PC3200 DDR Ram Question?

[Canadianguy]

I have 1 gig(2-512) of ram already and wanting to get another gig today but confused with all these kits and running in dual channel.I thought the ram was running already in dual channel.I'm buying this other gig or 512 specfically for running BF2.Is there a way to find out what make of ram thats already runningwithout taking the case off.

Any ideas or sugg would be appreciated.

Thanks

[enaberif]

Originally Posted by Canadianguy

I have 1 gig(2-512) of ram already and wanting to get another gig today but confused with all these kits and running in dual channel.I thought the ram was running already in dual channel.I'm buying this other gig or 512 specfically for running BF2.Is there a way to find out what make of ram thats already running.

Any ideas or sugg would be appreciated.

Thanks

Dual Channel means two sticks of matched (preferred) memory running together but you need a board that supports this.

[Canadianguy]

Are you talking about hyper threading,my motherboard supports it.

Motherboard Asus P42800.

[sswilson]

The memory tab of CPU-Z will tell you if your two current sticks are running in dual channel mode....

[Canadianguy]

1 512 is pc3200 200mhz(kingston)
1 512 is pc2100 133 mhz(samsung)

Not running in dual.

Cool program.

Is there away to correct this,maybe stuck with the samsung.Friends shop built the pc.would matched memmory if i knew.is this right now running at 2100?What should I get for my gig...3200?Is any of this going to run in dual?

[3.0charlie]

As long as you have different speeds, you will not run in Dual Channel. You should buy a single PC3200 stick, replacing the PC2100 or dump both and buy a 2-stick PC3200 kit.

John

[Canadianguy]

I'm, going today to either buy a 512 or 1g of 3200,I have 1 slot left 2g's is the most it can run.If i keep the 2100 in,is this good.

[3.0charlie]

Originally Posted by Canadianguy

if i keep the 2100 is this good.

No, your speed will still be 133MHz and will have a major performance impact. You must run all sticks at the same speed.

[Canadianguy]

Okay...just went to shop and exchanged my 512(2100) and the 512(3200) plus cash down for 2 1g 3200.But now that programCPU-Z isn't showing Dual...?Slot 1 pc3200 200mhz slot 2 pc3200 200mhz

[3.0charlie]

because you have twice 512mb 3200 + twice 1gb 3200. Not the same sticks.

if only the 512mb sticks are installed, there are precise locations on the mobo in order for Dual channel to work: usually RAM slots 1-3 and 2-4.