Dual channel DDR VS. Regular DDR?

[needhelpnoobie]

My motherboard says it supports DDR400 PC3200 memory. I found a deal for DDR400 PC3200 *Dual Channel* memory and I'm wondering if it will work? Whats the difference/advantages, if any, to Dual channel and will it work for an ECS 648-FX A2 motherboard?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813135217

Thanks just want to make sure before I waste money.

 

[bmouring]

Dual channel memory isn't really any different than standard DDR, it's just in the configuration and the abilities of the chipset.

Basically, dual channel is allowing the chipset to access two sticks of memory at the same time (in dual channels) and therefore allows roughly twice the memory bandwidth. Those two channels are normal DDR memory channels, there are just two of them.

As such, so-called "dual channel" kits are just two nicely matched DDR sticks, perfect for a setup like that mentioned above.

That being said, and reviewing your mobo, unless I'm missing something it is not dualchannel capable and as such you cannot enjoy the benefits of dual channel. What you will get out of it is additional memory and a slight increase in "latency" (the ammount of time required to get data flowing off of the memory). That increase in latency is usally more than overcome by a decreased need to rely on the pagefile (a type of "memory" that really is nothing more than a file on your slow, slow hard drive).

Just be sure to check whether or not the current memory you have now + total size of what you will add (dual channel kit or not) does not exceed the max listed for you motherboard in the user manual. Another idea is to check what others have to say about using that particuar brand of memory on your particular motherboard have to say, as some boards can be a little finicky about what memory you use in it.

 

[nobly]

That motherboard w/ the SiS 648FX northbridge chip, does NOT support dual channel memory.

Single Channel Memory Architecture
Single channel DDR memory architecture. Offers the maximum 3.2GB/s (DDR400).

http://www.sis.com/products/sis648fx_benefits.htm

 

[Crashman]

A dual-channel kit will work in a board that doesn't support dual channel mode.

A dual-channel kit is nothing more than a matched pair of modules. Your board will support a matched pair of modules, even if it can't make them work in dual-channel mode.

Just buy the damn stuff and use it.

 

[Crashman]

Don't confuse the poor guy, his board WILL support a dual channel memory kit, in single channel mode.

 

[nobly]

True, my post should have said "does not support dual channel mode".

 

[Crashman]

Yes, the poor guy, he apparently isn't so interested in learning about Dual-Channel mode as he is in simply making sure the memory will work (in any mode) in his system.

 

[mpjesse]

Where u been ugly?

 

[Crashman]

One day I came in and you weren't here, so I went looking for you. Not finding you elsewhere, I came back.