One dual channel RAM with a single channel RAM

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piyushraut22

Jun 19, 2018
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I have one primary dual channel 4GB DDR3 RAM in my laptop.
And I am planning to upgrade it by adding another spare RAM which I have.
The spare RAM is 2GB DDR3L but with single channel.
Can I use a dual channel RAM in one slot with a single channel RAM in the other slot.
Any performance issues ?
 
Solution
Phillip Corcoran
There is no such thing as "dual channel RAM" or "single channel RAM" - - - it is all just RAM.

You can buy a matched pair or a kit to ensure that it operates in dual-channel mode, but the individual RAM modules themselves are not called dual-channel.

Once installed however, RAM operates in either single-channel or dual-channel mode depending on a number of factors.

There will be performance issues if you mix a 2GB module with a 4GB module because you won't be getting the performance benefits of dual-channel mode. For that you have to use identical matching modules.

If you don't care about that, well you can still mix them. Just don't expect any big performance boost. You really ought to buy a matched pair of 2 x 4GB at least...
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Phillip Corcoran

Phillip Corcoran

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Sep 7, 2013
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There is no such thing as "dual channel RAM" or "single channel RAM" - - - it is all just RAM.

You can buy a matched pair or a kit to ensure that it operates in dual-channel mode, but the individual RAM modules themselves are not called dual-channel.

Once installed however, RAM operates in either single-channel or dual-channel mode depending on a number of factors.

There will be performance issues if you mix a 2GB module with a 4GB module because you won't be getting the performance benefits of dual-channel mode. For that you have to use identical matching modules.

If you don't care about that, well you can still mix them. Just don't expect any big performance boost. You really ought to buy a matched pair of 2 x 4GB at least, and sell or scrap the two modules you already have.
 
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