Memory Modes.

[DSTM]

Built a computer using DDR2 Motherboard, (Gigabyte GA-M61PME-S2),Phenom CPU,(Phenom x4 9750) and 2X2 GIG sticks DDR2 800 memory.

Installed a SSD drive. Bios only has IDE and Raid, no ACHI.:weep:

Installed Windows7 SP1 X64 bit.

 

My question is, am I better running the Memory in "Ganged Mode" or "Unganged Mode"

Thanks.

[Tony D]

From what I've read you won't see much difference. I'd go with unganged.

[DSTM]

Thanks Tony.

I also have been doing a lot of reading up since I posted, and have come to the same conclusion as you have.

Bios default is "unganged" so I will leave it as it is.

[DSTM]

Just trying to squeeze every bit of performance possible out of this rig.

[Digerati]

I think it is sort of like dual channel and single channel. There are all sorts of "theoretical" advantages to running RAM in dual-channel architecture - but only in specific and tightly controlled scenarios. But in the real world, those advantages are rarely ever realized - much to the disappointment of RAM marketing departments. This is even true with faster RAM over slower RAM. The only consistent scenario for the vast majority of users when it comes to RAM is that more RAM tends to trump everything else. Of course there is a point of diminishing returns but generally speaking, adding more RAM is better, in terms of performance and bang for your money, than replacing existing RAM with faster RAM or by reconfiguring RAM from single to dual or unganged to ganged.

 

So unless there is really compelling evidence to deviate from the defaults, I say go with the hardware makers' decisions and defaults. After all, they want the majority of their users to get the most bang for their money too. This applies to operating systems and many other things as well. Contrary to how many feel about themselves, they are not the exceptions to the rule.

[DSTM]

Thanks Digerati.

I am conversant with single and dual channel.

Just the description "Ganged" and "Unganged" threw me completely.

I thought, what the hell do they mean by that.o_O