Dual channel Kits

[no_one]

I want to by 2x1024 GB ddr2 pc6400 and i want to run them in dual channel mode
which is the advantage if i buy a dual channel kit (2X1024gb) rather than 2 single modules but the same brand and specifications (identical memories) ??
I have on my computer 1 gb ddr2 Corsair pc6400 800mhz, should i buy another identical 1gb of memory ? or should i buy a dual channel kit ?

 

[arges86]

the dual channel kits are the same as buying two 1 gb sticks separately, just their a little cheaper when bundled. I'd recommend buying one more 1 gig stick.

 

[B-Unit]

Generaly you can get the kit a little cheaper. Also many memory makers guarantee that the kit will run in dual channel.

 

[Zorg]

It used to be that the sticks in the kits were matched sets, which used to be more important. I don't know that they really matched them though. Depending on your mobo, assuming that it is a relatively current Intel, you won't need to even match the size of the sticks. I would get one as close as possible to what you have just for compatibility reasons. You do need to match the rated voltage though.

If you have an Intel mobo that takes 2GB sticks, I would junk the 1GB and buy 2 x 2GB DDR2 800 @ 1.8V. DDR2 is so cheap these days.

 

[4745454b]

I'm going to vote for the 2x2GB option that wasn't listed. This will max out your windows assuming you are running 32bit XP/Vista. Yes this means you won't be able to use all four gigs, but you won't have to worry about upgrading your ram ever again. (at least for this machine...) The other bright side is that is semi cheap, and the prices of DDR2 will only go up with the adoption of DDR3. Its $50, thats more then the $10-20 for a single stick, but possibly worth it depending on how long you'll use the machine.

 

[no_one]

It used to be that the sticks in the kits were matched sets, which used to be more important. I don't know that they really matched them though. Depending on your mobo, assuming that it is a relatively current Intel, you won't need to even match the size of the sticks. I would get one as close as possible to what you have just for compatibility reasons. You do need to match the rated voltage though.

If you have an Intel mobo that takes 2GB sticks, I would junk the 1GB and buy 2 x 2GB DDR2 800 @ 1.8V. DDR2 is so cheap these days.

I could buy 2x2GB, I know that are cheap, but I want to run windows xp and it recognize max. 3.5GB as far as I know.. and if I have 2X2GB=4GB and don't know if windows will use this sticks in dual channel, what I really don't understand is the way which windows will choose to split the 3.5GB of memory
1) 3.5GB = 2x 1.75GB
or
2) 3.5GB = 2X 1GB (dual channel) and 1GB in single channel after I run more than 2GB of RAM (the 2nd option could be a stupid thinking.., but I really don't know)
?

 

[no_one]

I was wrong in my previous reply..
at the 2nd option I want to say 3.5GB = 2x1GB(dual channel) + 1.5GB (single channel)
?

 

[doormatderek]

I was wrong in my previous reply..
at the 2nd option I want to say 3.5GB = 2x1GB(dual channel) + 1.5GB (single channel)
?

Go for the 4gb. XP only recognizes 3.25gb for me but I have noticed a difference from 2gb. Only really during gaming mind you. You won't be disappointed. and I thought all channels had to be used to do 'dual channel'...? not 1 or 3 but 2 or 4 slots atta time?

 

[4745454b]

2x2GBs will run in dual channel. The limit of windows simply means a part of that 4GBs won't be usable because that address space is being used for other things. Its not a bad thing to run the 2x1GB, but if you need more ram later on, it might cost a bit more.

 

[Zorg]

What 4745454b said, whatever is available to Windows will run in dual channel.
2 x 2GB is definitely the way to go.