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.

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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...)