Dual-channel memory or not?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Tim Mavers
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T

Tim Mavers

I just purchased a Shuttle SB61G2 (XPC) that accepts dual-channel RAM. I
am not very
familiar with this type of RAM, so I want to find out if it FASTER RAM than
regular DDR, or it just allows more memory (per stick).

Since the SB61G2 only has 2 memory slots and I want to get 2GB in it, (of
the fastest memory I can--stable of course--not interested in overclocking).
What should I buy?

The shuttle site states that it will accept up to DDR400 and Dual Channel
DDR. Does this mean I can find Dual Channel DDR400 or something else?

Again, I am looking for the fastest memory I can get and have 2GB of RAM
(1GB per stick).

(BTW, the SB61G2 hasn't arrived yet, so I haven't looked at the board or
anything else)... It's due in tomorrow :)

Thanks,
 
I just purchased a Shuttle SB61G2 (XPC) that accepts dual-channel RAM. I
am not very
familiar with this type of RAM, so I want to find out if it FASTER RAM than
regular DDR, or it just allows more memory (per stick).

Since the SB61G2 only has 2 memory slots and I want to get 2GB in it, (of
the fastest memory I can--stable of course--not interested in overclocking).
What should I buy?

The shuttle site states that it will accept up to DDR400 and Dual Channel
DDR. Does this mean I can find Dual Channel DDR400 or something else?

Again, I am looking for the fastest memory I can get and have 2GB of RAM
(1GB per stick).

(BTW, the SB61G2 hasn't arrived yet, so I haven't looked at the board or
anything else)... It's due in tomorrow :)

Thanks,
Click to expand...
Any two same model/size sticks will run dual channel. It's a function
of the board. Some retailers match pairs and charge extra, but my
regular pairs(unmatched) get great Sandra benchmarks and run rock
solid.
 
AJ said:
Any two same model/size sticks will run dual channel. It's a function
of the board. Some retailers match pairs and charge extra, but my
regular pairs(unmatched) get great Sandra benchmarks and run rock
solid.
Click to expand...

But what is dual-channel? I see some memory that costs a lot more, but
labeled dual-channel?
 
But what is dual-channel? I see some memory that costs a lot more, but
labeled dual-channel?
Click to expand...
As far as I know it's a marketing rip off. Since everyone I know runs
it fine with two like sticks from the same manufacrurer. Dual channel
RAM is when the mobo supports reading 2 channels(sticks) at once. On
paper it doubles the memory clock speed. In real life it's good but
not that great.
 
-
AJ stood up at show-n-tell, in (e-mail address removed),
and said:
As far as I know it's a marketing rip off. Since everyone I know runs
it fine with two like sticks from the same manufacrurer. Dual channel
RAM is when the mobo supports reading 2 channels(sticks) at once. On
paper it doubles the memory clock speed. In real life it's good but
not that great.
Click to expand...

I don't believe your analysis is correct. What is doubled is the bandwidth,
not the clock speed. DDR400 running in either Dual, or Single, channel mode
is still running at 400MHz. It's a bandwidth issue, not clock speed. An
analogy would be AGP 4X vs AGP 8x. Do some homework.

 
You are correct. To reduce the dissemination of false information and
confusion, everyone should research and think before responding.
 
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