Dual Channel Memory?

Question

Dual Channle Memory?
okay,i want to buy more ram for my laptop[i have 256mb at mo] and went to www.crucial.com to get some

so i downloaded the program to get my recommended extra ram
and my system stats


so i have 1 free ram slot.good news*cheers*

it says i need DDR PC2700 type memory,thats cool ,they recommened some

1 problem:they have alist of questions i can ask and they give automatic answers:
1 of them is Does my computer support dual channel memory?
it said no


what does that mean?




if i get another 256 of ram, DDR PC2700, will it doublem my ram and make programs run faster?

Answer 1

only if its at the same frequency as your other cards.

Answer 2

To cure the bandwidth backup, chipset manufacturers have been quick to embrace the benefits of dual-channel memory architecture. Although there are many differences between models, the basic concept is as simple as opening a second checkout line at the supermarket -- adding a second memory channel for theoretically double the bandwidth. If a single channel of DDR266 memory supplies 2.13GB/sec of bandwidth, then naturally a dual-channel memory controller (using two modules or sticks of DDR266) can enjoy 4.3GB/sec of bandwidth.

But it will require the support from the machine. If you have a machine that less than a year old, it might have the dual channel for the memory. If you machine is older, it might not have the feature.

Of course, dual channel is not about the number of RAM you have. It is about the bandwidth. You can have 2 x 256MB, add up to 512MB and it will run at a same bandwidth as one.

If you have dual channel, you will have just open a second checkout line at the supermarket. It make the process faster at 512MB compare to the first option.

Answer 3

Dual Channel is used to make the RAM run faster. If you want an explanation, read about it here:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual_channel but to put it simply, your computer doesn't have it, so no need to worry about it. Adding 256 will double your RAM and make the system run a little faster, but honestly you really need to go up to a ful 1GB setup at this point. Lastly, DON'T buy RAM from crucial.com, it is way overpriced. Here is a good 256 stick, from a good brand:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820144111 don't be concerned by the higher speed, it will automatically slow down to the speed needed in your computer.