Ok, so I've ordered a new PC with 1GB or RAM (2x512), before I noticed the memory was 2x512 not one stick, I ordered another stick of 1GB (same speed) to put in it. Now, I assume the 2x512 are going to be running in dual channel, so will me adding a single stick force the memory to run in single channel mode or doesnt it work like that? Would that slow performance, or not noticeably as it has an extra gig? I know not the secrets of dual channel memory.
Thanks!
2007-05-14 07:36:08 · 10 answers · asked by JC 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Other - Hardware
Cheers guys, I will try Kevins suggestion, cant be hassled with changing the RAM now. Ill check the specs better in future!
2007-05-14 08:10:19 · update #1
.
No worries.
If your motherboard is dual channel there should be slots marked in two different colors. (eg blue and black) the slots of the same color belong to one channel. So what you can do is install both 512s (eg on blue) to one channel and the other single 1Gb to the other channel (eg one of the black).
That way you will still have dual channel 2G where 1G is in each channel.
You might not get the same performance as installing 2x1Gb or 4x512 but its better than 1.5 +512 (where you have one 1Gb and one 512 mixed up in one colored channel and the other 512 in the other channel).
Hope this helps.
.
2007-05-14 07:42:28 · answer #1 · answered by kevinrtx 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They will work but no longer in dual channel mode. It's a toss-up whether it will be faster or slower since you have more with the gig stick installed but it won't work as fast. I like dual channel in any instance. If I were you I'd find a buyer for my 2x512's and get another 1 gig stick to run 2 gigs in dual channel. Now that's optimal performance! Good luck!
2007-05-14 07:44:59 · answer #2 · answered by Aerixx 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hi J C.
Ideally, if you are using the same speed and size, that is key for dual channel architecture.
It looks like you've done your homework already. The CAS timings can play havoc at times but for the most part you should be okay. To test/verify you are running in dual channel, I suggest a little tool called CPU-Z (see source) to verify your memory timings.
Hope this helps...
2007-05-14 07:49:33 · answer #3 · answered by Alan with an Eh 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
As long as you ordered the same type & size of memory stick, they will work together...So seeing as you've currently got 2-512mbs memory sticks installed & you want to add a single 1gb memory stick to it, as long as you have and open slot (say 4 memory card slots) then it will still work as long as it's the same type and speed as the the other two 512 cards...
If you have to pull one of the 512 cards to put in the 1gb card (you only have 2 slots) then this will give you around 1.5gbs of memory...the other way will give you 2gbs of memory....As long as they are the same type it should work...But Yes, it's always better to use Matching Pairs of Memory sticks for the best performance.
2007-05-14 07:40:17 · answer #4 · answered by MUff1N 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
in case you have a twin channel board you are able to have same reminiscence in each and every channel for stability motives . the only time you are able to desire to tournament ability whilst setting up RAM is once you're dealing with a gadget that demands twin channel reminiscence. i'd get the twin channel set , purely makes extra experience
2016-11-03 21:57:26 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
DDR should be bought in pairs not singles.
If the motherboard supports single DDR then it will be ok but it would be better to install 2x1gig memory sticks for a total of 2 gigs of memory instead of 1x512 and 1x1024 sticks that would equal to 1.5 gigs.
Memory is cheap. I wouldnt go overboard though.
If your CPU isnt powerful than overloading it with memory wont help.
2007-05-14 07:41:51 · answer #6 · answered by uqlue42 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Its shouldn't slow your performance but if the board has three slots and not four then it shouldn't be a problem if it has four then you should consider ordering another dual channel just to be safe
2007-05-14 07:42:33 · answer #7 · answered by the man the myth the answerer 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
sorry does not work that way, Dual channel has to run in pairs can not mix with non dual channel memory.
2007-05-14 07:45:01 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
goto ebuyer.com
ram is extremly cheap their and if you want my advice buy A "2 gig" stick of ram, therefore no combo problems and still another slot free to upgrade even more when applications become more demanding ;)
2007-05-14 07:47:13 · answer #9 · answered by mark d 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
To maximize performance, you really should get another pair of 521MB, if your budget is good, get a pair of 1GB.
2007-05-14 07:44:35 · answer #10 · answered by Cupcake 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋