Dual Channel DDR - do they need to be matched ??

When I built my PC about a month ago I simply stuck in 1 512MB stick of OCZ PC3200 LL memory with the thought I would stick in another 512 of the same stuff later.

The board I have (IC7-G) supports dual channel DDR but I was wondering if I needed to use a matched pair e.g. http://www.ocztechnology.com/product...0+Dual+Channel or whether if I can simply get another stick of the same memory (512MB LL PC3200) - http://www.ocztechnology.com/product...EL+DDR+PC-3200 ??



Will I still get Dual Channel with 2 "seperate" sticks in the correct memory slots (1+3 or 2+4) or do they NEED to be bought as a dual channel set to get this to work ??

it'll be fine. infact you can use ANY 2 sticks of memory - but it'll only work at the speeds of tje worst stick in use.

--jo

In theroy it would be better if they were matched, but I don't think you will notice that much difference.

^^ as jo said, matched dual channel ram is just a marketing term, buying another stick of ram the same as yours will work just fine.

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Originally posted by Flanderz
In theroy it would be better if they were matched, but I don't think you will notice that much difference.

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and what theory is this ? i can't see any reason why a 'matched pair' will work any better ? the manufacturer just takes two stick of whatever their non matched ram is, and tests them (prehaps) as a pair rather than singly, this will make absolutely 0 difference to their performance!

fondie@ its the idea of them being cast from the same "die." kindof like how a potter would use the same material for 2 matching pots.

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Originally posted by dgr
fondie@ its the idea of them being cast from the same "die." kindof like how a potter would use the same material for 2 matching pots.

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Which makes what difference ?
The only advantage of this could be when overclocking, when the sticks would probably clock to around the same speeds.
Also, iirc, the SPD timings for dual channel RAM has slower default SPD timings in accordance with JEDEC specifications.

I still prefer to buy two matching stick separately, must be a moral thing of spending less money for what is the same thing.

you'll find that often matched pairs are cheaper than buying 2 sticks seperately, manufacturers/retailers prefer to sell you 2 sticks rather than one. i'd never buy ram just because they were claimed a matched pair though, i'd bet most manufacturers don't even bother testing them as a pair, they just chuck 2 working sticks in the same packet (it's what i'd do if i were them), so you get exactly the same situation as buying them separately! even if they come out one after each other on the production line (which i doubt) and are then tested together it's not going to make any difference to their performance.

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Originally posted by Richie
Dual Channel DDR - do they need to be matched ??

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no - simple but effective :D

Cheers ppl :D

Another 512MB stick of OCZ PC3200 LL coming up soon :D