about ddr2 dual channel

[cL0N31]

i have a dual channel memory support in my motherboard... in order to get dual channel technology to work do i also need memory which supports dual channel or it doesn't matter on memory - just install two of them and that's it?

[budz]

if your motherboard supports dual channel memory then it would be best to purchase memory that is "dual channel".

[redwudz]

Dual channel works best with matched DDR memory modules. It's possible if you buy one now and a second a few months later, even the same brand and size, they won't match.

The easiest way to get dual channel to work is to buy a matched set or kit. That's really what they mean when they say their memory supports dual channel. Most any memory will support dual channel, if the motherboard supports it and the two (Or more) modules are matched. If you mix memory speeds, the MB will usually default to the slower speed, even if each set of modules are matched.

You also need to check your motherboard manual for the placement of the memory modules. Many dual channel MBs have color coded memory slots so you can see which ones to used for DC. When you boot the computer, it may tell you it has dual channel working, at the top of the boot screen.

Dual channel may not give you a large gain, maybe just a few percent, so it's not altogether necessary, but every little bit helps sometimes.

[Grain]

It's possible if you buy one now and a second a few months later, even the same brand and size, they won't match.

That's right, even if bot at the same time big shops can stock different production runs of the same memory, but using different chips. I had that problem. Check them very carefully at the store to ensure they are identical. Ideally do like redwudz says, buy a dual kit.

[MJA]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2000170147+105241606 4+1052308477&name=2GB+(2+x+1GB)

just buy one of those bad boys and sell the one in your MB on ebay

[redwudz]

cL0N31, a couple of notes:

When you plan to buy memory, check your motherboard specifications, usually in the manual that comes with it, or you should be able to download one from the MB manufacturer if you don't have one. A few MBs have particular specs for the type and speed and voltage of the memory. RAM is not always universal.

A memory kit like MJA seems a good choice. Even if you don't seem to need 800Mhz memory, it will work fine even in slower MBs. If you plan on using 4 memory modules, you might look for some with heat spreaders. When you pack them in tight, they tend to run warmer.

Also check your MB specs for the default voltage the MB is set to. It can range from ~1.8V to 2.5V. If your MB doesn't have voltage adjustments for the RAM, you may be better off to get some that will work best with your MB default voltages without having to do any adjustments. Again, not critical, except for a very few motherboards.

Most major RAM manufacturers have a memory selector on their website. It may list your motherboard and what memory configurations they suggest. Your MB manual will often suggest memory that is more expensive than what you really need.

Also, I would only buy memory with a lifetime warranty. That's fairly common these days and doesn't really add anything to the cost. Even a year or two down the line if the memory fails, they will replace it.

Any other specific questions, someone here should be able to answer, or at least point you to somewhere that would have the answers.

[cL0N31]

thanks everybody, your replies cleared out many questions i had... off to get memory