3 1gb sticks of 667 444-12 rams how to run dual channel HELP

[ranma1507]

I have ocz 2gb kits of 667 444-12 ram and gigabytes ds3 motherboard running dual channel at bank1 and 3. I recently acquired 1 more 667 444-12 pny stick and plugged in bank 2. When starting up, Motherboard displays flax memory mode activiated. I read on Intel's page on Flax meory and it didn't make too much sense to me. Please help!!!

From performance point of view, is it better to have 2 gb running dual channel or 3gb running at flex dual channel? I do 50 gaming 50 windows stuff. EXPERT advice needed.

 

[waylander]

More ram is always going to be better but... if you can get another stick of 667 then you can run all 4 at dual channel again.

 

[ranma1507]

rams are expensive now days. Not sure if I can afford another gig of ddr 667 44412 timing rams.

 

[Mondoman]

It's "flex" memory mode ("flax" is an important agricultural plant). This is (so far as I know) unique to Intel. Basically, it runs the matching parts of RAM in dual channel mode, and the rest in single channel mode. So in your case, both channels have at least 1GB, so the 1GB from each channel runs in dual channel mode. The extra 1GB in one channel runs in single channel mode.

 

[schuy1]

Wow Intel has outdone themselves, first the C2D, and now intelligent memory managment via their board, bravo, I may just switch camps on my next build. Any luck with a link for the white papers on the flex memory??

 

[joex444]

Indeed, so your 3rd stick has added 1GB at half the theoretical bandwidth. The actual performance hit is probably less, you'd need to run some sort of benchmark that tests the performance based on memory size used, perhaps others could suggest one if such a program exists.

I'd say that with 3 memory sticks it is harder to overclock, but if you're not overclocking (or it can handle your current OC stable) then it is better than 2GB.

You won't necessarily be able to run 4GB as 4x1GB at 667 with 4-4-4-12 timings, though. Some boards and chipsets have trouble running 4 sticks. It is fairly pointless to upgrade to 4GB as the preferred way of doing so would be 2x2GB.

HTH...

 

[Mondoman]

It's in various chipset refs. Here's one: http://download.intel.com/design/chipsets/applnots/31320702.pdf
(look under "dual-channel asymmetric")

 

[ranma1507]

What are the good programs to test memory bandwidth? Can you please refer some software please.

Indeed, so your 3rd stick has added 1GB at half the theoretical bandwidth. The actual performance hit is probably less, you'd need to run some sort of benchmark that tests the performance based on memory size used, perhaps others could suggest one if such a program exists.

I'd say that with 3 memory sticks it is harder to overclock, but if you're not overclocking (or it can handle your current OC stable) then it is better than 2GB.

You won't necessarily be able to run 4GB as 4x1GB at 667 with 4-4-4-12 timings, though. Some boards and chipsets have trouble running 4 sticks. It is fairly pointless to upgrade to 4GB as the preferred way of doing so would be 2x2GB.

HTH...

 

[ranma1507]

thanks for the flax comment. It was fun.

I have over clocked the e6300 with ds3 from 1.86 to 2.33 with FSB from 266 to 333 to match the memory.

I had to +.2v to fsb and .3v to memory and stabled the vcore at 1.325v. I also adjusted the timing of the memory in the ds3 setup from 55515 to 44412. When I checked the cpuz, all three ram are in dual channel with 44412 timing.

The extra ram is pny optima ram with heat spreader but not at 5400 as other ram. So far I haven't notice any problem with change of timing.

I am worrying about the extra ram slow down the fsb cuz it is not in real dual channel. But I can be silly with that thought.

I wish there are some software I can test the overall performance with/out the extra gig.

It's "flex" memory mode ("flax" is an important agricultural plant). This is (so far as I know) unique to Intel. Basically, it runs the matching parts of RAM in dual channel mode, and the rest in single channel mode. So in your case, both channels have at least 1GB, so the 1GB from each channel runs in dual channel mode. The extra 1GB in one channel runs in single channel mode.

 

[Mondoman]

I like PC Wizard 2006. It includes benchmarks and also reads out a lot of info (use the "Chipset" section in the upper right window for current speed info, not the "Physical Memory" section).