Dr_asik

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I plan to add another 1 stick of PC3200 512MB RAM in my existing configuration, which has actually 1 stick of PC3200 512 RAM. However, I don't know what brand it is and not sure what brand I will pick. Do both memory sticks have to be of the same brand? And secondly, if I just plug in the new RAM, will it automatically work in dual-channel or is there a certain setup you have to do?
 

sturm

Splendid
Its always best to have the same brand, timings, and speed on each stick. Most important is the timings be the same and that the speed of the ram will handle the speed you want to run at.
Look on the stick you have and see if you can see who made it.
You also might try sandia software or eversthome. Will show you what is in your computer.
If you cant find anything then all you can do is get a stick and try it.
 

kumana1

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your system will automatically run in dual channel, assuming a couple of things:

1. the ram is dual channel
2. the motheboard is dual channel capable
 

Pain

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your system will automatically run in dual channel, assuming a couple of things:

1. the ram is dual channel

There is no such thing as dual channel ram. The memory controller is dual channel. The ram is just ram.
 

Dr_asik

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I downloaded CPU-Z and here's what it said about my RAM:



And this is my motherboard.

I found no mention of dual-channel in the manual. Do you think it supports it anyway? Are the benefits of dual-channel really important?
 

sturm

Splendid
DDR400 (PC3200), the latest and fastest DDR memory standard, supports bandwidth up to 3.2GB/s to provide enhanced system performance. (Note: PC2100/PC1600 up to 3 DIMMs; PC3200/PC2700 up to 2 DIMMs; 1GB PC3200/2700 with 32 DDR chips up to 1 DIMM only)
From your link:

That chipset is not dual channel. Its single channel only.
And from the quote you chould be ok using 2 x 512 sticks at ddr400 speeds.