How to set up Dual Channel RAM

I have two Compaq Presario SR1710NX computers that can use dual channel memory. Neither one is set up to use dual channel now. I am going to upgrade one that has just 512 MB in a single stick of 2700 RAM to 2 1GB sticks of 3200 RAM.

Is it just a matter of trial and error to find which slots work for dual channel? Should it be slots 1 and 3 or slots 1 and 2? I can try different combinations of the 4 slots, but if someone has this or a similar model and can tell me what the best choice is, I’d rather go with that to start.

 

It should be the closest slot to the cpu, and then the 3rd closest.

 

For the vast majority of motherboards this is the case but having a quick look at the posters specific mobo it seems it will be both the blue or both the black which in this case is DIMM_1 & DIMM_2.

From here was can see that the mobo is A8AE-LE:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?cc=uk&lc=en&docname=c00572527

Searching for that mobo generates:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...duct=1127219〈=en&cc=us&docname=c00496280#N849

This looks like one of the rare cases of DIMM 1 & 2 or DIMM 3 & 4. Generally speaking the same coloured slots will allow for Dual Channel RAM configuration.

 

I guess that's what i get for replying in 2 minutes

 

As an aside: say what you will about Compaq/HP, I like the way they lay out their support docs - that second link is especially nice. Kudos to them, and to you, Bold Eagle.

 

Yes, Bold Eage, you found my motherboard. I had found it before I posted here but still did not know whether dual channel operated from two of same color or one each black and blue.

I opened my case yesterday and found the 512 MB PC-2700 RAM in slot 2. I removed it and put my new 1 GB sticks of PC-3200 in slots 1 & 2. Closed up and hooked everything up and the memory was immediately recognized. On screen where I had previously seen "DDR333, single channel, 64 bit," I got the message "DDR400, dual channel, 128 bit." So all is good.

Thanks so much for your help!