Dual Channel Memory

[cclub]

Hey i'm new to the forums I just wanted to know a few things about dual channel memory, if you could help me out that would be great.

My question is if memory says its Dual Channel (DDR400) can I use it in a regular system that accepts DDR400 but isn't dual channel? I realize it wouldn't be taking advantage of the dual channel but would it still work?

Thanks for any help you can give.

 

[(cf)Eclipse]

yes, you can. dual channel ram simply means that you have two of the same model in a package

if you have a dual channel capable mobo, put two of the same ram sticks in the proper slots and presto, it runs in dual channel

 

[fuelvolts]

to extend on that:

you dont necessarily have to have EXACT matching sticks of RAM, just the same speed. If you have 2 DDR400 sticks but one is 2.5 latency and the other is 3 latency, the mobo will use whatever is slower for compatability's sake.

 

[(cf)Eclipse]

indeed it will

but sometimes the mobo freaks and instability ensues with mismatched sticks. just sometimes.. not often