3gig RAM does not use dual processor?

RyanCA · 01-17-2008, 10:44 PM

I got a little bit confused, does dual processing only work when both RAM sticks are the same size? So if I buy 3 gig, which comes with a 1gig + 2gig stick, I will be at a disadvantage? I'm wondering if 3gig is all I need with vista 32bit, or should I just go to 4gig?

DTTM · 01-17-2008, 10:49 PM

I upgrade my 1 GB to 2.5GB. So right now there's 512MB and a 2GB. Different sizes work.
And I've heard somewhere in the forum that 4GB of RAM would not work on Vista

nhbound20 · 01-17-2008, 10:53 PM

Yes, Vista and xp both only recognize around 3 gigs of ram, UNLESS you are running the 64 bit versions (the standard version is 32 bit and that is what almost everybody has).

As for the dual processing, are you referring to dual cores? If so, it will not make much of a difference if your ram chips are the same size or different sizes.

OZGOD · 01-17-2008, 10:57 PM

Maybe he means dual channel?

swarmer · 01-17-2008, 11:00 PM

You're confusing dual-core processing with dual-channel RAM.

Anyway, you get dual-core no matter what as long as you get a dual-core CPU. Dual-channel... with different sized sticks, some of the RAM will run in dual-channel but some won't. It's not a big deal though anyway.

For the Vista/32/64-bit stuff, see this thread:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/show....php?p=2876650

Schmitty · 01-17-2008, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swarmer

You're confusing dual-core processing with dual-channel RAM.

Anyway, you get dual-core no matter what as long as you get a dual-core CPU. Dual-channel... with different sized sticks, some of the RAM will run in dual-channel but some won't. It's not a big deal though anyway.

For the Vista/32/64-bit stuff, see this thread:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/show....php?p=2876650

Uhhhh....dual channel only works with identically sized RAM chips on each channel. This means that you cannot have dual-channel memory running with 1GB x 2GB configuration, despite what the DELL usa site says.

You'll notice that on the Dell.ca site, they have it right, the 1GB, 2GB, and 4GB configs are stated as dual channel, whereas the 3GB option doesn't say dual channel.

As for the benefit, it is not that great over single-channel with modern computers. If you have 3GB, don't worry about going to 4GB. However, if you are planning on buying a new laptop, then order it with 1GB or 2GB and then upgrade to 4GB later. Even here is Canada a 4GB dual channel PC-800 kit is only $90CDN

merlin_72032 · 01-17-2008, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schmitty

Uhhhh....dual channel only works with identically sized RAM chips on each channel. This means that you cannot have dual-channel memory running with 1GB x 2GB configuration, despite what the DELL usa site says.

You'll notice that on the Dell.ca site, they have it right, the 1GB, 2GB, and 4GB configs are stated as dual channel, whereas the 3GB option doesn't say dual channel.

As for the benefit, it is not that great over single-channel with modern computers. If you have 3GB, don't worry about going to 4GB. However, if you are planning on buying a new laptop, then order it with 1GB or 2GB and then upgrade to 4GB later. Even here is Canada a 4GB dual channel PC-800 kit is only $90CDN

This post can't be anymore wrong!!!!! Please don't post something that misleads people. 3 GB on Santa Rosa will run dual channel. Santa Rosa chipset features Intel Flex Memory Technology, so it will allow dual channel on different size of RAMs. For example, 3 GB RAM will run 2 GB dual channel and 1GB single channel.

msjaneoly · 01-17-2008, 11:48 PM

Will it run 3 and One for 4?

merlin_72032 · 01-17-2008, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by msjaneoly

Will it run 3 and One for 4?

Nope, it will run 4 for dual chanel because you have two 2 GB sticks.

jobodaho · 01-18-2008, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by merlin_72032

This post can't be anymore wrong!!!!! Please don't post something that misleads people. 3 GB on Santa Rosa will run dual channel. Santa Rosa chipset features Intel Flex Memory Technology, so it will allow dual channel on different size of RAMs. For example, 3 GB RAM will run 2 GB dual channel and 1GB single channel.

Is the current XPS1530 based off of the Santa Rosa chipset? When I ordered mine 2GB wasn't an option because I chose the $450 off combination, so I went with 3GB instead. I hope that doesn't bite me in the ...