[Toshis8]

Hi,

Currenlty I have one stick 4 GB, model M378B5173QH0-CK0 (Samsung).
My motherboard is MSI H81M-P33 (note that it supports dual channel mode)

Instead of buying 8 GB stick I would like to buy another 4 GB stick to enable "dual channel mode", but what if I wont find another identical model stick? Would M378B5173QH0-CK0 (Samsung) work with CMZ4GX3M1A1600C9 (Corsair) in dual channel mode for example (note that my motherboard does support CMZ4GX3M1A1600C9)?

Also, i am confused about the RAM stick i have now. IN BIOS it shows DRAM frequency is 1600

But when i start windows it works at 800 mhz

How to understand this?

Also, when looking at two different Corsair memory sticks:
CMZ4GX3M1A1600C9 says "Memory Configuration - Single Module"
CML4GX3M2A1600C9 says "Memory Configuration - Dual Channel"
How one stick can already be in dual channel mode?

 

[joeten]

I found sellers here https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=+...f-8&oe=utf-8&gws_rd=cr&ei=LSo6Vug9iaRR2YeE0AQ
Some info on ram https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DDR3_SDRAM the type you have.

 

[gcavan]

Consider the acronym DDR (Double Data Rate). In short, it means that the memory is clocked on the rising and falling sides of the clock pulse. Thus a clock speed of 800MHz yields a memory frequency of 1600 MHz.

PS: Note there is no such thing as "Dual Channel Memory". Dual channel operation is a function of the motherboard itself and will operate with virtually any module as long as there is at least one module installed on each channel. Modules marketed as "Dual Channel Memory" are simply modules from the same manufacturing run (i.e. identical) which have been packaged together.

 

[Toshis8]

I took a look at my nearest and largest retailer and they don't have the same memory stick I already use. What if i went the fastest way and bought another mem stick with same capacity and speed, would it work in dual channel mode? For example M378B5173QH0-CK0 (Samsung) + CMZ4GX3M1A1600C9 (Corsair)

 

[gcavan]

As long as both DIMMs have the same or similar specs,you should have no trouble. No guarantees though. There are times when certain modules will simply not play nice with the other kids.

PS: I wouldn't worry a lot about dual channel. It does make a measureable difference in performance, though not so much that you'll see it at the desktop. Simply installing more memory will have the greatest impact.

 

[Toshis8]

So today I've bought 2nd RAM, didn't find identical, so took the risk and bough another manufacturer's with same specs. Dual channel works! :smile: