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cbuddha42 · 06-23-2003, 11:18 AM

ok i dont get it, you need chips in pairs to take advantage of dual channel ddr so why are motherboard copmanys staying with 3 slots as they move to nforce2 ultra 400 chipsets - why not just put 4 slots, it would allow you to take advantage of dual channel on the second pair as well as first pair insted of only having half second pair + 4 is just so much nicer and even sounding

PonzSpyder · 06-23-2003, 11:27 AM

I am with you on that one!

I have never even got a clear answer about how those 3 slots actually fuction when in dual DDR mode. An odd number of slots with Dual sticks just doesnt make sense to me.

http://www.techimo.com/forum/showthr...threadid=65249

agathodaimon · 06-23-2003, 11:28 AM

kinda wondered that myself.... Don't really know though. It seems like a waste when you have one open DIMM that can't be used.
Well, it CAN be used, but not for the better performance they boast it will give you by just using the two.
I think the idea of having the dual channel DDR is kinda dumb... All the slots should give you good performance no matter where you put the memory.

cbuddha42 · 06-23-2003, 03:09 PM

uh ^^ bump

anyone? there must be some reason they all do this

wju425 · 06-24-2003, 02:05 PM

I think the ddrs will do what they're made to whether you use one slot or three. The advantage of using more than one slot is memory interleaving.

\o/ Billy

EDIT: ok, I have to log off to install sandra (just got a new drive) and check. Having two mem sticks showed that I have 4-way bank interleave. I didn't have that with one stick. Maybe with three sticks you'll have 8-way interleave?

Omardeth · 06-24-2003, 03:24 PM

i think you can only use dual channel with 2 slots , the 3rd is an extra . so with memory comming in up to 1 gig sticks you can have 3 gig in most pc's there is really no need for more memory than that so why put another slot in for ram . i think it is just a cost issue when they build them.

Telexen · 06-24-2003, 03:27 PM

Because most people who buy systems still buy just pairs still...either 512mb sticks or 256mb sticks.

It doesn't really make a difference, as Windows utilizing the dual memory will doubtfully ever use more than the 512mb used from 256mb in each channel..and if it does then you have the option for that one other stick which you probably won't see a speed difference with.

RedFury · 06-24-2003, 10:01 PM

My assumption would be that the performance aspect of Dual Channel will be used with the memory from the first two sticks, the third acting like reserve RAM.

note: The opinions and rambling's on by RedFury are his, and his alone. They reflect only his limited capacity for thought processes' and do not reflect on the more intellectual individuals rooted here at TechIMO, take his thought offerings and do with them as you wish, as he'll probably be too busy playing UT2k3 online to notice. Thank you and have a nice day