G73JH - 6 GB > 8 GB ? Due to Tri Channel ?

Hi all,

As the title asks -I heard someone say u would get better performance on the G73 with 6 gb vs 8 gb because the i7's utilize tri channel memory. Is this true ?

TY

 

Any performance changes, if any, wouldn't be noticeable in your day-to-day tasks.

 

The tri-channel only applies to X58 architecture, G73 uses dual channel shared with 4 ram slots.

 

confirming this

(P55/H55 chipset is dual channel, X58 does triple channel, the memory controllers on the chips are different too.)

 

You are right that the G73 runs in dual channel, however the chipset has nothing to do with it

The Core i7 series altered the overclocking playing field by putting the memory controller on-die, removing the need for a high-end motherboard to handle increased FSB speeds. The mobile i7's are no different, however all 720QM's are dual channel only.

See Intel's Specs for verification.

 

... the cpu supports only 2 channels... yes, but the chipset also only supports 2 channels.

 

In a sense, your correct.

What I'm pointing out, though, is that the chipset does not determine the memory configuration in any way. Yes, the number of slots can vary, but with any Nehalem microarchitecture based CPU, the chipset no longer has an actual memory controller on the northbridge. Instead, the northbridge simply provides the QuickPath Interconnect from CPU directly to memory. You could develop your own custom chipset (disregarding licensing issues) but in doing so you would never have the opportunity to change the memory channel configuration.

You may be thinking of the desktop Core i7's, where motherboards are still sold in both dual and tri channel setups. In these cases, the motherboard is designed for one or the other and the BIOS sends the appropriate data to the CPU so that same CPU knows how to best control the memory on board. Again, that chipset only tells the CPU which mode the motherboard is built for, leaving the actual memory controller and capacity for dual/tri control entirely to the CPU.

I apologize if I did a poor job explaining, I'm a little distracted with my G73 no longer booting or posting after a BIOS update

 

You didn't just do the 206 update did you? please tell me you didn't, it's bricked several machines already.

 

I did without investigation. I had hopes it would improve EFI / GUID booting as I'm having issues with it recognizing blessed EFI boot devices. My daily fail never fails

 

I did the 206 update the first day it came out, no issues with it. I wasn't aware some were having issues with that update.

 

My unit had 206 preinstalled. I have had 0 issues and all my lights work!

 

I updated to the 206 on my last one without issues as well. Have no idea what it addressed or changed, but all worked fine both before and after.

 

You know, that statement made me chuckle. "Have no idea what it addressed or changed, but all worked fine both before and after." So why even upgrade and take the risk? Was it because it was new? The adrenaline rush? A larger number?

Those are exactly the reasons not to update the BIOS. LOL

 

Just upgraded from p7805u to my new G73JH-BST7 (Worst-Buy model)... I'm at the moment amazingly happy...
However, I’ve been told that the 6 Gig’s of ram isn’t in dual channel?
If not, is it worth it to make the jump to 8Gig's to get duel channel?
Also, any word on a replacement screen 1600x900? One that would be Full HD and worth buying? Or would it be better to invest into a separate LED Screen?
I guess I'd also need a blue ray player/burner for it too. I'd hate to do all the work myself, but I think it would be worth it.
Especially when you're used to 1920x1200 on my old Gateway P7805u, came that way stock luckily.

 

Adding that last RAM module is easy and cheap. I have a several 2GB DDR3 modules that I've pulled from upgraded systems. I keep them around in case I get a system that's missing a module or two.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus-gaming-notebook-forum/476583-upgrade-screen-bb-g73jh.html

The screen replacement is a pain and not necessary unless you're planning on opening multiple word or excel files and need the extra real estate. For games the 900p screen is great. I also have an external 24" 1080p screen for work.

Adding the BD-ROM is simple. Find a drive for around $80-$90 and change the bezel with the current drive.

Cheers,

 

Thanks Panzer06, awesome bit of information you gave me. I haven't yet opened up the laptop to see if I had three ram slots or not. I'll buy another 2 GIG and toss it in their.

With the screen, you're right. I think I'm going to end up (in the future) just buying a seperate moniter.

The BD-ROM is something I do want to delve into. However, would this void my warranty? If not, or even if so I suppose; what type or model/make would I have to use to make this process as painless as possible?

Also, on another note: I forgot to ask about hard drives. Is the current hard drive in the laptop sufficent enough to keep? It's the 640 GIG which microsoft gives me a 5.9 on.

Being old school, I'm totally into RAID0 Setups. Would it bet worth it to try to purchase a similar hard drive and put them into RAID0 configuration? If not, perhaps there's some SSD choice that arent too pricey?

I'm not quite familar with SSD's to be honest, however; I feel that if making the jump with be benefical, that I'd take my try at it. Though, I'd be worried about cost. Would it be better to buy a smaller one (40/60/80) or buy two largers ones and put them into RAID0 (256/512 ect ect..)?

P.S. -> My resources are currently a bit limited for tools and such, as I'm currently deployed in Iraq. Amazon I think delivers mail out here, but It could take up to 2 months I hear. Sadly, I don't think Newegg does.

Thanks for all your help!
-Frank

 

Sadly no raid on the G73. For the cost I am not a fan of SSD drives and as you read through these forums you will find there is some sort of performance limiting issue on the G73 (still faster than traditional HD).

If that 640GB is 7200rpm you're fine. If it's 5400, I'd replace it. The new Seagate 750GB 7200 is now available for $99 and 500GB 7200s are even less.

Changing the optical drive will not void the warranty. It's a couple of screws, swap a bracket and bezel to put back the original if you needed to.

Also, for me an external mouse is a must and with the trackpad/keyboard issues on some G73s I'd make sure you have one.

Stay safe out there.

Cheers,

 

Errr, after talking to a ASUS Technician; I'm finding doing damn near anything to these laptops VOIDs the warranty.

 

Changing RAM or a hard disk don't void a warranty unless you have to break warranty void stickers. If you want absolute confidence, keep the stock parts and swap them in before an RMA so that the new parts can't be blamed for an unrelated problem.

 

I was thinking what would actually utilize 8 GIG's of ram Groceries? Last night I had Photoshop open, AION open(Middle of town selling stuff), and I was playing AA3. I was getting into my game, and then my family skyped me. I had a bit of a problem alt+tabbing back to AA3 but apparently everyone is having this problem with VISTA/WIN7, so I doubt it was attributed to that.

Anyways, I'm wondering... Like CAD programs and such? Would you even use those on our laptops?