dual channel ram question

If i have a 2 x 512mb sticks of ddr2 pc5300 and then replace one 512mb stick with a 1gb stick (totaling 1.5gb), i won't be able to run those in dual channel anymore would I? Also, does it matter if they're the same speed but different brands? Would that affect performance or compatibility?

 

I'm pretty sure you wouldn't be able to run in DC mode because it has to have everything the same down to the hairs on your rams chin. Yes it does matter, and i've heard that having non-matching cards will actually slow you down so your not getting the speed-up you want.

 

Well the only difference will be brand. The speeds will remain the same (ddr2 667). I read on wikipedia that only the speed needs to be the same to prevent bottlenecking. However, i'm still a bit confused regarding dual channel. If my laptop only has 2 ram slots then is dc even possible? If dc is possible, then do both dimms HAVE to be matching size?

 

I think you should pay a visit to this website, to check if your comp is DDR2 compatible, and what type of memory is best. That might clear up some confusion as it did for me. Open up IE, and do the Scan then come back with your findings so we can help you more.

 

Just check my signature. I have 2 x 512 ddr2 667mhz. However, my core duo t2050 has a 533mhz front side bus so there's no point in 667mhz ram. I think i might just get 2 x 1gb of ddr2 533mhz. I am correct in this logic, no?

 

Yes your right. I don't know about buses but i know that many people say that the speed increase of 667mh is taken away by increased latency or something. So i guess you should go for 533mhz unless there is a price difference.

 

eh now the only thing holding me back from buying 2 gigs is the fact that i'll have no clue what to do with the 2 x 512mb sticks i take out. i don't have any other laptops to install them into. any suggestions?

 

Well you could either sell them on ebay, or the buy it sell it forums here, or give 'em to me. I'm always in the need for parts. But i would suggest going with selling it on ebay, or the forums. That way you get some cash back from your 2GB purchase. I don't recommend keeping them since prices are going down fast so sell now or forever keep your ram.

 

hmm good idea i'll try the forums here

 

Good luck. Don't expect to get much though. I've seen 1GB sticks for 35.50ea brand new.

 

If you do the 1.5gig setup yeah your going to lose dual channel, but its not a big deal it would still be an upgrade not a downgrade.

Best thing to do is get 2 x 1gb and get youself 2gb of ram wich is a nice sweet spot (esp vista) and still have DC.

Brands are the name on the ram, chances are your going to end up with identical IC's or internal circuts even if you choose to go with diffrent brands. Only thing to worry about is if one stick is a lower quality than the other (like higher latencies) its going to slow the faster stick down to match it.

Nothing to worry about unless you are going to overclock your ram, and the performance loss again would be un noticible even if you have one slower than the other.

 

Hmmm i spent 20 minutes trying to remove a single screw from the compartment that holds the ram. Now i've scraped it so badly that it's not even an X shape anymore... it's like a blob. Great. Second time this has happened. First time was with a Dell Inspiron 2650. I wish manufacturer's wouldn't screw them in so tightly.

 

did your screwdriver have a good fit?

dont try to make one work that doesnt ;P

Id fix it with my dremel probably if I was in your situation, that or drill it out carefully.

 

Dual channel is possible on your notebook. The other thing is that it can is possible with different densities. That means that if you go for one 1 GB mobule, and another 512 MB module, those modules will run in asynchronus dual channel. Its not true dual channel, but its still increases bandwidth. Nonetheless, dual channel has little to no performance increase.

 

GAH nothing will undo the screw on the ram compartment. I've tried multiple screwdrivers and even a power drill. NOTHINＧ WORKS. And yes i am using the correct size. Now the screw is so terribly dull that it's basically impossible to get it out without breaking something. Somebody please say i'm wrong.