Memory Upgrades! & Querys?

Muster Buster · 5 Dec 2008 at 12:27

Hello Everyone, my first ever topic and post here at OcUK so please do go easy one me.

I have an AMD Phenom 9750 with 4 x 1 GB Corsair XMS2 800MHz DDR2 memory modules in Dual Channel, unGanged mode 2x64 whatever that means.

What i'd like to know is this, i want to move up to 2 x 2 GB Modules at 1066MHz DDR2 if i do this would i see much benefit in performance and etc.

Also what are Ganged and unGanged memory modes? Which one should it be set at?

Kind thanks in advance.

MB.

Nitristion · 5 Dec 2008 at 13:01

Welcome to the forums!

Ganging the RAM will put it into dual channel mode, unganged means it will run in single channel, and therefore slower.

What is your mobo? If you find out, look for the specs either in your manual, or online and see what RAM speeds it can handle.

Muster Buster · 5 Dec 2008 at 13:14

Hi There.

Just read the manual and it can go as far as DDR 2 1066MHz. I've been reading certain reviews that unganged and ganged memory modes can offer mixed results and it seems that the AMD Quad Cores work better in varied ways and appearently some claim that unganged mode offers in terms of a better performance also the memory appearently still runs in dual channel mode and no longer needs to wait for the CPU to response to instruction and therefore operates independantly, baffaling stuff indeed.

I've noticed a slight difference in unganged mode where it seems a lot smoother e.g unzipping files and etc.

Weird it is but i'm wondering if i should sell the 4 x 1 GB and opt for a fast batch of 2 x 2 GB modules.

MB.

Nitristion · 5 Dec 2008 at 13:36

I see, to be honest I had only done a very brief google search on the term, quick scanned a few sites and drew a few conclusions from educated guesses, and yeah.

About upgrading your memory - now we know your mobo can handle it - going from just 800 to 1066 won't give you a hugely noticable boost, it is more of a sidestep upgrade. That said with the current cheapness of DDR2 RAM, it is entirely up to you.

Yellowbeard · 5 Dec 2008 at 17:51

Doubling your RAM density is only going to show performance increases in real world usage if you are currently entering situations where you are very low on or running out of RAM and causing page file usage. If you are a web surfer/emailer, etc you don't need 4GB.

As for 1066 vs 800 it is likely a moot point as most Phenom quads are not able to run RAM reliably at 1066. You can buy 1066 since it's so cheap and OC up from 800.