2GB and 4GB = 6GB RAM?

[HaydosD]

Hello,

I have an Acer laptop with 4GB RAM (I assume in one slot CPU-Z says: "Channel #: Single"), and got two 2GB RAM sticks out of my friends Gateway laptop. I was wondering if would be able to put one of the two sticks into my (hopefully) empty slot. If I did put these two different sticks of RAM in would it cause any problems or cause my laptop to run slower?

Thank you for any help.

 

[mrmez]

Single chanel doesn't mean one stick. It's likely 2x2Gb, but you won't know until you open it up, or get some more detailed specs.
After that, if the ram is compatible and there is a spare slot, you should be able to add it.
Will it make any difference?
Very unlikely.

 

[plaintuts]

Be sure to check your ram compatibility after what mrmez instructed.

Older laptops use 1.5 to 1.8 v on ram, and newer power saving laptops use 1.3v ram.

 

[EasyLover]

2GB + 4GB = Nothing good about it
4GB + 4GB = Deal of the Day

Having CPU-Z saying that it is Single Channel does not necessarily means single RAM. Better check it in BIOS or under Memory tab in CPU-Z.

Compatibility issues could arise if RAM timings are mismatched. One can't say with certainty that modules would be compatible.

 

[mrmez]

I've bought correctly spec'd laptop ram to replace existing (not add to), and I got unlucky and it didn't work at all.
Ended up needing another brand.

I believe SOME timing and speed variation is acceptable, however ALL of it will run at the lowest speed, and again, have you used a system monitor and found you are using ALL of your 4Gb??

If you are not maxing 4Gb, there is no point buggering around with what is likely mismatched ram.

 

[HaydosD]

I just checked task manager as I was going to check the amount of RAM used when playing LoL (what I waste my time on majority of the time) and it it said I have 4 slots of which only 1 is used, does this mean I could put both sticks in and perhaps get 8GB http://gyazo.com/96b571a67c4f96ce22e640c2457aad0a

 

[mrmez]

If you're only using ~2Gb, why do you need 8?

 

[HaydosD]

I played and it increased steadily to 3GB used, then after increasing graphics quality there wasn't much change. Then increasing to max it increased RAM usage more, however did not max it. So all in all, I do not really need it, I do play more demanding games. But would increasing RAM increase my performance? (I don't really know what it does)

 

[HaydosD]

If you're only using ~2Gb, why do you need 8?

That was as I was sitting on Chrome.

 

[EasyLover]

From gaming perspective increasing RAM capacity from 2GB to more will definitely helps in improvement. Better consider going for 2x4GB RAM rather than adding more 2GB modules as Dual/Quad Channel is based on capacities of RAM not on speed.

 

[HaydosD]

From gaming perspective increasing RAM capacity from 2GB to more will definitely helps in improvement. Better consider going for 2x4GB RAM rather than adding more 2GB modules as Dual/Quad Channel is based on capacities of RAM not on speed.

I currently have 4GB and I got two 2GB not in the laptop, if they work I would put them in however I would not buy some more if they didn't, as I hope to build a PC (not going to end well as you can tell) soon. So are you saying that there is no point in just adding 2GB, and perhaps another 2GB if I do indeed have 4 slots?

 

[EasyLover]

From gaming perspective increasing RAM capacity from 2GB to more will definitely helps in improvement. Better consider going for 2x4GB RAM rather than adding more 2GB modules as Dual/Quad Channel is based on capacities of RAM not on speed.

I currently have 4GB and I got two 2GB not in the laptop, if they work I would put them in however I would not buy some more if they didn't, as I hope to build a PC (not going to end well as you can tell) soon. So are you saying that there is no point in just adding 2GB, and perhaps another 2GB if I do indeed have 4 slots?

Yes, with one 4GB module and one 2GB module, there won't be any channel. Say, if you add two modules each of 2GB then you may have two channels one Single Channel (1x4GB) and one Double Channel (2x2GB) provided your mobo/cpu chipset support FlexMode by Intel.

Having two RAMs without channel will not give you any significant performance boost in terms of speed along with stress on Memory Host Controller but the only benefit would be to have 6GB total capacity.

 

[mrmez]

The desktop in my sig has 8Gb.
My monitor is 1080, and I play everything at max.
I can check the ram usage on my keyboard LCD and during games i've never seen it use more than 1/3rd (~2.6Gb).

If you are running a bit short on ram it's easier to kill some background programs or a simply restart the pc.

OSX on the other hand will happily run on as much or as little as you throw at it. Currently using 7.99 of 8.0Gb, but it uses the ram along with satanic black magic to make everything faster.

 

[HaydosD]

From gaming perspective increasing RAM capacity from 2GB to more will definitely helps in improvement. Better consider going for 2x4GB RAM rather than adding more 2GB modules as Dual/Quad Channel is based on capacities of RAM not on speed.

I currently have 4GB and I got two 2GB not in the laptop, if they work I would put them in however I would not buy some more if they didn't, as I hope to build a PC (not going to end well as you can tell) soon. So are you saying that there is no point in just adding 2GB, and perhaps another 2GB if I do indeed have 4 slots?

Yes, with one 4GB module and one 2GB module, there won't be any channel. Say, if you add two modules each of 2GB then you may have two channels one Single Channel (1x4GB) and one Double Channel (2x2GB) provided your mobo/cpu chipset support FlexMode by Intel.

Having two RAMs without channel will not give you any significant performance boost in terms of speed along with stress on Memory Host Controller but the only benefit would be to have 6GB total capacity.

So if I was to open up my laptop, and had to empty slots it would be worth a shot to see if I could use it? However it would just be the same as having 2 sets of 4GB or would there be a difference?

 

[EasyLover]

From gaming perspective increasing RAM capacity from 2GB to more will definitely helps in improvement. Better consider going for 2x4GB RAM rather than adding more 2GB modules as Dual/Quad Channel is based on capacities of RAM not on speed.

I currently have 4GB and I got two 2GB not in the laptop, if they work I would put them in however I would not buy some more if they didn't, as I hope to build a PC (not going to end well as you can tell) soon. So are you saying that there is no point in just adding 2GB, and perhaps another 2GB if I do indeed have 4 slots?

Yes, with one 4GB module and one 2GB module, there won't be any channel. Say, if you add two modules each of 2GB then you may have two channels one Single Channel (1x4GB) and one Double Channel (2x2GB) provided your mobo/cpu chipset support FlexMode by Intel.

Having two RAMs without channel will not give you any significant performance boost in terms of speed along with stress on Memory Host Controller but the only benefit would be to have 6GB total capacity.

So if I was to open up my laptop, and had to empty slots it would be worth a shot to see if I could use it? However it would just be the same as having 2 sets of 4GB or would there be a difference?

To check for Flex mode option, better check the guide of the mobo under RAM options. Various combination are options mentioned there.

There is no point in giving it a try unless you opt for 2x4GB.

 

[HaydosD]

From gaming perspective increasing RAM capacity from 2GB to more will definitely helps in improvement. Better consider going for 2x4GB RAM rather than adding more 2GB modules as Dual/Quad Channel is based on capacities of RAM not on speed.

I currently have 4GB and I got two 2GB not in the laptop, if they work I would put them in however I would not buy some more if they didn't, as I hope to build a PC (not going to end well as you can tell) soon. So are you saying that there is no point in just adding 2GB, and perhaps another 2GB if I do indeed have 4 slots?

Yes, with one 4GB module and one 2GB module, there won't be any channel. Say, if you add two modules each of 2GB then you may have two channels one Single Channel (1x4GB) and one Double Channel (2x2GB) provided your mobo/cpu chipset support FlexMode by Intel.

Having two RAMs without channel will not give you any significant performance boost in terms of speed along with stress on Memory Host Controller but the only benefit would be to have 6GB total capacity.

So if I was to open up my laptop, and had to empty slots it would be worth a shot to see if I could use it? However it would just be the same as having 2 sets of 4GB or would there be a difference?

To check for Flex mode option, better check the guide of the mobo under RAM options. Various combination are options mentioned there.

There is no point in giving it a try unless you opt for 2x4GB.

Could you please link me as to where to find this guide?

 

[EasyLover]

From gaming perspective increasing RAM capacity from 2GB to more will definitely helps in improvement. Better consider going for 2x4GB RAM rather than adding more 2GB modules as Dual/Quad Channel is based on capacities of RAM not on speed.

I currently have 4GB and I got two 2GB not in the laptop, if they work I would put them in however I would not buy some more if they didn't, as I hope to build a PC (not going to end well as you can tell) soon. So are you saying that there is no point in just adding 2GB, and perhaps another 2GB if I do indeed have 4 slots?

Yes, with one 4GB module and one 2GB module, there won't be any channel. Say, if you add two modules each of 2GB then you may have two channels one Single Channel (1x4GB) and one Double Channel (2x2GB) provided your mobo/cpu chipset support FlexMode by Intel.

Having two RAMs without channel will not give you any significant performance boost in terms of speed along with stress on Memory Host Controller but the only benefit would be to have 6GB total capacity.

So if I was to open up my laptop, and had to empty slots it would be worth a shot to see if I could use it? However it would just be the same as having 2 sets of 4GB or would there be a difference?

To check for Flex mode option, better check the guide of the mobo under RAM options. Various combination are options mentioned there.

There is no point in giving it a try unless you opt for 2x4GB.

Could you please link me as to where to find this guide?

You would have OEM mobo in your laptop. Search with your laptop model no. If you are lucky you may be able to find it out. Otherwise, it would be better if you go for 2x4GB and if that is out of question, then you may give 2+4 a try (Its cons have already been mentioned).

 

[HaydosD]

From gaming perspective increasing RAM capacity from 2GB to more will definitely helps in improvement. Better consider going for 2x4GB RAM rather than adding more 2GB modules as Dual/Quad Channel is based on capacities of RAM not on speed.

I currently have 4GB and I got two 2GB not in the laptop, if they work I would put them in however I would not buy some more if they didn't, as I hope to build a PC (not going to end well as you can tell) soon. So are you saying that there is no point in just adding 2GB, and perhaps another 2GB if I do indeed have 4 slots?

Yes, with one 4GB module and one 2GB module, there won't be any channel. Say, if you add two modules each of 2GB then you may have two channels one Single Channel (1x4GB) and one Double Channel (2x2GB) provided your mobo/cpu chipset support FlexMode by Intel.

Having two RAMs without channel will not give you any significant performance boost in terms of speed along with stress on Memory Host Controller but the only benefit would be to have 6GB total capacity.

So if I was to open up my laptop, and had to empty slots it would be worth a shot to see if I could use it? However it would just be the same as having 2 sets of 4GB or would there be a difference?

To check for Flex mode option, better check the guide of the mobo under RAM options. Various combination are options mentioned there.

There is no point in giving it a try unless you opt for 2x4GB.

Could you please link me as to where to find this guide?

You would have OEM mobo in your laptop. Search with your laptop model no. If you are lucky you may be able to find it out. Otherwise, it would be better if you go for 2x4GB and if that is out of question, then you may give 2+4 a try (Its cons have already been mentioned).

Okay final question(s).
So I added the 2GB and finding out I only had 2 slots, I have 6GB, but like you said there is cons. so...
is 2x2GB faster/better than 1x4GB?

Thank you all for your time.

 

[mrmez]

If it's not picking it up, it's not compatible.

Now we get back to the 'single channel' aspect, 1x4 will be the same as 2x2.
Dual or triple channel is kinda the equivalent SLI or RAID 0 for ram. They work together in pairs or threes for more speed.

 

[HaydosD]

If it's not picking it up, it's not compatible.

Now we get back to the 'single channel' aspect, 1x4 will be the same as 2x2.
Dual or triple channel is kinda the equivalent SLI or RAID 0 for ram. They work together in pairs or threes for more speed.

Okay sweet, I actually had not clicked it in enough..... So it does pick up.
Okay so it doesnt matter about 1x4 or 2x2, but it may be slower if I 1x4 + 1x2

 

[EasyLover]

From gaming perspective increasing RAM capacity from 2GB to more will definitely helps in improvement. Better consider going for 2x4GB RAM rather than adding more 2GB modules as Dual/Quad Channel is based on capacities of RAM not on speed.

I currently have 4GB and I got two 2GB not in the laptop, if they work I would put them in however I would not buy some more if they didn't, as I hope to build a PC (not going to end well as you can tell) soon. So are you saying that there is no point in just adding 2GB, and perhaps another 2GB if I do indeed have 4 slots?

Yes, with one 4GB module and one 2GB module, there won't be any channel. Say, if you add two modules each of 2GB then you may have two channels one Single Channel (1x4GB) and one Double Channel (2x2GB) provided your mobo/cpu chipset support FlexMode by Intel.

Having two RAMs without channel will not give you any significant performance boost in terms of speed along with stress on Memory Host Controller but the only benefit would be to have 6GB total capacity.

So if I was to open up my laptop, and had to empty slots it would be worth a shot to see if I could use it? However it would just be the same as having 2 sets of 4GB or would there be a difference?

To check for Flex mode option, better check the guide of the mobo under RAM options. Various combination are options mentioned there.

There is no point in giving it a try unless you opt for 2x4GB.

Could you please link me as to where to find this guide?

You would have OEM mobo in your laptop. Search with your laptop model no. If you are lucky you may be able to find it out. Otherwise, it would be better if you go for 2x4GB and if that is out of question, then you may give 2+4 a try (Its cons have already been mentioned).

Okay final question(s).
So I added the 2GB and finding out I only had 2 slots, I have 6GB, but like you said there is cons. so...
is 2x2GB faster/better than 1x4GB?

Thank you all for your time.

Yes 2x2GB will create Dual Channel and that channel will reduce stress on memory controller and result in improvement in performance plus you'll get 4GB capacity.

 

[plaintuts]

What the??? Do you guys even know how you made it so hard to reply in this thread, if your using a phone? This is like "the who quoted more thing".

 

[EasyLover]

Nice point