single channel memory on dual channel board?

[Kalel83]

if the mother board says
- 3 x 184-pin DIMM Sockets support max. 3GB PC3200/PC2700/PC2100/PC1600 non-ECC DDR SDRAM memory
- Dual Channel Memory Architecture


does that mean it will not in any change use single channel memory?

[Edward Ng]

I have yet to see a dual-channel DDR SDRAM platform that won't run single-channel. I'm pretty confident you can run your mainboard just fine with only a single piece of memory. The only thing is that it won't run at optimal performance level.

I am quite sure that boards running RDRAM require modules installed in pairs, however.

-Ed

[Kalel83]

right on, thanks, can anyone confim this?

[replay0]

Yes, dual-channel boards run single-channel boards, just that they're a little bit slower running single-channel.

My Shuttle ST62K can run either channel.

[Trip]

What about double banks? are they faster or slower than single banks in general? OT, I know...

[Edward Ng]

If you are not overclocking, single banked vs. double-banked memory should not show any performance difference (this is assuming exactly the same CMOS settings for timings etc.).

For overclockers, it is often noticed that it was either, single-bank, or dual-bank (me forgets) modules were able to clock slightly higher/accept slightly tighter timings. I personally haven't paid much attention to that, since manufacturers don't offer the choice of two different models of the same memory (single-bank or dual-bank modules), and you're usually choosing between different manufacturers and grades, or even batches.

Anyway, that second paragraph, as I said, is only relavent to overclockers, and hardcore overclockers at that.

-Ed

[exxowire]

What type is your motherboard ? I assume that you are using a ABIT KV7 mobo. I suggest you use the CORSAIR 1xCMX512-3200C2 or 2xCMX512-3200C2
In order to optimize the use of dual-channel DDR SDRAM platform you should use the 2xCMX512-3200C2