Dual Channel Kit

Prelude · Jul 24, 2005, 04:41 PM

Question, what is a dual channel kit? I'm siteshopping for 1024mb DDR PC3200 (2x 512mb)

I run across single modules of 512mb at about 45 euro's so that's 90 for 1024, but I also run across 2x 512mb "dual channel kit" for about 110 euro's...
So, what's the difference and is it worth the extra dough?

I'll be using it with a MSI K8N Neo2 platinum mobo, any advice on the brand? (Kingston / Twinmos / Corsair)

Cheers

Dyre Straits · Jul 25, 2005, 06:02 AM

The Dual Channel Kits are simply two sticks of identical memory especially matched for the Dual Channel Memory function. This is a much better option than, say, buying one stick one time, and then buying another stick a different time. There's a big risk that they won't be perfectly matched.

As for brand, it depends on whether you want to overclock or use default speeds. Overclocking enthusiasts will definitely opt for higher priced sticks and a low latency.

I've had fairly good luck with Kingston and am presently using Corsair. Others here will likely recommend any other number of brands.

The_Neon_Cowboy · Jul 25, 2005, 08:24 AM

Dual channel kits are match pairs farom the same batch, specailly tested to
work togreather propelry in dual channel mode and often with optuimzed spd's.

Kingston / Corsair are the better name you listed there another thing is to
eyeball the memorys timeings.. the lower the timeings the better

CDsDontBurn · Jul 25, 2005, 09:39 AM

lower timings = better performance yes. and when running in dual channel mode (memory sticks are not dual channel, it's a feature of the MoBo don't get this confused like alot of other people do), you want to especially have both sticks of ram be matched so you won't run into any issues.

Prelude · Jul 25, 2005, 05:21 PM

Ok, but the ultimate question would be : Is it worth the extra 20 euro's to get the dual channel kit stuff or just get two 512mb from the same brand/type ?

CDsDontBurn · Jul 25, 2005, 06:42 PM

yes it's worth the extra $20 for the matched set. It will be less likley for you to run into any problems down the road.

Necrosis · Jul 25, 2005, 06:53 PM

Corsair, OCZ, & Crucial on your specific motherboard. What models are you thinking of going /w?

Prelude · Jul 25, 2005, 08:29 PM

Not sure m8, it looks like prices are soaring atm...

Have a look at these and gimme some advice.

Prices are all over the place and the only term that is faguely familiar is CL... (Why do they make it so complicated these days...)

http://www.tweakers.net/pricewatch/cat/548

Some that seem to come into view considering pricetag are :

512MB x 2 (1GB) PC3200 DDR, CL3 (Kingston, ValueRAM) 88,- euro
512MB x 2 (1GB) PC3200 DDR, CL3 (Corsair VS1GBKIT400C3) 92,- euro
512MB x 2 (1GB) PC3200 DDR (Corsair VS1GBKIT400) 100,- euro
512MB x 2 (1GB) PC3200 DDR, CL2.5 (GeIL Value Dual Channel, GE1GB3200BDC) 105,- euro
512MB x 2 (1GB) PC3200 DDR, CL2.5 (OCZ, OCZ4001024PDC-K) 108,- euro
512MB x 2 (1GB) PC3200 DDR, CL2.5 (Twinmos, Speed Premium) 111,- euro
512MB x 2 (1GB) PC3200 DDR, CL2 (Corsair TWINX1024-3200C2) 120,- euro
512MB x 2 (1GB) PC3200 DDR, CL2 (OCZ, OCZ4001024PFDC-K) 122,- euro

Not gonna OC them, guess best price/performance atm would be 2x 512mb PC3200 DDR CL3 Dual channel... Is it safe to assume that anything sold under description like "512MB x 2 (1GB) PC3200 DDR CL3 Corsair" implies a dual channel kit? (Since they are sold by the pair)

Prelude · Jul 28, 2005, 06:03 PM

Anyone?

The_Neon_Cowboy · Jul 28, 2005, 06:33 PM

I order of reccomednation best being at the top worst at the bottom

512MB x 2 (1GB) PC3200 DDR, CL2 (Corsair TWINX1024-3200C2) 120,- euro
512MB x 2 (1GB) PC3200 DDR, CL2 (OCZ, OCZ4001024PFDC-K) 122,- euro

512MB x 2 (1GB) PC3200 DDR, CL2.5 (OCZ, OCZ4001024PDC-K) 108,- euro
512MB x 2 (1GB) PC3200 DDR, CL2.5 (Twinmos, Speed Premium) 111,- euro
512MB x 2 (1GB) PC3200 DDR, CL2.5 (GeILValue Dual Channel, GE1GB3200BDC) 105,- euro

512MB x 2 (1GB) PC3200 DDR, CL3 (Corsair VS1GBKIT400C3) 92,- euro
512MB x 2 (1GB) PC3200 DDR, CL3 (Kingston, ValueRAM) 88,- euro

Hopefully that adds some perspective

INSTG8R · Jul 28, 2005, 06:34 PM

512MB x 2 (1GB) PC3200 DDR, CL2 (Corsair TWINX1024-3200C2) 120,- euro

These are great sticks I run them at 2-3-3-5 slightly OC to 215 with my PAT(GAT by Abits standards) at its most agressive settings. and I have easily pushed them to 225 at 1:1
Also note the SPD rating is 3-3-3-8 but they are garaunteed to do 2-3-3-6 on Intel and 2.5-3-3-6 on AMD

Prelude · Jul 28, 2005, 06:41 PM

Are they all matched pair? And note, I won't be OC'ing them... And off coarse, will I notice a difference between CL2.5 and CL2? A notable difference I mean, not just a few more marks in some shady system benchmark...

**temeteus82** · Oct 3, 2005, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by INSTG8R

512MB x 2 (1GB) PC3200 DDR, CL2 (Corsair TWINX1024-3200C2) 120,- euro

Where you got those at that price??

Jul 24, 2005, 04:41 PM	#1
Prelude DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 102 Rep Power: 0	Dual Channel Kit Question, what is a dual channel kit? I'm siteshopping for 1024mb DDR PC3200 (2x 512mb) I run across single modules of 512mb at about 45 euro's so that's 90 for 1024, but I also run across 2x 512mb "dual channel kit" for about 110 euro's... So, what's the difference and is it worth the extra dough? I'll be using it with a MSI K8N Neo2 platinum mobo, any advice on the brand? (Kingston / Twinmos / Corsair) Cheers

Jul 25, 2005, 08:24 AM	#3
The_Neon_Cowboy HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 16,009 Rep Power: 90 System Specs	Dual channel kits are match pairs farom the same batch, specailly tested to work togreather propelry in dual channel mode and often with optuimzed spd's. Kingston / Corsair are the better name you listed there another thing is to eyeball the memorys timeings.. the lower the timeings the better __________________

Jul 25, 2005, 09:39 AM	#4
CDsDontBurn 127.0.0.1 Join Date: May 2003 Location: Southern California Posts: 22,458 Rep Power: 202 System Specs	lower timings = better performance yes. and when running in dual channel mode (memory sticks are not dual channel, it's a feature of the MoBo don't get this confused like alot of other people do), you want to especially have both sticks of ram be matched so you won't run into any issues. __________________ Her First Day \| A year later

Jul 25, 2005, 06:42 PM	#6
CDsDontBurn 127.0.0.1 Join Date: May 2003 Location: Southern California Posts: 22,458 Rep Power: 202 System Specs	yes it's worth the extra $20 for the matched set. It will be less likley for you to run into any problems down the road. __________________ Her First Day \| A year later

Jul 25, 2005, 08:29 PM	Thread Starter #8
Prelude DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 102 Rep Power: 0	Not sure m8, it looks like prices are soaring atm... Have a look at these and gimme some advice. Prices are all over the place and the only term that is faguely familiar is CL... (Why do they make it so complicated these days...) http://www.tweakers.net/pricewatch/cat/548 Some that seem to come into view considering pricetag are : 512MB x 2 (1GB) PC3200 DDR, CL3 (Kingston, ValueRAM) 88,- euro 512MB x 2 (1GB) PC3200 DDR, CL3 (Corsair VS1GBKIT400C3) 92,- euro 512MB x 2 (1GB) PC3200 DDR (Corsair VS1GBKIT400) 100,- euro 512MB x 2 (1GB) PC3200 DDR, CL2.5 (GeIL Value Dual Channel, GE1GB3200BDC) 105,- euro 512MB x 2 (1GB) PC3200 DDR, CL2.5 (OCZ, OCZ4001024PDC-K) 108,- euro 512MB x 2 (1GB) PC3200 DDR, CL2.5 (Twinmos, Speed Premium) 111,- euro 512MB x 2 (1GB) PC3200 DDR, CL2 (Corsair TWINX1024-3200C2) 120,- euro 512MB x 2 (1GB) PC3200 DDR, CL2 (OCZ, OCZ4001024PFDC-K) 122,- euro Not gonna OC them, guess best price/performance atm would be 2x 512mb PC3200 DDR CL3 Dual channel... Is it safe to assume that anything sold under description like "512MB x 2 (1GB) PC3200 DDR CL3 Corsair" implies a dual channel kit? (Since they are sold by the pair) Last edited by Prelude; Jul 25, 2005 at 08:49 PM.

Jul 25, 2005, 05:21 PM	Thread Starter #5
Prelude DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 102 Rep Power: 0	Ok, but the ultimate question would be : Is it worth the extra 20 euro's to get the dual channel kit stuff or just get two 512mb from the same brand/type ?

Jul 25, 2005, 06:53 PM	#7
Necrosis HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 8,838 Rep Power: 129 System Specs	Corsair, OCZ, & Crucial on your specific motherboard. What models are you thinking of going /w?

Jul 28, 2005, 06:03 PM	Thread Starter #9
Prelude DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 102 Rep Power: 0	Anyone?

Jul 28, 2005, 06:33 PM	#10
The_Neon_Cowboy HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 16,009 Rep Power: 90 System Specs	I order of reccomednation best being at the top worst at the bottom 512MB x 2 (1GB) PC3200 DDR, CL2 (Corsair TWINX1024-3200C2) 120,- euro 512MB x 2 (1GB) PC3200 DDR, CL2 (OCZ, OCZ4001024PFDC-K) 122,- euro 512MB x 2 (1GB) PC3200 DDR, CL2.5 (OCZ, OCZ4001024PDC-K) 108,- euro 512MB x 2 (1GB) PC3200 DDR, CL2.5 (Twinmos, Speed Premium) 111,- euro 512MB x 2 (1GB) PC3200 DDR, CL2.5 (GeILValue Dual Channel, GE1GB3200BDC) 105,- euro 512MB x 2 (1GB) PC3200 DDR, CL3 (Corsair VS1GBKIT400C3) 92,- euro 512MB x 2 (1GB) PC3200 DDR, CL3 (Kingston, ValueRAM) 88,- euro Hopefully that adds some perspective __________________

Jul 28, 2005, 06:34 PM	#11
INSTG8R DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Canadian lost in Norway Posts: 527 Rep Power: 0	512MB x 2 (1GB) PC3200 DDR, CL2 (Corsair TWINX1024-3200C2) 120,- euro These are great sticks I run them at 2-3-3-5 slightly OC to 215 with my PAT(GAT by Abits standards) at its most agressive settings. and I have easily pushed them to 225 at 1:1 Also note the SPD rating is 3-3-3-8 but they are garaunteed to do 2-3-3-6 on Intel and 2.5-3-3-6 on AMD __________________ Sys. Specs. Intel E6600@3.2\|Abit IP35 Pro\|2x1024 Crucial Ballistix PC8500 \|Sapphire HD4870 512\|Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 500G SATAII 16MB w/PRT\|SB X-Fi Fatality\|TT Tough Power 1200W\|TT Kandalf L.C.S.\|Samsung 204B 20" 5ms LCD\|Logitech G25\|Logitech G5\|Logitech G15\|Saitek X-52+Pro Rudder Pedals\|TrackIR w/Trackclip Pro 3DMark06

Jul 28, 2005, 06:41 PM	Thread Starter #12
Prelude DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 102 Rep Power: 0	Are they all matched pair? And note, I won't be OC'ing them... And off coarse, will I notice a difference between CL2.5 and CL2? A notable difference I mean, not just a few more marks in some shady system benchmark... Last edited by Prelude; Jul 28, 2005 at 06:47 PM.