Enabling dual channel on P4P800?

[dajo]

Just set this board up - pretty cool so far, but I don't see where I enable dual channel mode. CPU-Z shows I'm still in single channel mode.

Yeah, I know... bonehead nubie stuff - but I have to go to bed, and I won't have much time to play in the morning (have to go in early), so your help would be appreciated very much.

Thanks!

 

[bawaji]

Dual Channel => memory installed in pairs.

You should install the memory in pairs in slots of the same color. For example, if you have two sticks of the same type (2x512 or 2x256) place them both in the blue colored slots or both in the black colored slots but not one in a blue and one in a black slot. If you have 4 sticks of the same type or at least in two pairs, place the like chips in the like colored slots.

You seem to have 1.25GB RAM. Does this mean you have 3 sticks (2x512 + 1x256)? If so, an odd number of sticks will cause the board to run in single channel since they are not in pairs.

 

[dajo]

Thanks for the response. Well, I have four sticks available now, but I don't think I can use them in dual mode. Currently, I have 1 256 Corsair xms module in slot 0 and 1 256 twinmos in slot 2 (or slots 1 and 3 if you'd like to count them that way). CPU-Z still says I'm in single channel mode, as does the boot up screen. CPU-Z is recognizing the xms as 2700 but the Twinmos (which is 2700) as only PC2300, so that may be the problem.

I have 2 512 Crucial sticks. One says "PC2700", other doesn't, but both have the same "main" number (CT6464Z335), but different ending numbers (following the "." after the CT6464Z335).

I guess I'll try that RAM. Dual channel mode is all or nothing, though, right? If any of the modules hose the process then none of the modules will be running dual, correct?

I'll try the 512 modules.

 

[dajo]

Tried the 2 512 Crucial sticks, and now I'm running in dual mode. Guess the XMS and Twinmos don't like each other!

I can't run those in the remaining slots without "un-enabling" my dual 512s, right?

 

[egale]

That is correct. But, the overall gain from dual channel is so great you are better off leaving things this way. Many boards have problems running dual channel with all the slots filled anyway.

 

[bawaji]

1GB RAM should be plenty for most situations! You can sell the remaining RAM and try to put some extra cash in your pocket or use it in another system!

 

[600Burger]

hey, im planing on buying this board. So if i bought 2x256 DDR400 i would run in dual mode, but if i got 1x512 i wouldn't?? what is the better set up?

If i put 2x256 in now, and maybe bought 2 more when i got the money, would it still be in dual channel mode with 1gb?

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: 600Burger
hey, im planing on buying this board. So if i bought 2x256 DDR400 i would run in dual mode, but if i got 1x512 i wouldn't?? what is the better set up?

If i put 2x256 in now, and maybe bought 2 more when i got the money, would it still be in dual channel mode with 1gb?

yes you would be in dual and yes it would be faster MUCH FASTER and yes you can use 2x256 and another pair later.