RAM DDR2 vs RAM DDR3

Berton said:

Can't the BIOS setting be changed to show dual-channel? The only time I've seen 2 modules not run as dual was when the modules weren't identical, were mismatched.

Thanks

My BIOS has no option for changing the RAMs to dual channel. There is an option for changing the DRAM speed, currently at 532 MHZ to 1033 or 1366 MHZ max. I tried. The BIOS did show the speed increase , but the SECCY utility doesn't. It still shows 532 MHZ.
The new DDR3 sticks are exactly the same length as the older ones, except that they are a bit higher and the they have two square notches on the sides instead of one , but they clicked in just as well .
The only thing is that in the process of inserting them, on one of them the little retaining tongue on one side snapped and fell off, but the module is well seated after pushing it down, like before.

Ittiandro

Megahertz said:

As it is only showing as 8G, one stick isn't recognized and to have dual channel you must have at least one pair.

Is the computer specs the one on your "My computer"?

The specs on My Computer-System show 8 GB.

- - - Updated - - -

Berton said:

Can't the BIOS setting be changed to show dual-channel? The only time I've seen 2 modules not run as dual was when the modules weren't identical, were mismatched.

I found the problem . One of the two slots was damaged, probably when the retaining tongue broke off. I thought it would still work, because the module seemed to be seated tightly, but these electronic parts are very delicate.

I think I'll return the 2x8 GB nodules and exchange them with 1x16 GB. It will still be one channel in one slot only, but at least I'll have the full 16 GB RAM.

Thanks for your help

Ittiandro

Del 80 said:

I have also just upgraded one of my Toshiba Satellite's from 32 bit to 64 bit......with 4gb of RAM it is quite fast.....just a quick question, is it correct that it doesn't matter how much extra RAM you add to a 32bit system ? as it will only use a set amount anyway.......whereas a 64bit system will use ALL the available RAM ........

32 bit systems will typically ONLY recognize 3.5 (or 3.0 ) GB, depending upon the actual processor/MoBo in use. The LAST 0.5 to 1 GB of a 4 GB system is used for "other things," and unavailable to Windows or the Win 32 bit OS. 654 biyt systems are able to use the full amount of the 4 GB (and beyond)
although still "steal" memory for video and a few other things in they use "shared" memory.
(I had a computer that kept crashing with VISTA, but ran perfectly with Win XP; because Win XP wasn't trying to access more than 3.5 GB that VISTA wanted to use. A $15 memory replacement solved THAT problem...)

If you truly have DDR3 memory, upgrading to 8 GB on a Win 10/64 bit computer is a good decision; 4 GB for Win 10 is (by now) a BARE minimum. But check with your computer's manual (or manufacturer) to make sure memory expansion is possible.
DDR 2 is/was a problem; particularly with some AMD processors; apparently memory beyond 4 GB (even with Win 10/64 bit) was not possible; trying to go to 8 GB (2x4 GB modules) would not work. With 32 bit systems, it's usually not possible to go to more than 4 $B; it's a limitation of 32 Bit systems.

Berton said:

My final thought on the Subject of RAM DDR2 vs RAM DDR3 is now two-fold, one is that new DDR2 modules are extremely hard to find with DDR3 becoming harder and the other is that a new motherboard that supports both types would also be impossible to find. Basically the discussion would be which board to get then choose a CPU it can run and then choose the type and amount of RAM to be run, or simply put, the 3 parts have to be compatible.

DDR2 memory IS getting hard to find, and limited in amount of memory; at any rate, and slow in comparison to even DDR3.

Finding a NEW MoBo for DDR2 or even DDR3 would be like finding an unused 1970 Toyota Corolla; just not possible; MoMo's for DDR2 and even DDR3 haven't been manufactured in almost 15-20 years.
AT best, you should still be able to find DDR3 memory for not TOO much money; just make sure it will fit your computer (there are two types o DDR3; only "physical" height matters, but it may be a consideration in your laptop.
I don't see much more than expanding memory at this point; Win 10 will only be supported (i.e., updates and security releases) for a little over a year. It might be better to save up for a new (or at least "newer") computer, even if is second-hand (but factory refurbished.)