Author Topic: Dual channel 512 MB vs 768 MB (Read 237 times)

Stone · « **on:** April 11, 2006, 10:57:58 AM »

I now have 2 * 256MB DDR 400MHz memory that is dual channel.

My MOBO has place for 3 memory modules (ABIT NF7-S2).

I think, that if I add a third 256MB module, the dual channel stops working ?

Now I am not realy sure what this dual channel effect is on FPS in AH2.

But if the system slows down because of the dual channel thing, maybe I should not add a third memory module?

Any ideas ?

MrRiplEy[H] · « **Reply #1 on:** April 11, 2006, 01:26:13 PM »

Most likely you'll gain more than you lose by adding that ram. Go for it.

jtdragon · « **Reply #2 on:** April 11, 2006, 01:30:00 PM »

did not help with AH when I added to mine.
go to two 512's price is way down

Stone · « **Reply #3 on:** April 11, 2006, 03:44:35 PM »

Im not sure if adding memory will help the FPS tho...

Taskmanager claims that I now in windows only use 200MB RAM and that the peek memory usage is ~400MB. That is after playing AH for hours.

In game there is also constantly free memory, so I dont know why adding memory would actualy help...

Kev367th · « **Reply #4 on:** April 11, 2006, 05:33:53 PM »

If I remember right -

With 3 slots -
2 slots = 1st channel, 1 slot = 2nd channel (or vice versa depending on board)

Put your 2x256mb in the channel with 2 slots.
Put a single 512mb DIMM in the other single slot channel.

Viola - retains dual channel capability, but at a cost. You usually have to set your memory command rate to 2T.
Also for that board 3 DIMMs can only run at DDR333 not DDR400.

Main rule is - Single DIMM must be equal in size to the combined size of the two smaller DIMMS.

Best bet - Pick up a couple of 512mb DIMMs and consign your 256Mb ones to the spares box.