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    How to check RAM running Dual channels

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by i_am_anhtung, May 12, 2007.

  1. i_am_anhtung

    i_am_anhtung Notebook Geek

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    I ve just installed a new RAM. How do you know for sure they support Dual channels?
    Could you explain me the "part number" and "serial number" that I have seen when running CPU-Z? Is there any problem if the old RAM installed original by the factory and the newly installed one are different in part number and serial number?
     
    i_am_anhtung, May 12, 2007
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  2. mujtaba

    mujtaba ZzzZzz Super Moderator

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    Go to the CPU-Z.
    Go to the "memory" tab.
    See what is written in front of : "Channel #"
     
    mujtaba, May 12, 2007
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  3. i_am_anhtung

    i_am_anhtung Notebook Geek

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    Thank a lot!
     
    i_am_anhtung, May 12, 2007
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  4. SideSwipe

    SideSwipe Notebook Virtuoso

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    there shouldnt be any problems if theyre different numbers, but its always good to have both your RAM sticks as the same brand, speed and timings though it isnt necessary or important really
     
    SideSwipe, May 12, 2007
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  5. FREN

    FREN Hi, I'm a PC. NBR Reviewer

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    Your BIOS should automatically detect the new RAM (it should be plug and play). It should also correctly identify the RAM as dual channel if it's the same size as the other stick.
     
    FREN, May 12, 2007
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  6. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    Yes, CPU-Z will tell you that your RAM is dual channel. However, I'm not convinced that "dual channel" actually makes any diffference. The theory was that dual channel needs two modules with very similar properties. But my Q35 has 1.25GB of RAM and is still reported as dual channel.

    One way to check your RAM performance is to use the memory benchmark test in SiSoftware Sandra. All the results I have measured for DDR2 notebook RAM sit between 2800 and 3300MB/s.

    John
     
    John Ratsey, May 12, 2007
    #6