Desktop Memory need to be in pairs?

Question

I would like to upgrade my 512MB PC-4200 (256MB + 256MB; 2 slots) to 1GB but have heard that it's preferred with two/paired 512MB instead of one 1GB. What is the reason? Does it perform better? Also, can I combine 256MB with 512MB?

Answer 1

The reason is something called dual channel architecture, which basically doubles the bandwidth of the memory (a good thing). So yes if you are upgrading, get 2 512s instead of 1 1GB. As for combining 256 with 512, you can do it, but again, no dual channel, they have to be matched pairs.

Answer 2

Pretty sure the reason they prefer paired memory is due to the fact that if one memory chip goes bad, then you still have some memory with which to operate your computer on.

You SHOULD be able to combine any way, but you'll have to check with whoever made your motherboard. Some you can mix n match, on some you can't. Sorry, that's the way it is.

Hope that helped

Answer 3

There are mom forums (Mobo) obtainable that take unmarried channel or twin channel. unmarried channel mobo's gained't want memory in pairs. those mobos can actually have 3 (Dimm) slots quite of two or 4. There are twin channel mobos which will require you to position in a pair of an similar chip, one in each and each and every channel. Now, you'll discover those specs on your mobo guide. in case you lost the guide, i'd attempt to discover it through google or yahoo. oftentimes twin channels will carry out more beneficial advantageous considering they are going to feed the mobo/processor in parallel. yet it is basically a million aspect. it is going to decision depending of mobo layout, bus %, processor/on die memory etc... desire this helps ya.

Answer 4

No, it doesn't have to be paired. (It used to be that way on older computers, but not any more.)

Your advantage of going with two rather than one are that if one were to fail, you're only losing have the memory. On the other hand, using two slots prevents further upgrade.

Yes, you can mix a 512 and a 256 to achieve 768mb.

Answer 5

Depends on the Make of the Memory.
RAMBUS is usually in pairs; Check what yours is usually in.
The specifics of the Memory is usually on the sticks themselves, and then check with a place like upgrade-solutions.com and then you can have an idea of what to get. Helps with budgeting for this stuff too !!

Answer 6

Most smaller chips have faster speeds. The larger the chip the longer it usually takes. You pay for that speed. Watch out with combining. Make sure it's the same speed and channel, single channel for both or dual channel for both, don't mix that.