Dual-Core Processor Memory Question......

escodotcarter · 02-28-2007, 01:36 AM

hey im new here but i have a question...
i want to upgrade my ram from 1gb to 2gb. i read some where that since i have dual-core processors i have to have the same memory on each side so that each processor has the same amount of ram to work with. (sorry if this doesnt sound right) i currently have 2x512 sticks installed. would it be ok if i put........1x512 + 1x1gb on each side totaling 3gb? i never heard or not even numbers of ram but im not to smart with all this. im using pc2-4200 ram. is that good? im not a gamer at all . i basically just want my comp. to run faster and smoother because i love doing everything fast.
also i was wondering how much of an improvement will actually be notcieable if i upgraded to 3gb. and how much change would there be if i decided to go with only 2gb ram. thanks alot guys
let me know if u need any other info to help me thanks

**Cromewell** · 02-28-2007, 02:06 AM

You can put any amount of RAM in you want. Matching the memory on each side is so you can run dual channel, it has nothing to do with having a dual core. 2GB should be plenty of RAM right now, even if you have vista.

escodotcarter · 02-28-2007, 02:29 AM

yea dual-channel.....ok so i dont have vista and im not planning on upgrading to it either. so should i go with 2gb of 3gb . which would give me the more realistic and noticeable bang for my buck??????

**Cromewell** · 02-28-2007, 03:15 AM

Since you aren't gaming, unless you are doing a lot of large picture editing or video editing, I don't think you need/would make use of more than 1GB.

For an additional 1GB (2x512MB) you are looking at ~$75 for valueRAM. For 2x1GB you are looking at ~$150 for valueRAM. Ideally you'd want 2x1GB (as opposed to 4x512MB), but for just basic computer use there's nothing wrong with 4x512MB (it may be ~5% slower in theoretical benchmarks). If you are dead set on having at least 2GB of RAM, I'd say go with the 2x512MB.

escodotcarter · 02-28-2007, 06:06 PM

since im running dual-channel would it be ok to have
2x512 on one side and 1x1gb on the other side or do they have to be the same denomination.??
thanks

kof2000 · 02-28-2007, 07:26 PM

it has to be even numbers. so you need 4 sticks and not 3.

2x512 on slot 1 and 3 or 2 and 4

escodotcarter · 03-01-2007, 12:37 AM

ooo..ok
are the slots numbered or what. do i just wing it lol????
thanks for all the help

**Cromewell** · 03-01-2007, 12:41 AM

They should be colour coded. If you are putting 4 512MB sticks in, the two that are already in there should be setup properly for dual channel already.

02-28-2007, 01:36 AM	#1 (permalink)
escodotcarter Bronze Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 35	Dual-Core Processor Memory Question...... hey im new here but i have a question... i want to upgrade my ram from 1gb to 2gb. i read some where that since i have dual-core processors i have to have the same memory on each side so that each processor has the same amount of ram to work with. (sorry if this doesnt sound right) i currently have 2x512 sticks installed. would it be ok if i put........1x512 + 1x1gb on each side totaling 3gb? i never heard or not even numbers of ram but im not to smart with all this. im using pc2-4200 ram. is that good? im not a gamer at all . i basically just want my comp. to run faster and smoother because i love doing everything fast. also i was wondering how much of an improvement will actually be notcieable if i upgraded to 3gb. and how much change would there be if i decided to go with only 2gb ram. thanks alot guys let me know if u need any other info to help me thanks

02-28-2007, 02:06 AM	#2 (permalink)
Cromewell Moderator Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Canada Age: 26 Posts: 11,802	You can put any amount of RAM in you want. Matching the memory on each side is so you can run dual channel, it has nothing to do with having a dual core. 2GB should be plenty of RAM right now, even if you have vista. __________________ You know what the chain of command is? It's the chain I go get and beat you with 'til ya understand who's in command here. www.userfriendly.org

02-28-2007, 03:15 AM	#4 (permalink)
Cromewell Moderator Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Canada Age: 26 Posts: 11,802	Since you aren't gaming, unless you are doing a lot of large picture editing or video editing, I don't think you need/would make use of more than 1GB. For an additional 1GB (2x512MB) you are looking at ~$75 for valueRAM. For 2x1GB you are looking at ~$150 for valueRAM. Ideally you'd want 2x1GB (as opposed to 4x512MB), but for just basic computer use there's nothing wrong with 4x512MB (it may be ~5% slower in theoretical benchmarks). If you are dead set on having at least 2GB of RAM, I'd say go with the 2x512MB. __________________ You know what the chain of command is? It's the chain I go get and beat you with 'til ya understand who's in command here. www.userfriendly.org

02-28-2007, 07:26 PM	#6 (permalink)
kof2000 Diamond Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Oahu Age: 28 Posts: 6,273	it has to be even numbers. so you need 4 sticks and not 3. 2x512 on slot 1 and 3 or 2 and 4 __________________ QX9650@4.2 swiftech \|9600@3.0 9700 nt 780i \| 790fx 8gb ddr1200 \| 8gb ddr1200 2x150gb 3x1tb \|2x250gb 3x8800gtx \|3x2900xt 1gb 2x20xdvdrw \|2x20xdvdrw 15in1 card reader \|15in1 card reader ng15/g9 \|ng15/g9 1200w psu \|1200w psu 2x28" LCD \|2x28" LCD

03-01-2007, 12:41 AM	#8 (permalink)
Cromewell Moderator Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Canada Age: 26 Posts: 11,802	They should be colour coded. If you are putting 4 512MB sticks in, the two that are already in there should be setup properly for dual channel already. __________________ You know what the chain of command is? It's the chain I go get and beat you with 'til ya understand who's in command here. www.userfriendly.org

02-28-2007, 02:29 AM	#3 (permalink)
escodotcarter Bronze Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 35	yea dual-channel.....ok so i dont have vista and im not planning on upgrading to it either. so should i go with 2gb of 3gb . which would give me the more realistic and noticeable bang for my buck??????

02-28-2007, 06:06 PM	#5 (permalink)
escodotcarter Bronze Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 35	since im running dual-channel would it be ok to have 2x512 on one side and 1x1gb on the other side or do they have to be the same denomination.?? thanks

03-01-2007, 12:37 AM	#7 (permalink)
escodotcarter Bronze Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 35	ooo..ok are the slots numbered or what. do i just wing it lol???? thanks for all the help

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