RAM Dual Channel?

[bri]

I don't see it mentioned anywhere, isn't DDR2 usually dual channel?

[GomJabbar]

512MB or 1GB std / 4GB max31 / PC2-5300 667MHz DDR2 / non-parity / CL5 / dual channel capable / two 200-pin SO-DIMM sockets / std mem in 1 socket / 1 socket avail

Intel Dual-Channel DDR Memory
Architecture White Paper (PDF file download)

Enabling Dual-Channel Memory
The majority of systems supporting dual-channel memory can be configured in either single-channel or dual-channel memory mode. An important fact to keep in mind is that even if a new computer or motherboard supports dual-channel DDR memory, this does not necessarily guarantee that both memory channels are being utilized in dual-channel mode.

It is not sufficient to just plug multiple memory modules into their sockets to get dualchannel memory operation–computer users need to follow specific rules when adding memory modules to ensure that they get dual-channel memory performance. Otherwise, their system may fall back to single-channel memory mode. Why pay for a Ferrari and limit yourself to only using first gear?

Most dual-channel systems will have four memory DIMM sockets. Two sockets belong to channel A and the other two sockets to channel B. For the best dual-channel memory performance on motherboards with the Intel dualchannel DDR chipsets, you must use identically paired memory modules in DIMM sockets 0 of channel A and B. Identically paired memory modules must also be used when populating DIMM sockets 1 of channel A and B. One can, for example, plug in matching 256MB DIMMs in both DIMM 0 slots, and plug in matching 512MB DIMMs in both DIMM 1 slots.

In this context, “matching” modules means:

1. Both modules are the same capacity (e.g. both are 256MB, or 512MB)
2. Both modules are the same speed (e.g. both are PC2700 or PC3200)
3. Both have the same number of chips and module sides (e.g. both have the same number of chips on the module, and both are either single-sided or double-sided).

For the Intel platforms based upon the Intel 865 or 875 chipsets, the rules can be summarized as follows:

Ideally, with each channel limited to two DIMM sockets, a minimum of two 256MB memory modules should be used for a total memory capacity of 512MB. Only low-end, low-cost systems typically come with a pair of 128MB modules. These 128MB modules are gradually being phased out and will become harder to find as the memory “sweet spot” today is 256MB DIMMs (the “sweet spot” corresponds to the majority of modules shipped in the industry and also offer the best performance to price ratio).

[kulivontot]

is there any utility to check if you're actually running in dual channel?

[BorisKV]

You can run CPU-Z utility. It shows all infromation about your CPU, Cache, and Memory.

[bri]

where do I find CPU-Z?

[baraider]

where do I find CPU-Z?

Why don't you google first before asking?

[christopher_wolf]

http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php ; there you go

First of all, it isn't hard to find it by searching, just type it into a search engine; second, it isn't much to insert a link to it when mentioning it in the other post by the poster that mentioned it either now is it? It takes less time to post the link than, say, telling someone to go look for it on google.

[bri]

where do I find CPU-Z?

Why don't you google first before asking?

I thought it might be something already installed like PC Doctor or msinfo32.exe. Those show CPU, cache, memory etc but don't tell you if RAM is running in dual channel. Maybe I expect a little too much, but to me it makes sense to say where to find a tool when mentioning it out of the blue.

http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php ; there you go

First of all, it isn't hard to find it by searching, just type it into a search engine; second, it isn't much to insert a link to it when mentioning it in the other post either now is it?

Thanks Chris, I'll check it out. Something as hyped as Dual Channel should be more overtly displayed in system info wouldn't you think ...

[christopher_wolf]

Why don't you google first before asking?

I thought it might be something already installed like PC Doctor or msinfo32.exe. Those show CPU, cache, memory etc but don't tell you if RAM is running in dual channel. Maybe I expect a little too much, but to me it makes sense to say where to find a tool when mentioning it out of the blue.

http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php ; there you go

First of all, it isn't hard to find it by searching, just type it into a search engine; second, it isn't much to insert a link to it when mentioning it in the other post either now is it?

Thanks Chris, I'll check it out. Something as hyped as Dual Channel should be more overtly displayed in system info wouldn't you think ...

Yeah, but that's the thing. How much does Dual Channel really help out?

I suppose somebody went "Well, I can't see too much of a gain here, so I guess the user won't know if it is there or not! Hee hee"

[kulivontot]

I recall seeing 15% max performance gain somewhere... Definitely cannot quote my source. Regardless, it's definitely not double the performance as you would expect.

[MIB]

I did some test before on X60s, but it should be the same for T60 also on Dual channel performance

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... highlight=