Confirm That Computer Memory In In Dual Channel Mode

Discussion in 'Software' started by Dumb_Question, Aug 6, 2017.

  1. Dumb_Question

    Dumb_Question Sergeant Major

    I have a computer in which I have I put 2 x 4GB SO-DIMMs and I want to check if they are actually operating in dual channel mode.
    I know I can do this using CPU-Z but I want to use Speccy (portable) or a built-in Windows function
    On the Speccy expanded RAM page there is an entry:
    "Channels#......................Dual"
    Is this the confirmation I am looking for, or just a routine entry, e.g., telling me that the computer supports dual channel operation ? (which it does)

    Dumb_Question
    6.August.2017
    HP Pavilion dm4-1140SA - 8GB RAM - Windows 10 Home Premium
     
  2. DavidGP

    DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

    Yeah CPU-Z if it says you are running dual channel then you are.
     
  3. Dumb_Question

    Dumb_Question Sergeant Major

    I eventually was forced to install CPU-Z
    This confirms that the laptop is running in dual channel mode
    (channel # | dual)
    I now believe btw that speccy was telling me this all along
    To move on:
    That the computer is running in dual channel mode I find very surprising. I had long taken in that dual mode can only happen with specially manufactured or selected DIMMs/SO-DIMMs
    But installed this laptop I have (selected on the grounds that the SO-DIMMs work individually) 1. HMT351S6BFRBC-H9 (Hynix 4GB module, PC3-10600S) and 2. NT4GC64B8HB0NS-CG (Nanya 4GB PC3-10600S), totalling 8GB. These modules are not only non-identical, they are from different manufacturers !! (I think my memory runs at 1066MHz; the specs given are the common or garden ones found on the internet, not the values from CPU-Z)

    How can this be so ? Have I just been extremely lucky with these particular modules ? Is the fact (?) that they are spec'd at PC3-10600 but are running at PC3-8500 significant ? Or are we being fed untruths by RAM suppliers about dual channel and module identicality ?

    Dumb_Question
    6.November.2017

    HP Pavillion dm4 (-xxxxaa sorry can't remember exact model) core i5-450M 8GB (2x4GB) RAM 320GB HDD - W10
     
  4. baklogic

    baklogic The Tinkerer

    Both at same spec, as in your manual ----http://www.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c02615687.pdf
    DDR3, 1066-MHz, dual-channel memory (DDR3 1333 MHz downgraded to DDR3 1066 MHz)
    Both have matched size and speed rating- x 1333 x 4gb probably with timings like Cl9
    But there are PC3-8500 1066Mhz Hynix 4gb with timings Cl7- Perhaps worth looking up your ram 's timings with software like cpu-z
     
  5. Dumb_Question

    Dumb_Question Sergeant Major

    Thank you for answer, baklogic

    The timings for two pieces are 9-10-F2 (same). I believe that this in clock cycles
    I had suspected that shifts of a few fractions of a nanoseconds or less (in the position of the edge for example) between the (SO-)DIMMs would be enough to prevent dual channel operation, not the gross timings of 1 or more clock cycles !

    In my searching this morning I came across a benchmark for the Nanya RAM (www.passmark.com->www.memorybenchmark.net) which shows that it is dramatically slower than most of its competitors (not including the Hynix one - Crucial, Corsair and especially Kingston) but this seems an unfair comparison as those others were all PC3-12800 or higher speed.

    (to other members of 'the community') Might I ask what the experiences of others has been with obtaining dual channel mode operation from unmatched pairs of DIMMs has been ? I guess non many have tried.

    ps there is newer edition of the manual you referred to (c03106715) but IDK what the differences are - probably slight.

    Dumb_Question
    7.November.2017
    HP Pavilion dm4 1000 series (as above)
     

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