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    Ram Question - 2 gb dual channel vs.3 gb

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by WorkinProgress, Jan 19, 2008.

  1. WorkinProgress

    WorkinProgress Notebook Evangelist

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    If you followed my ordeal, you would know that I had exchanges and this time, I was able to get 1 x 1gb ram instead of 2x512mb.

    I was wondering, should I buy just a 1 gb stick at the same clock speed to utilize dual channel, or should I get 2 gb and add it so that it would be 3 gb.

    Differences:
    2gb DIMM is usually 30$
    1gb DIMM usually 20$

    2gb DIMM would result in more RAM
    1gb DIMM would allow me to use Dual Channel (how helpful will this be?)

    Laptop PURPOSE:
    ms word, internet, some gaming (bf2142, Company of Heroes, Team Fortress 2), music Player


    What would you guys recommend?
     
    WorkinProgress, Jan 19, 2008
    #1
  2. PhoenixFx

    PhoenixFx Notebook Virtuoso

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    New Intel chipsets support something called asymmetric dual channel mode (or something like that), which doesn't require an identical pair of RAM modules. I’m not sure about the exact technical details, but it is some sort of a mixed mode (dual and single channel).

    In anycase, IMO even under single channel mode 3GB would be more beneficial than running 2GB in dual channel mode (especially in Vista).
     
    PhoenixFx, Jan 19, 2008
    #2
  3. ZoinksS2k

    ZoinksS2k Notebook Virtuoso

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    Agreed, Vista with 3gb is preferrable. Anything you can do to keep operations in memory and off disk will help.
     
    ZoinksS2k, Jan 19, 2008
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  4. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    Have a read through the dual channel RAM guide.

    I would suggest 3GB if you have Vista (it's what I am using).

    John
     
    John Ratsey, Jan 19, 2008
    #4
  5. nizzy1115

    nizzy1115 Notebook Prophet

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    I would also suggest 3gb ram.
     
    nizzy1115, Jan 19, 2008
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  6. scythie

    scythie I died for your sins.

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    More RAM > Dual channel

    especially true in Vista.
     
    scythie, Jan 19, 2008
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  7. WorkinProgress

    WorkinProgress Notebook Evangelist

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    thanks for the feedback guys. If all goes well I'm going to get a 2gb DIMM.

    -yes I will in fact be using vista.
     
    WorkinProgress, Jan 19, 2008
    #7
  8. WorkinProgress

    WorkinProgress Notebook Evangelist

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    just wondering: how do you change topic name?
    i want now to ask about installing ubuntu.
    Do you think I would have to format my hdd to have it installed?
     
    WorkinProgress, Jan 19, 2008
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  9. mia4l

    mia4l Notebook Evangelist

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    I would upgrade to 3 gb
     
    mia4l, Jan 19, 2008
    #9