Ram capacity mystery, how much can I put in the system.

Meghansuncle2 · Jul 25, 2014

I bought a Gateway sx2850-33 computer a while back, the specs for which are in part, as follows:

Intel H57 Express Chipset
4GB DDR3 Memory

Specifications:
Operating Systems: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit
Memory Type: DDR3
Memory Speed: PC3-10600
Memory Speed MHz: 1333MHz
Total Memory Size: 4GB
Memory Slots (Total): 4
Memory Slots (Available): 2
Memory Configuration: 2 x 2GB
Maximum Memory Supported: 8GB

Page I got them from: http://www.ascendtech.us/gateway-sx2850-33-i3-550-3-2ghz-4gb-ddr3_i_pcgatsx285033w7.aspx

Now, the question (actually 2 questions):

1) Why is the max memory not 16gb since 4gb modules exist and there are 4 slots?
2) Why are the current modules in opposing banks and not the same bank?

I don't know much about the subject but it seems it would be a good idea to at least get the fundamentals. Thanks in advance for turning on the light bulb above my head.

drkatz42 · Jul 25, 2014

Meghansuncle2 :

1) various chipsets have limitations on the amount of ram they can support.
2) putting dims in opposing banks allows for dual channel memory operation which improves performance over single channel.

Meghansuncle2 · Jul 25, 2014

Meghansuncle2 :

Do you think it's possible to put 2 4gb modules in and not exceed the 8gb limit but still allow for dual channel operation? Or does some hardware only support 2gb modules max? I'm trying to get a handle on why there are 4 slots, but an 8gb limit when 4gb modules exist. If the chipset only allows 8gb max (I've seen other specs with the same intel mb/chipset that max at 16gb) I just want to understand why.

Pinhedd · Jul 25, 2014

Meghansuncle2 :

It may support 16GiB, but 4GiB modules (8 * 2 gigabit DRAM ICs * 2 ranks per DIMM) were scarce when the 5 series chipsets were released. Support may have been added in a later or simply omitted from the documentation. Check with the manufacturer to be certain if you're curious.

I do know that many of the 5 series platforms do not support the high density 4 gigabit DRAM ICs which are used in 4GiB value DIMMs (8 * 2 gigabit DRAM ICs * 1 rank per DIMM) and 8GiB DIMMs (2 ranks per DIMM).

Meghansuncle2 · Jul 25, 2014

Pinhedd :

Meghansuncle2 :

It may support 16GiB, but 4GiB modules (8 * 2 gigabit DRAM ICs * 2 ranks per DIMM) were scarce when the 5 series chipsets were released. Support may have been added in a later or simply omitted from the documentation. Check with the manufacturer to be certain if you're curious.

I do know that many of the 5 series platforms do not support the high density 4 gigabit DRAM ICs which are used in 4GiB value DIMMs (8 * 2 gigabit DRAM ICs * 1 rank per DIMM) and 8GiB DIMMs (2 ranks per DIMM).

so it's the mb chipset that dictates what is supported or BIOS too?

Pinhedd · Jul 25, 2014

Meghansuncle2 :

Pinhedd :

Meghansuncle2 :

It may support 16GiB, but 4GiB modules (8 * 2 gigabit DRAM ICs * 2 ranks per DIMM) were scarce when the 5 series chipsets were released. Support may have been added in a later or simply omitted from the documentation. Check with the manufacturer to be certain if you're curious.

I do know that many of the 5 series platforms do not support the high density 4 gigabit DRAM ICs which are used in 4GiB value DIMMs (8 * 2 gigabit DRAM ICs * 1 rank per DIMM) and 8GiB DIMMs (2 ranks per DIMM).

so it's the mb chipset that dictates what is supported or BIOS too?

both

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