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[Solved] 4 GB Dual Channel Memory vs 6 GB??

Forum Motherboards & Memory : Memory - [Solved] 4 GB Dual Channel Memory vs 6 GB??

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Best answer from Kenshin112.

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Paul22000   09-14-2009 at 02:30:24 AM

I've read that the best performance is to have two sticks of the same memory in the appropriate slots for "dual channel" mode or something. However, is it better to have 2 sticks of 2GB in dual channel mode, or 3 sticks of 2 GB? (All will run in DDR 800 MHz)


Message edited by Paul22000 on 09-14-2009 at 02:33:24 AM
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Best answer from Kenshin112
OH well that all depends on your memory usage. It will be slightly faster to have run the memory in dual channel mode, but you will have less resources, it's as simple as that. Do you often find yourself running low with 4gb? then it's probably worth it to use 6. If you only use around 3 however, you might as well stick with 4gb. If you want a more definite answer then i suggest running some benchies with both setups ;)
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Kenshin112   09-14-2009 at 02:34:41 AM

to achieve dual channel functionality, you must either install 2 or 4 DIMMS. Using 3 will result in single channel memory usage.

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Paul22000   09-14-2009 at 02:36:44 AM

Quote :

to achieve dual channel functionality, you must either install 2 or 4 DIMMS. Using 3 will result in single channel memory usage.



I think you read the question a bit too fast there ; )

I KNOW you must have 2 or 4 DIMMS for dual channel memory. I am asking whether it is better performance to have two DIMMS in dual channel memory (4 GB) vs 6 GB of NOT dual channel memory?

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Kenshin112   09-14-2009 at 02:41:58 AM
Best answer

OH well that all depends on your memory usage. It will be slightly faster to have run the memory in dual channel mode, but you will have less resources, it's as simple as that. Do you often find yourself running low with 4gb? then it's probably worth it to use 6. If you only use around 3 however, you might as well stick with 4gb. If you want a more definite answer then i suggest running some benchies with both setups ;)

Reply to Kenshin112
mindless728   09-14-2009 at 03:26:15 AM

at the same hand, memory is cheap, if you need more than 4GB of memory, go for 8GB (this way you don't lose the dual channel)

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reconviperone1   09-14-2009 at 03:39:27 AM

If you are talking 2x 2gb, and 2x 1gb, and they all have the same speed, then it will run in dual channel as long as you put the right sticks in the right slot, but like the guy said, memory is so cheap, just go for 8gb.


Message edited by reconviperone1 on 09-14-2009 at 03:40:35 AM
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