single or dual mode

[tiebushan]

I know it's better to use 2x4GB kit compared to using 1x8GB memory stick. but when I was about to purchase the combo, I noticed that the 4GB has "dual channel" label while the other doesn't. what does that mean? how should I choose between them? thanks

 

[Tradesman1]

If referring to the 1x8 stick, it's a single stick - need 2 sticks to run dual channel - have to have a stick in each channel

 

[tiebushan]

the item listed in the shop's catalog is

Gskill DDR3 PC12800 4GB ECO CL9 Dual Channel F3-12800CL9D-4GBECO / 9-9-9-24

does this mean the package will contain 2 sticks of 2GB GSkill DDR3 RAM? so any items listed as "dual channel" would mean 2 sticks of RAM each with half the capacity listed in the catalog? so in the example above, it would mean 2 sticks (because "dual channel") of 2GB (4GB divided by two) DDR3 RAM?
thanks

 

[Tradesman1]

In the instance above yes, it's a 2 stick set....if you look at the model number above - F3-12800CL9D-4GBECO

F3 - indicates DDR3
12800 - is the Spec, here 1600 sticks
CL9 that CAS Latency is 9
D - indicates 2 sticks for dual, if it were an S then 1 stick, Single channel), T for 3 sticks (Tri) and Q for 4 sticks (Quad channel or dual channel) there's also T2 for 6 and Q2 for 8
4GB - is total size of package, so would be 2x2GB
ECO - Model name

 

[tiebushan]

thanks for the detailed explanation.
I wanted to buy kingston 8GB dual channel PC12800, but theirs run on 1.65v instead of 1.5v. is there any kingston 8GB dual channel PC12800 that runs on 1.5v? thanks

 

[Tradesman1]

In 1.5 they have

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104255

and 1 LV set at 1.35

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104278

I checked at the Egg but didn't see any others in 2x4GB 1600, not sure why they persist in putting out all their other entry level 1600 sticks with 1.65, (might have gotten a really good deal on some ICs that can run 1600, but need the 1.65)....also they have a few sets of HyperX Black, on those they won't even advertise the voltage, but think I read somewhere they are 1.65 also

 

[tiebushan]

what about valueRAM series? they're all 1.5v. also, I heard that hyperblu isn't stable without a little tweaking (that also goes for the PC10600 line). is this correct? thanks

 

[tiebushan]

in your personal experience, do you recommend corsair 8 GB PC 12800 CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9R over kingston's hyperblu series? for non OCer that is. thanks

 

[Tradesman1]

To be honest, I can't remember the last time I've had a request for Kingston DRAM, I see them at times on rigs brough in for repairs and upgrades and that's anbout it, the Corsairs I use now and then and see a fair amount of them including this Vengeance set, haven't had or seen any problems with them, seem to run run fine and to spec 😉

 

[tiebushan]

well, the only reason I opt for kingston is for their lifetime warranty. unless corsair also provides lifetime warranty? or perhaps there are other players out there that manufacture high quality RAM? thanks

 

[Tradesman1]

Most all the big players do, (lifetime that is), GSkill, Corsair, Mushkin