Dual Channel Memory

[Twiggz]

I'm upgrading to a Gigabyte Nvidia nForce 2 400 Ultra Motherboard and would like to take advantage of the Dual Channel Memory Controller but I'm not sure about what memory to install.

I'm going for two Transcend 256Mb CAS CL2 cards.

My Question is: Is there special "Dual Channel" Memory or is it the same as normal RAM?

 

[cdogg]

No, you don't need special memory modules. Just be sure to get a matching set!


~cdogg
[tab]"The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources"
[tab][tab]- A. Einstein

 

[paparazi]

cdogg is correct, just a matching pair.
I actually bought my two sticks of 512 PC3200 at differant times and so couldn't get an identical match, what I did was to check the chip type and model (both infineon with the same chip modules one was Kingston the other Crucial) and although not the same configuration on the memory strips, the motherboard detects them in slots 1&3 and runs in dual channel just fine. Martin

Replying helps further our knowledge, without comment leaves us wondering.

 

[Twiggz]

Hey, thanks guys! That was something most so called "Computer Salesman" couldn't answer! That has cleared up things for me.

Thanks again! Twiggz

 

[alexadi]

No need for identical sizes.
You can use a 256MB chip and a 128MB chip in dual chanel just as well.
The board will use 256MB in dual channel mode and 128MB in single channel mode.

The reason for this: dual channel means the ability of a motherboard to use two memory controllers simultaneously to access information. The data is stored(spread) on both memory chips and using both memory controllers it can be retrieved twice as fast.
So if you have 256+128, the first 128MB from the first chip and all the 128MB from the second chip can be used in dual channel mode.
It even says that in the bios.