[Solved] Dual channel RAM - mobo help

[zurich_luv]

Hi people!

Just today I purchased a custom built PC. Specs:

i7 860. Intel DP55HC board and 1333 mhz 6 GB knigston memory(2x3 modules)


now sumone in unix forum pointed out that I wont be able to use the memory unless I have another one in the same bank....this is concerning and eating me up! please help me clarify my doubts any provide solution. Thanks

Link to topic: http://forums.freebsd.org/showthread.php?p=91689&posted=1#post91689

 

[NeoValence]

Well he's only partly correct and this is why I think so. The new platform that you're on is apparently a dual channel platform. Which basically means that in order to run the memory in dual channel mode for optimal performance, either 2 or 4 RAM sticks of equal speed, timings and density need to be used. Having only 3 sticks would disallow you from running the platform in dual channel mode, though not to say everything wouldn't run just fine as it is with 3 sticks.

 

[zurich_luv]

I think he's right....coz the BIO shows as only two slots occupied against of three..as if the third module does not exist(altough it physically does).....
Will run a live cd and see what it detects.....................

 

[NeoValence]

That would indicate to me that you have either a bad memory module or a bad memory slot. Hopefully you haven't overlooked something in BIOS. Here's a link to a comparable motherboards user manual, refer to the memory installation section it basically reiterates what I mentioned before.

http://downloadmirror.intel.com/18129/eng/DP55KG_ProductGuide03_English.pdf

 

[zurich_luv]

That would indicate to me that you have either a bad memory module or a bad memory slot.

Nope luckily m right! I installed another module of 2GB DDR3 1333 mhz in the empty slot and voila now all 8 GB is visible!

 

[NeoValence]

Good, I'm glad you figured it out! According to the manual, you could have also used a single 4GB module but your way seems better