Help with Dual Channel

[Monyet]

Right now, my PC is on Dual Channel, however, i'm planning to upgrade my RAM to 4GB, do I have to choose the exact same brand, model, and memory specification to run Dual Channel? Right now my RAM is Corsair 2 x 1GB DDR2 667. please help and give suggesiton.. thx

 

[Roguestar]

No. But people will tell you so. Is it a Core 2 Duo you're using? Dual Channel is a bit more forgiving than it's made out to be; but it's easiest to get problemless upgrade if you pick the same memory modules. What you need are: 2GB of DDR2, at least 533. What you want: 2GB Corsair DDR2-667. Newegg has an offer for 2GB Corsair DDR2-800 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145590 . But wait, what's what you say; it's not the same speed? Well don't worry. It'll run at the same speed as the lower-rated modules in the dual-channel setup. And besides, it's probably all running at DDR2-533 speeds anyway if you haven't overclocked or changed memory ratios.

Bottom line: that corsair 2GB kit I linked is probably your best bet for a pain-free upgrade. Don't expect to see more than 3.2GB in windows XP or Vista unless you're using 64-bit, mind. Search the forums for "4gb" and you'll probably find a lot of "why can't windows see all my memory" type threads.

 

[Monyet]

I'm currently using:

Corsair ValueSelect 1GB x 2 (2GB total) 667

But I'm thinking if I would ever buy the 800 version, is that possible to still run dual channel on my PC?

 

[thesob40]

if you buy ddr2800 they will run ddr2667 due to your current ram. and yes you could still run dual channel