Fuchsrohre

Is there much difference between DDR400 memory modules?

I have a pair of 2-2-2-6-T1 modules from Corsair.

I want to add another pair, but can't find an exact match for my existing ones.

Will I upset things by buying another pair of DDR400 modules from Corsair, that run at different latency speeds ?

Is there much noticeable difference between a system with slow DDR400 modules compared to a system with fast latency DDR400 modules ?

Scooby-Doo

I've built a few systems and can't tell much difference between memory timings unless you are either overclocking or running in dual channel mode. If your adding I doubt you will notice a difference. You can buy corsair 2326 and then set in the motherboard the memory timing manually to 2326. If you leave the memory as auto it may crash which usually happens just when you dont want it to.

Fuchsrohre

thanks scooby-doo - whats dual channel mode ?

GC8

Have you looked at Corsair's website; their technical support will probably be able to give you an accurate answer.

Monkeh

i have recently upgraded from 2 512mb pc3500 cosair ram that was running a latency of 2

i have recently added 2 more 512mb Adata pc3200 2.5T chips, and noticed that the dfference between 2 and 2.5 was only 10mb/sec decrease in performance !! at 5.5gb/sec you aint gonna see that in any game.

Monkeh

forgot, if your after decent cheap memory, try www.techfever.co.uk they have the lowest prices i could find for memory

I got 2 1gb pc3200 modules for just over £100 bargin !!

jpor

iTrader: (1)

Dual Channel Mode uses both Memory dimms and sets this up as a single 128bit memory which allows communication of data bewteen the RAM and the CPU to increase the amount of information it sends and receives. Instead of 2 x 64bit memory dimms. Of course your Motherboard has to suppport this. Most boards have 2 different paired memory slots. Putting the meory in the same coloured slots and enabling this feature in the BIOS will achieve dual channel mode.

Fuchsrohre

jpor,

so for every cycle you have twice the bandwidth ? Wow, I never knew that.

So assuming the motherboard supports this, does *any* DDR matched pair support this ?

Scooby-Doo

You have to buy the memory in pairs and they are identical and tested. TwinX by corsair is the memory I buy but crucial, Kingston etc all do dual channel and yes it makes a big difference especially if your running a quick machine.

Fuchsrohre

hehe, I have a pair of twinx corsair (2x512MB) but put them in on pair of slots (not color coded)

All this time I could've just put them in color coded slots and enabled dual channel mode, DOH!

You live and learn!

NB: I've now changed the DDR's around and fired the computer back up with a nice message of DUAL CHANNEL ENABLED

Thanks!

Scooby-Doo

2*512mb is ample for most circumstances. Try running aquamark3 benchmark software in single channel and then dual channel and compare the CPU scores. If you have a slow graphics card it may take a while to run.

Fuchsrohre

thanks again!

jpor

iTrader: (1)

You should notice your PC running a lot smoother now

Monkeh

Thats a myth, you just need memory that is the same speed and latency

I have worked on pc's with memory from 3 or 4 manurfactures running on dual channel mode without any problems.

one thing you cannot mix is single sided memory and double sided memory if you want Dual Channel.

ie if you have 2x 256 pc3200 single sided (ie chips only on one side of module)
and then add 2x 512mb double sided memory modules
it will not work in dual cahnnel mode, but will happily run in single channel mode

You can tell if you motherboard supports dual channel by the colours of the ram slots

the channels will be coloured in pairs.. ie slot 1 and 3 are blue and 2 and 4 are black.

jpor

iTrader: (1)

Same here. Bought 2 single Dimms (Same spec and Man) on there own and not the paired stuff. Worked out £30 cheaper and runs fine.