Q about installing dual channel kit

[archie]

In which channel of the Asus P5B-E motherboard is the OCZ dual channel kit installed. From top to bottom, yellow DIMM_A1, black DIMM_A2, yellow DIMM_B1, black DIMM_B2.

memory shown here ... http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=009702&cid=RAM.475
motherboard ... http://www.asus.com/products4.aspx?l1=3&l2=11&l3=307&model=1347&modelmenu=1

Also, should there be cause for concern if this memory is not listed on the Qualified Vendors List ... http://www.asus.com/999/download/products/1347/1347_10.pdf ... or should something else from here be selected? ... http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProdList&cmd=pl&id=RAM
OS will be Vista home premium in case that makes any difference. I wanted to get a total of 2 GB and have the two sticks for no reason in particular. Please advise. Thanks :)

[Sound Mind]

If you're going dual-channel, put the two sticks in the same colored lanes. IE, they either both go in yellow, or both go in black.

If it's not on the QVL, there's no guarantee it'll work. It may; manufacturers don't have the time or resources to spend on testing every single stick of memory to make the market. They only test a certain few.

Some RAM will work right out of the package, some will work with some BIOS tweaking, and some won't work at all. Errors can range from just not posting at all, to random freezes will in operation, et cetera.

If your computer works fine before installing the memory, and then doesn't afterwards, you know the reason.

[archie]

Thanks ... I'll put them in the two yellows then.
The memory that I have is slightly different than what I posted above ... It's the OCZ2P8002GK listed here. http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=010267&cid=RAM.475
I think I should exchange it :(
The reason I picked that up is there did not appear to be any options for a single 2 GB stick.
This is a new build BTW.

[Sound Mind]

Well, if you're going to run 2GB and have enough slots open, it's better do go dual channel anyway. Slightly faster.

[EDIT] - Your board may not post immediately. Most say it only posts with 1.8V-1.9V memory until you flash the BIOS.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820144146
If you need to, buy that to get the board to post and flash the BIOS. Then take it out and put in your OCZ. That Kingston model is listed on the QVL, so it will work.

If you have to, you can go with this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145590
I'm told that'll work without a BIOS update, and it's still good for OC'ing (assuming that's a concern, based on your memory choice).



I'd snoop around and find a tech forum specifically on ASUS mobos. I did that for a Foxconn mobo on another build of mine. There's a lot of smart people on this board that have an unhuman level of knowledge, but they still can't know everything. So if you ask people whose concentration is on, say, ASUS mobos, they're more likely to know the exact answer you're looking for.

[TimPoet]

Newegg doesn't deliver to Canada.

If you can, try ordering the Corsair XSM2 RAM from a Canadian supplier. If your current RAM doesn't work....

[glc]

Sound Mind - Newegg does not ship to Canada.

Archie! Where ya been hiding?

Here's the stuff you need:

http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=009850&cid=RAM.475

This will run well at stock speeds and with overclocking up to 333 FSB. If you want DDR2-800 to go higher, we recommend Corsair XMS2 CAS 5.

[archie]

When I first went to the store to get all my parts, the lady behind the counter reached in a drawer [without grounding herself] :eek: ... pulled out the RAM and plopped it on the desk. It's a preference to have in a wrap. The PC will not be overclocked. It's for my wife and dependability is a priority. That's why I prefer that the memory that is purchased is shown on the QVL list from Asus. http://www.asus.com/999/download/products/1347/1347_10.pdf
Also, I'm getting 2 GB because 1 GB is recommended by Microsoft and it seems to be the right thing to do.

GLC ... I've been very busy but still lurk in these corners every once in a while when seaking sound advice and opinions. Sound Mind ... I just got the PM but forgot how to use the reply feature. TimPoet, nice to hear from you. Thanks again all.

edit fixed typo before to because.

[glc]

Arch, it may not be on the QVL but that Value Select is being used by a bunch of members on P5B's with no issues other than the occasional defective module. Make sure you buy the dual channel kit in a blister pack, not 2 loose modules.

[archie]

I ended trading the ocz for the corsair that was suggested. Now it's on to the next step. Thanks.