Quick dualchannel question

[nlawalker]

Hey everyone:

Will dual channel RAM work if I have 2 256 MB sticks in one channel and 1 512 stick in the other (same brand, speed, and chip density)? The reason I ask is for upgradeability. I'm only gonna pay for 512 megs right now (the two 256 sticks) but if I upgrade to a gig later, I want to match the 512 I already have and dualchannel the whole thing. Thanks!

[Alienware_Dude]

Depending on the mainboard you are using, the system will most likely ignore partial banks of memory.

[nlawalker]

Forgive me, but I don't quite understand your reply. Could you clarify a little?

Nick

[Spyda]

if the channel isnt fully occupied it will ignore it

i think

[Alienware_Dude]

Correct. For instance, the P4G8X Deluxe will not utilize partial banks/channels of memory; if there is only one slot occupied, it will ignore the DIMM installed unless you install an identical DIMM to complete the bank/channel.

[Spyda]

i think you can bypass dual channel on some boards by installing 3 sticks, so its single channel but recognises all RAM

im sure i saw this on some MSI boards

[nlawalker]

So are you saying that if I wanted 512 megs of ram dual channel, I'd have to get a 256 and two 128's? I'm very confused now...

[glc]

No, to use dual channel you need matched pairs. If you put 3 dimms in, I believe that it will kick itself out of dual channel mode. If you want 512 dual channel, use a pair of 256's. If you want a gig dual channel, use a pair of 512's or four 256's if your board has 4 slots.

[Alienware_Dude]

That's pretty much what I was trying to say, with the addition that some boards will not function at all without identical, paired DIMMs installed. I apologize for confusing you.