3gig RAM does not use dual processor?

I got a little bit confused, does dual processing only work when both RAM sticks are the same size? So if I buy 3 gig, which comes with a 1gig + 2gig stick, I will be at a disadvantage? I'm wondering if 3gig is all I need with vista 32bit, or should I just go to 4gig?

 

I upgrade my 1 GB to 2.5GB. So right now there's 512MB and a 2GB. Different sizes work.
And I've heard somewhere in the forum that 4GB of RAM would not work on Vista

 

Yes, Vista and xp both only recognize around 3 gigs of ram, UNLESS you are running the 64 bit versions (the standard version is 32 bit and that is what almost everybody has).

As for the dual processing, are you referring to dual cores? If so, it will not make much of a difference if your ram chips are the same size or different sizes.

 

Maybe he means dual channel?

 

You're confusing dual-core processing with dual-channel RAM.

Anyway, you get dual-core no matter what as long as you get a dual-core CPU. Dual-channel... with different sized sticks, some of the RAM will run in dual-channel but some won't. It's not a big deal though anyway.

For the Vista/32/64-bit stuff, see this thread:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=2876650

 

Uhhhh....dual channel only works with identically sized RAM chips on each channel. This means that you cannot have dual-channel memory running with 1GB x 2GB configuration, despite what the DELL usa site says.

You'll notice that on the Dell.ca site, they have it right, the 1GB, 2GB, and 4GB configs are stated as dual channel, whereas the 3GB option doesn't say dual channel.

As for the benefit, it is not that great over single-channel with modern computers. If you have 3GB, don't worry about going to 4GB. However, if you are planning on buying a new laptop, then order it with 1GB or 2GB and then upgrade to 4GB later. Even here is Canada a 4GB dual channel PC-800 kit is only $90CDN

 

This post can't be anymore wrong!!!!! Please don't post something that misleads people. 3 GB on Santa Rosa will run dual channel. Santa Rosa chipset features Intel Flex Memory Technology, so it will allow dual channel on different size of RAMs. For example, 3 GB RAM will run 2 GB dual channel and 1GB single channel.

 

Will it run 3 and One for 4?

 

Nope, it will run 4 for dual chanel because you have two 2 GB sticks.

 

Is the current XPS1530 based off of the Santa Rosa chipset? When I ordered mine 2GB wasn't an option because I chose the $450 off combination, so I went with 3GB instead. I hope that doesn't bite me in the ass...

 

Buy 4 GB; and it's $60 after rebate from newegg or wherever, if you can put it in yourself.

Santa-R0sa laptops running 32-bit Vista will see 3.5 GB, unless you have a serious graphics card. 64-bit will, of course, let you use all 4 GB, even if you do have 512 MB on-board your graphics card.

As others have said, your dual-CORE processor will continue to run both cores, regardless.

 

lol ......

 

Well.. you people are confussed of duel core and duel channel config.... duel core is processor config and it will run both the core regardless of each ram size or speed... but duel channel is a feature that allow processor(each of duel core or quadra) to use sperate ram stick as there own ram allocation for appllication thread....so for optimum uses both of the ram size and speed should be matched.. but Santa roza platform can use the duel channel feature even if the Ram size or speed are different but uses the lower speed or size avalilable....i e if you have 2gb+1 gb Ram then processor will use 1gb+1gb as duel channel and rest of 1gb as extra memory... thats why in practicle uses you never find any speed or performance boost as the last 1gb is never use unless 2gb is full..

 

Can you match a third party brand memory stick with the 2gb from Dell, or does it have to be the same? Do I have to get the 4gb at the same time made by the same manufacturer or can I buy a 2gb stick and use it with the one in the Dell?

 

I stand corrected and I apologize. I haven't done much research on the Santa Rosa and up until it was released my post would have been true.

Thanks for clearing that up.

 

It would still be wrong. Dual channel works even with earlier chipsets (ie 945)and different sized dimms. I have posted at least 5 times the same thing but it seems that people don't bother doing a search before they post something that they are not sure about.

 

It doesn't specifically have to be Dell's but it does have to be the same ranked DIMMs. I purchased a Dell with 512MB and added a crucial 512 MB DIMM. It ran dual Channel.

I purchased 2 identical part numbers from BestBuy - same SKU, same part number, only one had its label colored orange and the other's label was colored red. When I put them into the machine, the machine said it was running single-channel and said one DIMM was single-ranked, and one was dual.

Bottom Line: Buy reputable RAM from a reputable place and hope for the best.