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    Dual Channel memory or unmatched?

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by mace2, Aug 16, 2007.

  1. mace2

    mace2 Notebook Guru

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    Hi all,

    Is there a big difference in performance between unmatched sticks and dual channel memory? My laptop comes with 1x1GB in a hard-to-reach place and I want to make it 2GB total. Easiest is to just add another 1GB stick, but I was wondering if it's worth going through the hassle of getting a dual channel 2x1GB setup and selling the one it comes with.

    Thanks.
     
    mace2, Aug 16, 2007
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  2. derfel071

    derfel071 Notebook Enthusiast

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    There isn't a big difference, having the extra memory will increase your performance far more than dual channel ever could.
     
    derfel071, Aug 17, 2007
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  3. mxl180

    mxl180 Notebook Consultant

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    the better question... is its better to have 2GB (1gb x 1gb matchin pairs) or 3GB(1gb X 2GB unmatched pairs) . since a single 2GB will cost about $100 and a (matching pair 1gb x 1gb will cost $80)

    My thoughts..
    For most users just surfing, email, movies, music... 2GB dual MATCHED is best.

    But photo/video (photoshop) editors users can take up alot of memory... 3GB UNMATCHed maybe a better option.
     
    mxl180, Aug 17, 2007
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  4. derfel071

    derfel071 Notebook Enthusiast

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    3GB is still the better option. Granted, you may not -need- 3GB, but it's certainly nice to have.
     
    derfel071, Aug 17, 2007
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  5. mxl180

    mxl180 Notebook Consultant

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    So it's only better if you need it... Since performance will suffer a bit w/o Dual matched.
     
    mxl180, Aug 17, 2007
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  6. Zetto

    Zetto Notebook Deity

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    4gb better than 3 ;)
     
    Zetto, Aug 17, 2007
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  7. lochness

    lochness Notebook Enthusiast

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    lochness, Aug 17, 2007
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  8. mace2

    mace2 Notebook Guru

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    thanks for the info and links.

    for an average user, is there any reason to make it 3gb instead of 2gb? i'll only be doing web surfing, some gaming, and a bit of maple work once in a while.
     
    mace2, Aug 17, 2007
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