Probably a dumb question but single channel and dual channel memory, how do you tell?

So, I'm thinking about upgrading my system to a socket 939 MB for the athlon 64 cpu, but the mb specs says it uses dual channel memory. Is this just two like memory sticks used on the mb? I have a 1gb pc400 memory stick. So, if I wanted to get the 939 mb all I would have to do is get another 1gb pc400 stick (does it have to be the same maker?) to use them both in the mb and there by being dual channel?

 

Re: Probably a dumb question but single channel and dual channel memory, how do you t

means that it supports dual channel memory i'm pretty sure, you dont have to have them filled... but more ram is always a good thing if you were planning to buy another 1gb stick anyway =)

 

Re: Probably a dumb question but single channel and dual channel memory, how do you t

There is no such thing as dual channel memory. Memory can operate in dual channel mode on a motherboard that supports dual channel operation. Memory is often sold in "dual channel kits", which simply means two sticks of identical memory, e.g. a 512MB dual channel kit means two matched 256MB sticks. Different sticks, of the same size, but with different specs, or even of different brand, will likely not operate in dual channel mode.

 

Re: Probably a dumb question but single channel and dual channel memory, how do you t

You would need two Sticks of memory that support Identical Voltages & Timmings to run in Dual channel Mode
Many times when someone trys using two different brands of memory they run into Compatibility problems.
Sometimes memory manufactures will use different memory chips to make the same brand & model of memory, so it's best to buy memory in pairs or Dual channel kits, (Dual channel kits are two sticks of memory that are tested to run identical with each other as a set)

If you buy a socket 939 MOBO that supports Dual channel you can use your single stick of memory but it wont run in Dual channel mode, in reality there's not a big differance

Some socket 939 MOBO's can be very picky about memory, What exact MOBO are you looking into?

 

Re: Probably a dumb question but single channel and dual channel memory, how do you t

I haven't picked a mb yet. Still shopping around. I'm basically trying to upgrade on the cheap. I've been looking on ebay for a socket 939 sli mb along with a athlon 64 cpu. Then I'll shop around for the video card. Granted it won't be top of the line, but will still be better then the system I have now. I'm using the following:

Matsonic MB w/athlon xp 2600 cpu at 333fsb and 1gb memory.
geforce 6800 card w/128mb memory (I opened up the pipeline to16)
500psu

 

Re: Probably a dumb question but single channel and dual channel memory, how do you t

as reported earlier, 2 identical sticks of ram are needed for dual channel, BUT the difference between single channel performance and dual channel is small. You prob wouldn't be able to tell the difference using everyday apps and games!

 

Re: Probably a dumb question but single channel and dual channel memory, how do you t

Ok, thanks, I thought that I had to have the dual channel memory in the mb inorder for the motherboard to work. But, if I only need one stick, just not working in dual mode but still working so I can use the computer, that's great. Thanks. Will I notice much improvement over what I have now? I'm basicall playing cod2, but eyeing some of the new games coming out (which would probably choke my present machine.