Dual Channel Memory Configuration

[alfian]

Ok folks, I know that this is nothing new but I have this troubling issue with dual channel memory configuration setup on motherboards.

Recently, someone donated a Phenom X4 9850 (Agena) CPU to me and I was looking up on possible Xfire mobos that I can pair this CPU with. I came across an MSI K9A2 CF (MS-7388) that was able to support AM2+ 125W CPUs and it was perfect. I went online to download its manual and saw the following illustrations to enable dual channel memory configuration.

---- DIMM1 (green) nearest to CPU
---- DIMM2 (orange)
---- DIMM3 (green)
---- DIMM4 (orange) furthest to CPU

3 scenarios were presented namely:
a) DIMM1 + DIMM2
b) DIMM3 + DIMM4
c) DIMM1 + DIMM2 + DIMM3 + DIMM4

Comments:
I would have straight away plugged 2 sticks of RAMs on same colored DIMM slots (e.g. 2 greens) to pair and enable dual channel memory config had I not read the manual prior to setting up.

Wouldn't it be human nature to pair things in similar color configurations i.e. 2 greens or 2 oranges rather than 1 green + 1 orange?

Are there ways to verify that the DIMM slots are paired correctly and running dual channel mode?

 

[thegamer1907]

you could verify that with CPUZ under memory tab->channels (dual or single)

 

[alfian]

Ok thanks for the response. So there are no "hard rules" on color schemes for multi channel memory config? Meaning to say that I still have to rely on the mobo manual ya.

 

[Kiwi8]

Ok thanks for the response. So there are no "hard rules" on color schemes for multi channel memory config? Meaning to say that I still have to rely on the mobo manual ya.

Yeah have to depend on the manual.

Some manufacturers make it such that the same colour means same channel, while other manufacturers make it such that different colour means same channel.

 

[shadow84]

Most websites recommend using dual channel rams.. If i get a single 1x8gb RAM, where do i place it? In any slot?

 

[royfrosty]

Most websites recommend using dual channel rams.. If i get a single 1x8gb RAM, where do i place it? In any slot?

Depends on mobo manual.

Btw don't get a single channel ram. Get a dual one.

I remember going to SLS (can't remember which shop) The uncle there told me get dual channel, faster. Then i ask why? His reply was i chop off one of your hand you can work faster or not? My friend and i

 

[shadow84]

Depends on mobo manual.

Btw don't get a single channel ram. Get a dual one.

I remember going to SLS (can't remember which shop) The uncle there told me get dual channel, faster. Then i ask why? His reply was i chop off one of your hand you can work faster or not? My friend and i

How to spot in PCT pricelist sia... i was looking at the kingston, g.skill 1600mhz DDR3 1x8gb ram

 

[royfrosty]

How to spot in PCT pricelist sia... i was looking at the kingston, g.skill 1600mhz DDR3 1x8gb ram

For rams doesn't really matter where you buy. The price differs +/-$5 at most. Anyway for g.skill i remember correctly i saw it at $87 from bizgram.

So yeap. But just curious any particular reason why you wanna get only 1? Rather than a 4gb x 2 kit?

 

[shadow84]

For rams doesn't really matter where you buy. The price differs +/-$5 at most. Anyway for g.skill i remember correctly i saw it at $87 from bizgram.

So yeap. But just curious any particular reason why you wanna get only 1? Rather than a 4gb x 2 kit?

im using PCT pricelist as a guideline... needed basic rams so looking at the kingston 1x8gb.. seems cheaper than getting 2x4gb (money sense)

 

[royfrosty]

im using PCT pricelist as a guideline... needed basic rams so looking at the kingston 1x8gb.. seems cheaper than getting 2x4gb (money sense)

PCT if im not wrong is selling at $82 for a 1x8gb 1600mhz. Cheaper by $5 from Bizgram for a dual channel.

 

[shadow84]

PCT if im not wrong is selling at $82 for a 1x8gb 1600mhz. Cheaper by $5 from Bizgram for a dual channel.

so which dual channel ram you recommend? since the 8gb is just 1 stick... i saw the 2x4gb g.skill @$95(CL9) / $99(CL11)..

 

[alfian]

I read that u can actually use 2x single sticks of the exact same RAM modules to pair it into dual channel. Was just very confused by the dual channel RAM slot colouring and setup. There's no governing standards or best design practises as one cannot assume how the channels are configured just from visual inspections.

 

[Kiwi8]

I read that u can actually use 2x single sticks of the exact same RAM modules to pair it into dual channel. Was just very confused by the dual channel RAM slot colouring and setup. There's no governing standards or best design practises as one cannot assume how the channels are configured just from visual inspections.

Just run CPUZ or a similar software to identify the motherboard model.

 

[royfrosty]

so which dual channel ram you recommend? since the 8gb is just 1 stick... i saw the 2x4gb g.skill @$95(CL9) / $99(CL11)..

I prefer corsair Vengeance 1600mhz. The design is so much nicer than gskills imo.

Designs aside. If you just want a ram without any "chio" casings then just get the kingston value ram 2x4gb. slightly cheaper than corsair or gskill.