Samsung NP305V5A-A0CUS - Dual Channel Memory not working

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DukeEdwardI

DukeEdwardI

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Dec 3, 2014
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I have a Samsung NP305V5A-A0CUS laptop with an AMD A6-3410MX APU (Radeon 6520g graphics).

I read a couple of reports around the web indicating that an AMD APU with 8GB of RAM running in dual channel mode may potentially provide a decent boost in game performance. I purchased a 4GB stick of RAM in July, and only just got around to buying another 4GB stick yesterday (both are Crucial).

I popped them in and checked CPU-Z, but the 'DC' and 'Channel #' boxes are greyed out. I did a memory speed test (using PassMark software) and there's definitely an improvement in read speed/operations per second/latency, but I'm still doubting since I have no way to tell if DC mode is actually enabled. The 4GB stick I bought in July is model #: CT5126BF160B-M16F while the 4GB stick I bought yesterday is model #: CT5126BF160B-C16F. Both sticks of RAM have the exact same specs down to the latency, timings and voltage. That one letter difference in the model number couldn't be the problem that's preventing my system from telling me if I'm running in DC mode, could it?

(Also, I'm having trouble finding any info on if my laptop is even capable of DC mode or not. The only source I can find is some Samsung rep on a Walmart answers page. I just assumed any laptop made in 2012 would be capable of running memory in DC mode. Maybe I was wrong.)
 
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bootcher

bootcher

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Feb 22, 2013
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When starting up the BIOS screen should state whether or not the memory is working in dual channel. From windows you can try other software to check, maybe cpu-z just isn't reading it right.
I wouldn't worry much even if it didn't work, that 1-2% performance increase usually will not make a difference in real life.

edit: from your laptop's manual it states that it does support memory running in dual channel. Even so it might not work because of the memory type isn't supported in dual channel.
 
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DukeEdwardI

DukeEdwardI

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@bootcher
When starting, there is no info display, just a big Samsung logo plastered on the screen for a second.

The only reason why I'm sweating it a little is because from what I've read, AMD APUs actually benefit a lot more from a dual channel setup than most. The 6520g integrated graphics uses the system RAM as its VRAM and the increased speed from a dual channel setup has a direct effect on performance in games. This is what I've read at least. And games do noticeably smoother with 8GB vs 4GB. Still drops 10-20+ FPS once anything starts to happen, so that's still the same.

What do you mean, "the memory type isn't supported in dual channel?" Do you mean the brand of the RAM? Or that it's 12800 and the mobo is only capable of 10600? I figured most mobos usually automatically downclock RAM to whatever it's max capability is.
 
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bootcher

bootcher

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Feb 22, 2013
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You should configure your bios to show post screen and not the splash screen. That way you might be able to verify whether it's running in dual or single channel mode.

By not supported I mean sometimes some ram brands are incompatible with the motherboard to run on dual channel. It is rare though, it should just run on dual channel.

The fact that you have 8gb instead of 4 helps alot with game performance on your system, since there is more ram free for system and videoram. So performance increase is because of doubling the amount of ram, and not necessarily due to do dual channel.
 
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DukeEdwardI

DukeEdwardI

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My BIOS doesn't have an option to show the post screen, which is really stupid, but what can you do.

I did eventually find a program that confirms I am, in fact, running my RAM in dual channel mode. I downloaded AIDA64 Extreme. I don't understand why CPU-Z or my BIOS wouldn't display this information, but whatever, I now know and can stop worrying.

Thanks for your input, bootcher.
 
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