[PLUG] Memory configuration

[AthlonRob]

Robert Kopp wrote:
> My memory isn't quite right. I have an Asus A7N8X-E
> deluxe (socket A) and two single-channel PC2700
> sticks, one 256MB and one 512MB, in the two blue
> slots. These sticks are pretty generic. The board
> supports dual-channel and up to PC3200. What would you
> do instead of what I already have?

What CPU do you have?  Odds are you won't see much, if any, speed boost
from going to PC3200.  Additionally, real-world speed gains from going
dual-channel are minimal outside of a few specific applications.
SETI at Home *really* likes dual-channelness and everything likes it if
you're using integrated video (I don't even know if the -E includes the
integrated video or not, however).

To go dual-channel you need reasonably well matched memory (I wouldn't
suggest PC2700 and PC3200 - and really this is debatable, it should go
lowest-common-denominator on you) and you need the same amount of RAM in
each bank.  If you currently have a 512MB stick and a 256MB stick, you
can go dual-channel by putting the 512MB stick in the slot by itself and
an additional 256MB stick in the remaining slot, up next to your
existing 256MB slot.  Bam, you should have dual-channel goodness.  :-)

This *should* be outlined in your motherboard manual to some extent...
although those things are generally quite horribly written.

Rob