Using all 3 RAM slots

[pwner_1337]

I've got a Soltek 75FRN-2 Board that has teh NForce-2 400 Chipset which has 3 RAM slots that 2 of which can be used for dual channel RAM, I'm wondering is it possible to use 512 DC (256x2) Dual channel then put another 512 in the spare slot later one and not lose the dual channel speeds? (how ever insignifigant of increase they maybe)

[Bung]

It may work dual channel if you put both 256 in the slots that are in the same channel and the 512 in the single slot channel.
If you leave the 256 in the slots where they are already dual channel, the 512 will join as single mode only.
On an Abit slots 1+2 are a channel, 3 is a channel. Check for Soltek

[Secern]

1+3 is dual for the all the motherboards with 3 DIMM’s (that I've seen, I saw a 4DIMM leadtek? that was 1+4) It would seem that for user ease, the dimms for dual channel are the extreme opposites to each, which makes life easier.

And filling all 3 will stop dual channel, full stop. You need AT least one stick in each channel, hence the name dual channel.

Here is a brief overview of the two; you can draw your own conclusions to it.
Single Channel - Memory modules are accessed through a single channel (or connection) between the Northbridge and the memory modules.
Dual Channel - In dual channel mode the memory controller reads from or writes to two memory modules, each on separate channels, simultaneously.

[EDIT = More Depth to post]

[Deviant]

I thought dual channel worked with 2 or 3 slots, but then again I haven't read much about it so I'm probably wrong.

[pwner_1337]

well i know to put them in the two dual channel slots. actually Slot 3 is the D.C master slot and you put them in either slot 1 or 2. Is it possible to use the spare slot and not lose the dual channel function?

[Secern]

Originally posted by pwner_1337
well i know to put them in the two dual channel slots. actually Slot 3 is the D.C master slot and you put them in either slot 1 or 2. Is it possible to use the spare slot and not lose the dual channel function?

OK, I dont know where you missed the point here?

Dual Channel - In dual channel mode the memory controller reads from or writes to two memory modules, each on separate channels, simultaneously.

Read your manual, what does it say about placement of DIMMS for dual channel operation.

refer to bottom for explanation

[mird-OC]

and once again google is your friend. keywords: nforce2 "dual channel" "3 slots"

from the Abit AN7 FAQ (http://fae.abit.com.tw/eng/faq/qa/2003/2003112105.htm)

How do I know if my system operates in dual channel mode? (AN7)


You will see the string “Dual Channel enabled” on the POST screen while RAM modules installed on DIMM 2&3, DIMM 1&3 or all three DIMM slots. If you installed only one memory module on either one slot or two memory modules on DIMM 1&2, you will see the string “Single Channel enabled” on the POST screen. Please refer to the following ABIT website for the memory modules we have tested on AN7.

/edit - this page explains it in more detail: http://www.digit-life.com/articles2/nforce2-1vs2channels/

[Bung]

Originally posted by Secern
I will make it extra clear in saying NO NO you cant have 3dimms in dual channel

What mird-OC isn't saying directly enough is that Secern is wrong.

From an nVidia pdf on memory architecture

"Both of the memory controllers on DualDDR are functionally identical with all control and timing parameters independently programmable. This flexibility allows the users to populate up to three asymmetric DIMMs in any organization, size and speed. DualDDR simply adjust to the lowest common density that will facilitate 128-bit bandwidth, allowing a wide variety of different DIMM combinations to operate reliably regardless of the individual density and latency characteristics. DualDDR also doubles the addressable memory space to 3GB. End-users now can populate higher density DIMMs, up to 1GB each, to utilize the entire 3GB memory address map."

[Secern]

[EDIT = WRONG]

I refferred to the manual, DIM 1 or DIM 2 or both should be inserted with DDR modules to activate Dual DDR


Sorry for the mislead information, and thanks for pointing that out, I just ordered 1gb ram :)

[Des Flurane]

For my board I have 2 x 256 and 1 x 512, all different makes, in Dual Channel mode!
Go figure?
It actually makes no difference to the performance anyway. Yes, ok, maybe if you have on-board video.
Marketing, marketing, marketing.
Des.