"dual channel ddr 400"

[adrianxw]

The MoBo in one of my machine died, (an ECS P4S5A-DX), so today, I ordered a new ASUS P4S800D since it seemed to be roughly equivalent to the PAP800SE I have in this machine, which I am very happy with, (I couldn't source a P4P800SE is why I picked a different model before anyone asks).

The question I have is this board takes "dual channel ddr 400" memory. Now, I am assuming that this means it will take up to dual channel ddr 400 memory, not that it has to have that. Thus I am assuming that my existing memory, which is single channel 333MHz will work.

Is that a leap of faith too far?

 

[FlyGuy]

Your DDR333 single module will indeed work in that mobo. If you want to run dual channel you need two matched DIMMs so with just one DIMM it will work fine in single channel mode.

 

[adrianxw]

Excellent.

To take advantage of the "dual channel" then, I need another stick. By matched, do you mean another ordinary stick of 333MHz of the same size, or is there more to it then that?

 

[Anoobis]

Generally you do purchase Dual Channel Memory in "kits" that have 2 matched pairs of RAM. However, it is not written in stone that you have to buy it this way. You should at least buy memory of the same type and speed (including latency).

 

[nobly]

You should really consult the motherboard manual (available online usually) to see what RAM it is compatible with. Its very likely that it will be compatible w/ DDR333, but never hurts to double check. It will also tell you what speeds you can run dual channel in and what slots that you should use to do so.

As for matched pairs, what Anoobis said is right. You don't really need a kit, but to hopefully avoid any issues, getting the same manufacturer as well usually works for me.

 

[FlyGuy]

Yes, what they said. Dual channel kits = good. If you have one 512 stick already I say get another matching stick. If you have a 256 stick or less and can afford it a 1GB kit (2x512) will hold you over nicely until your next upgrade. Well, assuming you have like a 2.4Ghz+ Northwood proc or so.

 

[adrianxw]

The machine has, at this time, a single 256MB 333MHz stick, and has a 2.533GHz Northwood. It is not my "main" machine, it runs BOINC and has a backup Apache server on it, but really doesn't do much more.

I do have a bid on eBay for a 2.8GHz HT Northwood which would be a boost for the BOINC activity.

If I ddin't have the CPU, I'd probably be looking at an AMD upgrade.