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    is 6gb memory a ok idea?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Ryencool, Feb 15, 2011.

  1. Ryencool

    Ryencool Notebook Geek

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    Ok, is there going to be a huge diffrence in a 4gb setup utilizing 2x2gb chips running dual channel, or 1x4gb and 1x2gb adding up to 6gb but obviously not being abel to run dual channel. I have asked a few people here at school and have recieved conflicting answers. Is the dual channel mode that much of a diffrence over more physical memory to use? I game every once in a while, but mainly use the laptop for graphics design and motion creation. So mostly using photoshop and after effects and other related software. Will my rendering go faster with more memory or less running in dual channel? Personally I am leaning twards the more ram the merrier. Any insite would be awesome!
     
    Ryencool, Feb 15, 2011
    #1
  2. zirdaj

    zirdaj Notebook Consultant

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    My laptop have 1x4gb and 1x2gb adding up to 6gb, running on dual channel. Just thought I'd mention.
     
    zirdaj, Feb 15, 2011
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  3. Ryencool

    Ryencool Notebook Geek

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    was under the impression that dual channel doesnt work unless you have the same size memory in each slot. At least thats what was burned into my head when I started building computers when I was 9. Anyone confirm or deny this?
     
    Ryencool, Feb 15, 2011
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  4. davepermen

    davepermen Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    depends on the controller. the actual intel memory controllers afaik do all dual channel for the part of the memory where it can. so you would get in that case 2x2gb in dual channel, and the resting 2gb of the 4gb would be single channel
     
    davepermen, Feb 15, 2011
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  5. Ryencool

    Ryencool Notebook Geek

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    sounds good to me, thanks!
     
    Ryencool, Feb 15, 2011
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  6. Gracy123

    Gracy123 Agrees to disagree

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    It would be running in Asynchronious Dual Channel! You won't feel any negative difference - only positive thanks to the 2 additional GB :)
     
    Gracy123, Feb 15, 2011
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  7. nX3NTY

    nX3NTY Notebook Consultant

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    Even if its single channel, more RAM is much better especially for the program you mentioned.
     
    nX3NTY, Feb 15, 2011
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  8. tilleroftheearth

    tilleroftheearth Wisdom listens quietly...

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    Win7x64 is a given, right? ;)

    More RAM is better than 'matched' RAM.

    Whether a new system or an RAM upgrade, I would test this new setup overnight (running memtest, on a notebook cooler) to satisfy myself that there are no obvious glitches.

    Win7x64, fully updated, needs more than 4GB RAM to 'come alive'. If you can; go for 8GB RAM - your usage pattern warrants it.

    Good luck.
     
    tilleroftheearth, Feb 15, 2011
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  9. bikerboy94

    bikerboy94 Notebook Evangelist

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    i have win 7 64 bit with 4 and 6 gig sticks and it runs duel ch according to CPU-Z
     
    bikerboy94, Feb 15, 2011
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  10. tilleroftheearth

    tilleroftheearth Wisdom listens quietly...

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    You mean 6GB total? No '6 gig' sticks that I know of?
     
    tilleroftheearth, Feb 15, 2011
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  11. Gracy123

    Gracy123 Agrees to disagree

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    I'm with 2+4 and Dual channel as well :) No worries :)
     
    Gracy123, Feb 15, 2011
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  12. Bog

    Bog Losing it...

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    Here's your answer. RAM can push huge amounts of data, so dual channel capability doesn't matter as much as how much RAM you have. For your applications, more RAM will deliver better performance.
     
    Bog, Feb 15, 2011
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  13. shakennstirred

    shakennstirred Notebook Evangelist

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    my 8930g has 6gb and is still running in dual channel
     
    shakennstirred, Feb 15, 2011
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  14. Trottel

    Trottel Notebook Virtuoso

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    Asynchronous dual channel only has slightly better bandwidth than single channel and not nearly the bandwidth of dual channel. It doesn't matter though since even single channel is more than enough unless you are using integrated graphics for demanding applications.
     
    Trottel, Feb 15, 2011
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  15. manu72

    manu72 Notebook Consultant

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    I'm running 4+2 GB sticks as well and iirc CPU-z is reporting the memory as dual channel
     
    manu72, Feb 16, 2011
    #15
  16. Trottel

    Trottel Notebook Virtuoso

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    You are, but it is asynchronous dual channel and not full dual channel, not that it makes any practical difference when it comes to performance.
     
    Trottel, Feb 16, 2011
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  17. Gracy123

    Gracy123 Agrees to disagree

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    Exactly. Don't worry about it :) And still asynchronous is better than single channel ;)
     
    Gracy123, Feb 16, 2011
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  18. cokewithvanilla

    cokewithvanilla Notebook Geek

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    If you've got DDR3, I'd wait for a sale and pick up 8gb. There's been some good sales, I just picked up 8gb for $70... it was a no brainer for me....
     
    cokewithvanilla, Feb 16, 2011
    #18