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    Memory upgrading

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by sugar024, Feb 25, 2009.

  1. sugar024

    sugar024 Newbie

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    Hi there, i have a dilemma, i have just upgraded my computer which has 2x 512mb ddr2 with a 2gb ddr2 stick. My processor is a dual core at 1.6ghz. I left one of the 512mb memory sticks in the computer thinking it can only help, im not sure if it is. The computer seems to run slower than before, could this be from having two very different size memory sticks in the laptop? Or am I better off just having the one stick of 2gb? If it is better with just the one stick or memory, is it ok to leave a memory slot open?

    Any help would be great, Thanks.

    Also, my computer is recognizing both of the sticks.
     
    sugar024, Feb 25, 2009
    #1
  2. Bartlett

    Bartlett The Prophet

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    it could be a bit slower, trying to "dual channel the memory"...so i would take out the 512 see if u notice any differences.
     
    Bartlett, Feb 25, 2009
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  3. flowerpower

    flowerpower Newbie

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    Use SiSoftSandra to run a memory benchmark? The previous post makes no sense? Trying to "dual channel"? What? Read the guide. Link. ;) :)
     
    flowerpower, Feb 26, 2009
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  4. Andy

    Andy Notebook Prophet

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    Why do I have a feeling "that^" was Frank linking back to his own guide? :p

    Anyway, if its an Intel Dual Core CPU then there is flex dual channel, in which, well the first 0.5GB of the 2GB is in Dual Channel with the other 0.5GB module. Well, for an Intel CPU and Chipset, Dual Channel doesn't really matter.

    If the CPU is an AMD, then the 2GB+0.5GB will all be in single channel, and I think AMD CPUs do benefit from Dual Channel.

    It would have been better if you gave some specs about your notebook, CPU, memory, etc. The memory could also be downclocked or something.
     
    Andy, Feb 26, 2009
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  5. sugar024

    sugar024 Newbie

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    my laptop is a 1.6ghz centrino dual core that came with 2 512mb sticks of ram, 80 gig hard drive, its a laptop satellite A100
     
    sugar024, Feb 26, 2009
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  6. Commander Wolf

    Commander Wolf can i haz broadwell?

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    The drop in performance from using unbalanced memory in dual-channel mode should not be noticeable at all. In fact the increase in memory should more than negate it; I'm pretty sure you could run before and after benchmarks and they'd be pretty much the same if not faster afterward. I'd say the slowdown is psychological or software related.
     
    Commander Wolf, Feb 26, 2009
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  7. razorjack

    razorjack Notebook Consultant

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    Actually ive done this in a desktop and did notice a drop in speed,so i can imagine a latop would be more noticable.....
     
    razorjack, Feb 27, 2009
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