Does single channel memory make a huge difference?

bnewlands32 · Mar 1, 2017

I need more RAM and was wondering is single channel memory noticeably slower than dual channel? I'm pretty sure I saw it was around 10% slower once, but is that noticeable in most situations?

weberdarren97 · Mar 1, 2017

Depends. Since RAM feeds data to the CPU, it makes sense that it makes the most difference during times of high CPU load. Unsurprisingly, this is actually the case.

Those moments when you're screaming at your PC because the CPU can't keep up... Single channel memory will only make it take longer to catch up with the work you've given it to do.

bnewlands32 · Mar 1, 2017

weberdarren97 :

I don't generally run into issues where my cpu is slow, only really for a few minutes on startup. So you are saying this would probably be noticeable during really CPU intensive games or no, because RAM isn't relied on too much in games right?

HEXiT · Mar 1, 2017

in testing there was little to no difference between 1 and 2 sticks when ddr3 and faster are used.
basically in games a single stick of 8 gig performed better by about 1%
and in productivity where bandwidth is more beneficial 2 4gig sticks edged out a small 1-2% performance gain.

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/does-dual-channel-memory-make-difference-in-gaming-performance/7/

http://www.gamersnexus.net/guides/1349-ram-how-dual-channel-works-vs-single-channel?showall=1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nSX2taw-Y4

all came to the same conclusion...

InvalidError · Mar 1, 2017

The performance difference in most everyday use is indeed typically in the 5-10% range, but it can be much larger in scenarios that greatly emphasize worst-case scenarios such as 99th percentile frame time in game benchmarks where the differences can exceed 30%.

bnewlands32 · Mar 1, 2017

HEXiT :

so it doesn't really make a difference? I just need more because Just Cause 3 says I don't meet system requirements, even though I do, I saw that it has problems when only 8 gigs of RAM are used, so should I just add another 4 Gb stick or pay double for the 2x4 set?

weberdarren97 · Mar 1, 2017

bnewlands32, you put your response before the /quotemsg tag. It's easier to read if you update your post to put your response after the tag so it doesn't blend together with what HEXiT said.

You don't have to if you don't want, I just figured I'd let you know.

bnewlands32 · Mar 1, 2017

weberdarren97 :

whoops didn't see that, thanks! it should be better now

weberdarren97 · Mar 1, 2017

bnewlands32 :

I can't vote up because this is a discussion and not a question, so consider this reply a thumbs up from me.

weberdarren97 · Mar 1, 2017

So I take it that we're mostly in agreement that it's when the CPU has complex work to do that the difference is most noticeable?

I usually go with dual channel even on machines that I don't intend to push very hard at all. It just comforts me to know that the extra bandwidth is there in case I'd ever try to edit videos with my Celeron 1037u machine. Why would I do that when I have a 6700K machine and am planning a Ryzen build? Because I can. I love testing. Really, I love almost every part of researching the way technology works and how it responds to different situations or conditions.

bnewlands32 · Mar 1, 2017

weberdarren97 :

I don't have a lot of spare money right now so should I buy a single stick then in a few weeks buy another?

weberdarren97 · Mar 1, 2017

bnewlands32 :

I don't recommend this. Mixing memory is hit and miss. Even two of the same sticks may not be compatible with each other. Even if they're compatible enough to boot, they may produce seemingly unpredictable behavior and general system instabilities. I call this a ghost in the machine.

The only way to guarantee that multiple sticks are compatible with each other is to buy them as a kit.

bnewlands32 · Mar 1, 2017

weberdarren97 :

bnewlands32 :

I don't recommend this. Mixing memory is hit and miss. Even two of the same sticks may not be compatible with each other. Even if they're compatible enough to boot, they may produce seemingly unpredictable behavior and general system instabilities. I call this a ghost in the machine.

The only way to guarantee that multiple sticks are compatible with each other is to buy them as a kit.

even if they are the exact same speed, brand etc? what would happen if they weren't compatible, or acted weird in a system?

Thanks for all the help by the way!

weberdarren97 · Mar 1, 2017

bnewlands32 :

1) Manufacturers change internal processes quite often. Two sticks made only one day apart may not be fully compatible.
2a) If they aren't compatible at all, the system will fail to boot. You'll be left without a display until you remove the problem stick of memory.
2b) If they're only slightly incompatible, the system will boot and appear to be stable. After a seemingly random amount of time, you may start seeing seeming random error messages and/or the system may crash. There may or may not be a pattern as to what programs or commands cause the errors. Hence why I call it a ghost in the machine.

None of these issues will cause any real damage to the machine. The problems will disappear once the problem stick of memory is removed from the system.

Sometimes, Windows becomes super confused when memory is removed after a memory caused crash. In which case, you may need to rebuild the virtual memory file known as pagefile.sys, which is relatively easy and does not require opening the machine.

bnewlands32 · Mar 1, 2017

weberdarren97 :

bnewlands32 :

1) Manufacturers change internal processes quite often. Two sticks made only one day apart may not be fully compatible.
2a) If they aren't compatible at all, the system will fail to boot. You'll be left without a display until you remove the problem stick of memory.
2b) If they're only slightly incompatible, the system will boot and appear to be stable. After a seemingly random amount of time, you may start seeing seeming random error messages and/or the system may crash. There may or may not be a pattern as to what programs or commands cause the errors. Hence why I call it a ghost in the machine.

None of these issues will cause any real damage to the machine. The problems will disappear once the problem stick of memory is removed from the system.

Sometimes, Windows becomes super confused when memory is removed after a memory caused crash. In which case, you may need to rebuild the virtual memory file known as pagefile.sys, which is relatively easy and does not require opening the machine.

Thanks! So I should just buy a 16 gigabyte kit, rather than adding more to my current even though the problems seem easy to fix?

weberdarren97 · Mar 1, 2017

-clip- quotes were getting a bit congested.

bnewlands32 :

That would be my recommendation.

bnewlands32 · Mar 1, 2017

weberdarren97 :

okay that's what i will do. I would choose yours as the solution but it's a discussion. I really appreciate it!

weberdarren97 · Mar 1, 2017

bnewlands32 :

If you would like to be able to vote and select Best Answers, always make sure that the check box labeled "Request Solutions to this thread (not a discussion)" is checked before you publish your thread.

I know moderators have a lot of power on these forums, but I don't know if they can change the type of thread once it's already been published. Plus, I'd rather not annoy them with such a non-important task. They've got better things to do, like keeping spammers under control.

InvalidError · Mar 1, 2017

weberdarren97 :

Now you (and I) know

bnewlands32 · Mar 2, 2017

weberdarren97 :

i know and if you look at the original post, i kinda wanted it to be a discussion about the speed of single vs dual channel, but it kind of turned into a question.

bnewlands32 · Mar 26, 2017

I know this is a while after but I have been thinking about this and looking into my RAM and it has a lifetime warranty, so if i just added another 8 GB kit and they turned out to be incompatible, couldn't I just return it until the are compatible, saying they did not work?

InvalidError · Mar 26, 2017

If the DIMMs work fine on their own but don't want to work together, the manufacturer may deny the warranty claim as the DIMMs themselves are defect-free. Some vendors do RMA upgrades and may let you return your two incompatible same-vendor DIMMs for a dual-channel kit for a modest fee.

weberdarren97 · Mar 26, 2017

InvalidError :

This is true. Unless the memory is actually faulty (an incompatibility is not a fault), then many manufacturers won't let you claim a defect.

InvalidError · Mar 26, 2017

And if you replace one incompatible DIMM from the same model with an RMA of the same model, chances are your luck might not be any better.

By lowering the memory clock, increasing timings and bumping voltage up slightly, you may be able to get troublesome DIMM combinations to work together.

bnewlands32 · Mar 26, 2017

InvalidError :

Couldn't I just claim they did not work and they will send me new ones if I return them? That is how most companies do returns but I've never had to return or exchange any computer parts before.

Does single channel memory make a huge difference?

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