Another 3GB to 4GB RAM question...

On my DV9774ca it came with 3GB RAM (1x1GB and 1x2GB). I had read a few times recently online people say if your increasing from a 2GB RAM system to go to 4GB rather than just 3GB so the RAM will run dual channel and faster in the end....even though you are running 32bit and only using approx 3GB.

So I think I was looking in to this before and can't remember what I decided but am thinking again! In CPU-Z it tells me my 3GB is running Dual and also Symmetric. Even though the two different size sticks HP put in are actually different manufacturers (Hyundai electronics and Samsung).

So I always believed to run Dual channel you had to have identicle sticks, manufacturer and better of made on the same batch and so on.

So my question in the end is...would my RAM/system run better if I went to 4GB, two identicle 2GB sticks? I know it will only see approx 3GB. But I have become confused over all this dual and symmetric stuff and seeing the two different brands and size in my system as it is now has thrown me for a loop as far as seeing "Dual" in CPU-Z.

I'm not a total newbie!, but not looking at overclocking or anything, I just want to get the best performance from my system I can, if I even upgrade to 4GB if theres going to be a benefit. I don't need the extra RAM, I know, but will two 2GB sticks be better?

Thanks.

 

I can't remember the name of it off-hand, but intel came out with a new chipset that allows you to run different ram configurations but still run in dual-channel mode.
You're right, if you run 32-bit you'll only be able to access ~3.2GB RAM, but if it were still true that you need to run identical sticks to take advantage of dual channel, than I would recommend upgrading. But it's not the case any more.

EDIT: As yes, intel flex memory technology, so you can run in asymmetric dual channel mode.
But as I understand it, it can only run in dual channel at the smallest capacity ram module, so, if you have 2 + 1 installed, you can only use 1 + 1 in dual channel.
Then it just might be worth it to upgrade to 4GB after all.

Here and here.

 

on a laptop, the first 2 gigs are run in dual channel and then the last gig is run in single channel, also intel comeout with is thing called asymetric dual channel or something.

 

Thanks. I'll look at them links.
RAMs so cheap now .....Also one day plan to go 64bit. Too lazy at the moment!

 

It shouldn`t matter, Dual Channel is not that much of a performer anyway.
Getting 4 Gb is a good idea,even if the 32bit OS cannot use it all. RAM is dirt cheap anyway.

 

I don't think it is worth upgrading if you have 32bit OS. Sure it is only $35 but you will only get a 3% increase in maximum bandwidth. Remember most applications don't push your bandwidth. So real world I doubt you would see any difference. On Intel chipsets the difference between single Channel and Dual channel is 10% maximum bandwidth. 3GB's is Dual Channel as others explained above. Here is a link with more than anyone wants to know about Dual Channel, link.
As far as matching sticks goes, ever since the 915/910 chipsets which were the first mobile Intel's to support Dual Channel it has also supported Asynchronous (different size) Dual Channel. Also you must remember notebooks have two RAM slots, desktops have 4. There still are size matching requirement for desktops, I believe the RAM on the same channel must be the same size you cannot have that same conflict with 2 slots. So much of this matching issue is a confusion with desktops. And a link to more than you ever wanted to know about RAM if you decide to upgrade, link.