Hi
I am getting some upgrades and finally getting DDRII!
I have bought a single 2GB DDRII chip and a 4GB (2x2GB) Kit. I have for memory slots. Which I think is dual channel, as a result, is it possible to use my 3 memory sticks in my new motherboard?
My motherboard is a Gigabyte GA-MA770-DS3.

Many Thanks,
Joseph Middleton

if you planning to play games then dual-channel..
(2x sticks) or (4x sticks)

if your not a gamer then 3 sticks (non-dual-channel mode) would be OK...but little slower
...............................................

buy an extra 2gb(same version as your single 2gb stick)

2x2gb kit on red
2x2gb single on yellow

A Full 100% dual-channel

Hi
Would I get better performance if:

A) Use dual channel and have 4GB (2x2GB)
----------------
B) Use 6GB (3x2GB) NOT DUAL CHANNEL

Which should I choose for better overall PC performance?

Many Thanks,
Joseph Middleton

What programs do you run that require 4GB memory, let alone 6GB??

If you really have a need for that much RAM, get it now while it's cheap. Why not 8GB (4 x 2GB)? Are you running DDR2-800? or DDR2-1066?

4GB DDR2-800 for $50 (after rebate)

Hi
I dont have any programs that need 6GB but I use music software and a lot of programmes in the background.
I am in the UK so link above is not needed and I can get 8GB from my mate at ebuyer for dirt cheap so thanks for that anyway.
But it doesnt answer my question whether
6GB non-dual channel
OR
4GB dual channel
has better performance?

Many Thanks,
Joseph Middleton

The odds are that the 4gb would give better performance. More memory does not 'automatically' speed up a system. It only helps if the system has to use the page file to acquire enough memory.

Great thanks for the help!

Many Thanks,
Joseph Middleton

Someone else posted a couple of days ago about seeing no performance increase after upgrading from 2GB (4 x 512MB) to 3GB (2 x 1GB + 2 x 512MB). It's a common fallacy that more is better/faster. It will only make a difference if you're running apps that require that much RAM & are currently "starving" due to lack of enough. But if you don't need that much RAM, you won't see any benefit. In your case, it may even decrease performance because you'd be knocking the system out of dual channel mode.

Thanks,
The problem is that its cheaper to buy a kit than a single stick.
And it then means I have 6GB instead so thats why I asked.
2GB Stick = £16
4GB (2x2GB) = £27

Many Thanks,
Joseph Middleton

What about 2GB (2 x 1GB)? Or did you already buy the single 2GB stick?

Hi
Already got the 2GB stick :s

Many Thanks,
Joseph Middleton