Dual Channel Memory Qusestion

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Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.mainboard.asus (More info?)

Hi, I have an Asus A7N8X Deluxe MB with 3 DIMM slots.

The manual says I scan use all three slots in dual channel mode. Huh?

What confuses me is the term "dual channel." With three DIMMs??? Logically
one would think this would be called tri-channel.

Forgive my lack of knowledge on this subject. But I want to upgrade the
memory for this motherboard, and I need to know how many DIMMs to buy for
"dual channel" operation. Seeing as they are sold in pairs, and even called
"dual channel" DDR and the manual says I can use three DIMMs for dual
channel operation, I'm getting really confused.

So, should I buy 2 or 3 Dual Channel DIMMs?

Thanks,

J. Middleman




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Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.mainboard.asus (More info?)

"Middleman" <anonymous> wrote in message news:40cf8f97$1_1@127.0.0.1...
> Hi, I have an Asus A7N8X Deluxe MB with 3 DIMM slots.
>
> The manual says I scan use all three slots in dual channel mode. Huh?
>
> What confuses me is the term "dual channel." With three DIMMs??? Logically
> one would think this would be called tri-channel.
>
> Forgive my lack of knowledge on this subject. But I want to upgrade the
> memory for this motherboard, and I need to know how many DIMMs to buy for
> "dual channel" operation. Seeing as they are sold in pairs, and even
called
> "dual channel" DDR and the manual says I can use three DIMMs for dual
> channel operation, I'm getting really confused.
>
> So, should I buy 2 or 3 Dual Channel DIMMs?
>
> Thanks,
>
> J. Middleman
>

I think you are confusing channels and slots.

Slots 1 & 2 = Channel 1
Slot 3 = Channel 2

I have 1 Gb of RAM using 3 DIMMs for dual channel operation as under :

Slots 1 & 2 = 2 x 256Mb
Slot 3 = 1 x 512Mb
--
Doug Ramage
 
Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.mainboard.asus (More info?)

"Doug Ramage" <namxat666@hotmail.com> wrote in message:

> Slots 1 & 2 = Channel 1
> Slot 3 = Channel 2

Ahh... This makes more sense. Okay, now I have another question. Why are
some DIMMs being sold as pairs? Are they "matched?" Would I be better off to
buy these rather than just individual DIMMs for dual channel operation?
Also, why is there such a big price difference in the same size memory
between brands? Would I be that much better spending almost twice as much
for these other brands???

Thanks again...

J. Middleman



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Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.mainboard.asus (More info?)

IMO, there is no need to pay a premium for so called matched memory. So long
as the sticks are the same speed and from the same manufacturer, that should
be fine.

I have 3 pairs of PC3200 RAM, none were bought as "matched", but each pair
is the same brand and speed. I have had no problems, and all run in dual
channel mode.

However, ultra performance often relies on tight RAM timings for its extra
performance, and matching could be more important.
--
Doug Ramage



"Middleman" <anonymous> wrote in message news:40d008f6$1_1@127.0.0.1...
> "Doug Ramage" <namxat666@hotmail.com> wrote in message:
>
> > Slots 1 & 2 = Channel 1
> > Slot 3 = Channel 2
>
> Ahh... This makes more sense. Okay, now I have another question. Why are
> some DIMMs being sold as pairs? Are they "matched?" Would I be better off
to
> buy these rather than just individual DIMMs for dual channel operation?
> Also, why is there such a big price difference in the same size memory
> between brands? Would I be that much better spending almost twice as much
> for these other brands???
>
> Thanks again...
>
> J. Middleman
>
>
>
> Posted Via Binaries.Net Premium Usenet Newsgroup Services
> ----------------------------------------------------------
> ** SPEED ** RETENTION ** COMPLETION ** ANONYMITY **
> ----------------------------------------------------------
> http://www.binaries.net
>
>
> ----== Posted via Newsfeed.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet
News==----
> http://www.newsfeed.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! >100,000
Newsgroups
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Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.mainboard.asus (More info?)

I appreciate your advice, thanks...

J.Middleman



Posted Via Binaries.Net Premium Usenet Newsgroup Services
----------------------------------------------------------
** SPEED ** RETENTION ** COMPLETION ** ANONYMITY **
----------------------------------------------------------
http://www.binaries.net


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Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.mainboard.asus (More info?)

Middleman wrote:
> "Doug Ramage" <namxat666@hotmail.com> wrote in message:
>
>> Slots 1 & 2 = Channel 1
>> Slot 3 = Channel 2
>
> Ahh... This makes more sense. Okay, now I have another question. Why are
> some DIMMs being sold as pairs? Are they "matched?"

Yeah, but they don't need to be matched to run dual channel. They can be a
different size, different number of chips, different manufactuer, different
rated speed etc.

As long as all DIMMs can run atthe speed you set them to, dual channel will
work.

> Would I be better off to
> buy these rather than just individual DIMMs for dual channel operation?

Nope. Unless they're cheaper...

> Also, why is there such a big price difference in the same size memory
> between brands? Would I be that much better spending almost twice as much
> for these other brands???

Timings.

You can run the ram at higher frequencies and/or with tighter timings -
thats what you pay the money for.

Ben
--
A7N8X FAQ: www.ben.pope.name/a7n8x_faq.html
Questions by email will likely be ignored, please use the newsgroups.
I'm not just a number. To many, I'm known as a String...
 
Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.mainboard.asus (More info?)

On Wed, 16 Jun 2004 19:52:35 +0100, "Ben Pope" <spam@hotmail.com> wrote:

>Middleman wrote:
>> "Doug Ramage" <namxat666@hotmail.com> wrote in message:
>>
>>> Slots 1 & 2 = Channel 1
>>> Slot 3 = Channel 2
>>
>> Ahh... This makes more sense. Okay, now I have another question. Why are
>> some DIMMs being sold as pairs? Are they "matched?"
>
>Yeah, but they don't need to be matched to run dual channel. They can be a
>different size, different number of chips, different manufactuer, different
>rated speed etc.
>
>As long as all DIMMs can run atthe speed you set them to, dual channel will
>work.

lol
recipe for a train wreck...
 
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