Adding RAM... what's best in my situation?

[Stryker]

Hiya folks,
I am going to be popping in some more RAM but I want to explore a couple of options and I always get great feedback here. Here's a bit of info on my current situation:
I currently have 512MB of regular Kingston DDR PC3200 in a single stick that is not rated/marked as dual channel. Mobo is Asus A7N8X, which is capable of Dual Channel. It has 3 slots, two of which can run Dual Channel (1 blue & 2 black slots).

Here are the options I've come up with but if you have another, feel free to suggest. Also, if you think I might be way off, let me know (don't worry, I can take it!!):

a) Keep the current 512MB running in single channel and get 2x256MB dual channel. Would be a total of 1024GB with 512MB running dual channel.

b) Get a second stick of plain old 512MB (same as current) and have them both running dual channel (they wouldn't be rated for dual channel, but don't know if that makes a difference).

Are there any problems or conflicts with these options? I'm not real well informed about dual channel so any help would be appreciated.

Thanks very much!!
Stryker

[Brown Hornet]

i would get the second stick of 512.that would leave you an open slot
just incase you may need more memory later,plus a gig is enough

[doctorgonzo]

Second stick of 512MB. "Rated for dual channel" doesn't mean a thing. Dual channel is simply a matter of having it supported by the chipset, not the RAM sticks themselves. If you do get a second stick, though, you should probably get the exact same kind as the stick you have now to minimize potential compatibility issues.

[WhatsThisBoxFor?]

For sticks to run in dual channel they need to be identical, I would get the same stick as before, and hope in runs in dual channel. If you do it the other way then you would have 512mb running in dual channel and 512mb not.

Edit: Didn't know that DoctorGonzo, thanks for the eye opener.

[Stryker]

Originally Posted by doctorgonzo "Rated for dual channel" doesn't mean a thing. Dual channel is simply a matter of having it supported by the chipset, not the RAM sticks themselves.

This is (WAS) my main concern, as I have seen "Dual Channel RAM" advertised all over the place. Wasn't aware that it really doesn't matter. So why is some RAM advertised as Dual Channel if it really makes no difference?

By the way, thanks everyone for all the input.

[WhatsThisBoxFor?]

Originally Posted by Stryker Dual Channel if it really makes no difference?

I believe they are tested to check they are compatible, but that does not really matter. Two sticks of ram of good enough.

[doctorgonzo]

Originally Posted by Stryker This is (WAS) my main concern, as I have seen "Dual Channel RAM" advertised all over the place. Wasn't aware that it really doesn't matter. So why is some RAM advertised as Dual Channel if it really makes no difference?

Those packages are usually just two matched sticks of RAM in one box. You can achieve the same effect by buying the same two sticks of RAM separately, and you will be left with an extra box to play in!

[Markoman01027]

I don't think it's possible to run two sticks of RAM in dual channel mode and one stick of ram in single mode.

it's either two sticks running in dual channel mode or four sticks running in dual channel mode, not 2 sticks running in dual channel mode and the other in single channel. But that is only what I think, I could be wrong. Somebody correct me if I am wrong.

[Stryker]

Thanks very much guys, it looks like another 512MB is the way to go. I'm just excited to finally get my system running dual channel. That single stick of RAM was getting lonley in there. Thanks again for all your help!!!

[Tin]

if youre getting another stick of KVR PC3200 you wshould go to best buy and get it. read the serial number on the memory chips on your current stick, and match them up with one at best buy. even though they may both be PC3200, they may still crap out in DC mode because of different memory chips.

[Stryker]

Originally Posted by Tin Canary read the serial number on the memory chips on your current stick, and match them up with one at best buy.

Great tip Tin Canary! I will check before I buy anything. By the way, cool Avatar... brings back memories of Autobots and Decepticons!!!