Installing new RAM - do I have to format and re-setup?

[Goenitz196]

I'm about to change my RAM to dual-channel (2x256MB), and I know that it doesn't require a format and re-setup. However the thing is, because my current setup has only 1 stick of RAM (512MB), will there be any disadvantages or slowdowns when I put the new RAM in? I'm saying this because I'm not sure whether you have to setup Windows with the RAM already installed to get the full effects of the RAM.

Thanks.

 

[bcastner]

It is completely up to your motherboard and BIOS. The only Windows issue is its size.

 

[jsauce]

I've never heard of anyone that needed to format because they installed new ram. The hard disk has nothing to do with RAM. Any intellgent operating system will adjust to the change just fine. Replacing the motherboard now thats a different story.

John D. Saucier
jsauce@magicguild.com
Certified Technician
Network Administrator

 

[paparazi]

Everything will automatically be detected and on post it should say say something like "Dual channel activated".
I hope you aren't expecting too much from this change, running dual channel, despite the hype, has very minimal effects on performance.
I remember reading Toms Hardware tests on Nforce2 motherboards and the differance was less than 2% (about the same gain you would probably get from adding another 256 stick to the 512 you already have.
If these two replacement sticks are low cas latency Corsair XMS or similar (Cas 2) then the quicker memory timings will definately benefit far more than activating the dual channel facility.
Obviously running dual channel with fast low cas latencey memory will give you the fastest possible configuration.
Martin

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

 

[Goenitz196]

paparazi:
Well, here's my specs: -

Asus P4P800 Deluxe BIOS 1009
Pentium 4 2.8cGhz 800FSB
512MB DDR2700 333Mhz Kingston Value Ram

Because of the single stick RAM I'm only running at 320Mhz, as the Asus motherboard adjusts DDR PC2700 RAM down to 320Mhz instead of the RAM stock speed 333Mhz. As my P4 CPU runs at 800Mhx FSB, I'm wasting 480Mhz, which is quite a lot. The RAM I'm getting is the OCZ 2x256MB PC3700 Gold dual RAM, which runs at 466Mhz, this is because I'm going to overclock. Surely even without the overclock it'll make a difference of more that 2%?!

 

[jsauce]

Here is one of those things i dont get. Overclocking was useful when the chips were slow, like a 200mhz or something but jeez. You say you have a 2.8Ghz with an 800FSB, why do you need to overclock? You will just end up reducing the life of your processor for no reason, not to mention increase the chance of burnout considering that the newer processors run at much hotter temperatures.

John D. Saucier
jsauce@magicguild.com
Certified Technician
Network Administrator

 

[Jontmke]

I think those numbers are confusing you a little. They can be. Even thought the cpu runs at 800 it is doubling the FSB which is 400. So you only need to run your memory at 400. While the upgrade will help a little it will not be noticeable in everyday use. Only in a benchmark will you see anything and that will be 5%. If that.

Jon

There is much pleasure to be gained from useless knowledge. (Bertrand Russell)