DDR memory question...

[tsantsa]

Ok, so my mobo (soltek 75frn) has 3 memory slots for it's memory. I am using the 2 outer slots (2x256=512) and this setup enable ddr. If I were to get a 512 stick and pop it in the center, thus losing ddr capability, would I see and overall increase in performance or would losing the ddr have an impact...
My brain tells me that I will gain overall, but that means nothing since I don't know what effect it may have.

Also, does the whole DDR ram thing really do much?

[bazooka]

Yes the ddr does wonders.

DDR stands for double data rate.

Putting a stick in the middle does not mean you lose capability.

[tsantsa]

post removed

[glockjs]

i think i read somewhere that you can still have dual channel with 3 sticks. i was kinda curious myself. when i had 3 sticks of pc3200 in mine it still lit up as dual channel. i think the rule of thumb is a min of 2

[Cobra]

I have an Asus board with three sticks in it. Two are dual-channel and one is a standard PC3200 module. I still run dual-channel no bother - even shows up in the POST (Power-On Self Test).

DDR means Double Data Rate. This is different to dual-channel memory. Dual-channel means that each module gets a separate controller as opposed to sharing one, increasing bandwidth. DDR modules transmit two bits of data per cycle as opposed to the older style modules that could only transmit one - hence double data rate.

Cobra

[Capmaster]

Some older memory types used to require that you upgrade two modules at a time as well.

Best solution: Read the MB manual I've had to break down and read mine from time to time

[Skoorb]

Even if you did lose it I'd readily take one gig of non dual-channel over 512 of dual in almost all cases. I've been running 512 single for the past 9 months and it sucks. Even just multitasking around windows with a few ram intensive apps and I'm down to 150 or something. 512 is the barebones minimum now, imo! I have 512 more arriving this week, and it will be DC though