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    Improve performance with matching ram modules?

    Discussion in 'HP' started by ciper, Dec 7, 2011.

  1. ciper

    ciper Notebook Enthusiast

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    I cannot find specific information to support my theory but it seems that by installing matching ram modules you enable the system to read/write to the memory in multi-channel mode. This is a common feature on desktops and servers.

    My DV7-6b77DX originally came with one 4gb module and one 2gb module. I had purchased three of these systems during Best Buys Black Friday. I installed 2 of the matching 4gb modules into one of the machines and saw an improvement on benchmarks, including a jump in the WEI. I then tried installing 2 matching 2gb modules and saw a similar improvement.

    Is there any documentation to prove that matching modules enables "striped" ram and which models support this feature?

    Here is a screenshot of my WEI for comparison http://i41.tinypic.com/hwen47.jpg
     
    ciper, Dec 7, 2011
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  2. xAcid9

    xAcid9 Notebook Deity

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    xAcid9, Dec 7, 2011
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  3. ciper

    ciper Notebook Enthusiast

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    Indeed. According to the Memory tab of CPU-Z I have "Channels # Dual"
    I am going to shut down and remove one module to see if that changes to single.

    If its true I would argue that most people would see more performance with matching 2gb modules rather than one 4gb and one 2gb
     
    ciper, Dec 7, 2011
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  4. Jerohm

    Jerohm Notebook Evangelist

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    the Sandy Bridge memory controller is suppose to compensate for those types of issues... so it is unlikely you can detect any difference, but it DOES probably exists to a degree.
     
    Jerohm, Dec 8, 2011
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