dual channel RAM config?
 

Hey there, Just a simple question about dual channel memory, I have a comp with 4 slots and it has a 512 stick of RAM already in it. I've bought 2 dual channel 1 gig sticks and was wondering: do I need to put the 2 1 gig sticks in alone to benefit from the dual channel architecture? or can I put the 512 in the third slot and still benefit?

kind regards, Alex

As far as I know, you'll need to put the two 1GB sticks in slots 1 and 3 or 2 and 4. The placement of the 512 shouldn't matter after that.

Yes, you have to remove the 512mb stick to benefit from the dual channel. As regards to which slots you put it in, they usually are color coded; if not, then look in your manual.

Also, you won't be able to tell a NOTICEABLE difference from "dual channel" operation. I personally think you'll benefit more from the extra 512mb stick especially if you use memory intensive programs.

Guess I overestimated the usefullness of the dual channel architecture, Thanks for the info, think I'll just put the 2 1 gigs in 1 and 2 then the 512 in the third. the performance should be much better compared to 512mb alone anyways, and I'm using Vista which seems to mean that everythings memory intensive...and CPU intensive and just seems to unnecessarily use every system resource it can get hold of, Thanks again for the information, much appreciated.