 (I'm on a budget). I just don't know what to buy. On tigerdirect.com they have one listing for "dual channel" memory and another for regular ddr sticks. A set of matched "dual channel" sticks will run me 130 bucks, where as the individual sticks are only about 40 bucks a piece. Do I have to use the "dual channel" stuff? Can I just run 2 regular ddr sticks in dual channel mode saving 50 bucks or will this cause a problem? Is there any advantage or disadvantage to any of this?
 
Nevermind, I did some research and I guess I have to buy the matched dual channel stuff. I hope this whole dual channel thing really makes a difference given the huge jump in prices.
 
You don't need to buy the matched RAM, just buy two separate sticks of exactly the same brand, speed and size and it should work well :)
 
Really? Could I get somebody to back this up, 'cause I read somewhere else that unmatched ram will often not work properly? I would love to save the money though.
 
The only time thatmismatched modules can cause problems is if you're overclocking.

This is because you would be running the RAM at a speed greater then it is rated for and one stick might overclock further than the other, causing problems.

As long as you are running it at stock speeds (ie ator lower than it is rated for), you should be fine (bear in mind i you have an 800fsb P4, you will need at least PC3200 (DDR400) RAM)

If you need more confirmation, have a look here -

http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=208648&

or here -

http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=240887&

or here -

http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=246599&

That said, I haven't tested the theory (yet). If you feel uncomfortable and want to be certain, might be best to go for a matched pair.

Regards
Chez
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top