How would single channel memory affect a mobile Core i5?

[frontier204]

Hi all,

Has anyone benchmarked single vs dual channel on a DUAL-CORE mobile Core i5 or something similarly low-end like a desktop Core i3 processor? I'd like to know if a Core i5-2410M (2.3-2.9GHz, with 2x2 threads due to HT) would take a significant performance hit on SMP FOLDING due to only having one 4 GB SODIMM equipped. There's no doubt that a quad gets hit, even RAM speed makes a difference, but what about a duo?

I bought a laptop with a newer mobile Core i5 (2410M dual 2.3-2.9 GHz), but I know by the specs that it starts with only 1 out of 2 DIMMs populated. I know I don't need more than 4 GB for what I do, but I may get another DIMM for the speed.

Thanks!

Note I'll ignore anyone who says folding on laptops sucks because I had my laptop folding on the table beside my in a hotel room during the CC. This new laptop also has a GeForce GT525M and I plan to get that folding too, even if it means a pile of headaches due to Optimus

The laptop is a Samsung QX411: Samsung 14.1" Intel Core i5-2410M Laptop (QX411) - Metalic Silver : 14" Laptops - Future Shop

[LarkStarr]

Id imagine ram speed making a difference, yes, but adding more channels, not so much. the adding of more channels just gives the ability to access more sticks at one time (i.e 1 stick per clock cycle, 2 sticks per clock cycle), increasing bandwidth (amount of data transferred) but the speed at which those sticks are accessed and said data is transferred is still the same.

[ZZLEE]

my previous build ran 3 or 6 GB in duel all its life. X58 i7.

[JJThomp]

It's not that it sucks it's just that laptops can get really dusty inside especially if they are running hard 24/7. Not to mention they produce tons of heat and can overheat quite easily especially if not on a cooling rack.

Unfortunately I don't know the answer to your question though :(

[frontier204]

Thanks for all the replies.
I'll just keep my laptop the way it is unless there's a sale on SODIMMS from a half-decent brand, in which case I'll upgrade just because.
My laptop sits on an Antec cooling pad with a 200mm fan and I actually remember to blast the dust out periodically, either every four months or when I hear the fan ramping up to a higher level than usual (whichever comes first).