I'm planning on upgrading my system's memory (RAM). I currently have 2GB of RAM in a single stick in it. I'm having problems with deciding whether to buy a 4GB module and have 6GB of memory but no dual channel advantages or to buy another 2GB module and have 4GB in dual channel. Which is better?
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 Hello there!
Well, the answer depends on how you use and how often you use your computer, your video card, how intensive your multitasking is, and how you often restart your computer. A 6 gb single channel is better only if you actually use more than 4gb. Otherwise, 4gb dual channel is slightly better. If you are a gamer like me, a 4gb in dual channel is already dependable but you can always use a 6gb in single channel. A slight increase in performance will not make that much difference and it does not seem like it is worth it. Good luck to you!
Hi Brian,
I think that you should go for the dual channel where you will be having a memory of 2GB in each slot hence making the memory add up to 4GB. 4GB is still a substantial amount of memory that should do you good service even when it comes to gaming, and you will also be having the dual channel advantages.
I myself use 3GB and I am a gamer too and my computer has never disappointed me by being slow. 4GB will do you good, unless you want to have a lot of programs running and games that will overwhelm 4GB which I do not think is the case.
Hope this helps.
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Regards,
Lee Hung.
If you want to upgrade the memory of your computer, the first thing to do is check the maximum amount of RAM supported by your motherboard. You can do this by checking the motherboard’s manual. Another way, if you don’t have the manual, is to visit the manufacturer’s website. From there, you can search for your motherboard’s model number.
Doing this will help you learn not only the maximum amount of RAM supported but also the type of memory module to use and the maximum amount of RAM supported by each memory slot. For DDR1 type memory modules, the maximum amount per memory module or stick is 1 GB. For DDR2 memory modules, the maximum amount available for a single stick is 4 GB.
For DDR3 memory modules, the maximum amount available for a single module for the ECC type is 16 GB and 8 GB for the mainstream or non-ECC types.
