Dual channel RAM question

[SAdata]

I have a laptop that supports dual channel RAM but only has 2 slots. It has an 8GB Kingston 1600mhz chip in one slot and the other slot is available. I want to get another chip to enable dual channel RAM mode as from what I've read this should provide fairly noticeable graphics performance improvements. Does the new chip have to be an 8gb 1600mhz chip for dual channel to be enabled? Or can I get a 2gb 1600mhz (I really don't need more than 8gb RAM, I just want the dual channel benefit and don't really want to spend R700 on the RAM.

Thanks so much

 

[HavocXphere]

The dual channel improvement isn't that big. 5% maybe.

More RAM would improve things quite a bit. 8>16 not so much though since 8 is already an ok amount.

Dual chan is very sensitive to types of RAM though - in general you want identical ram...like down to the same part number. So no don't get 2gb

If you're looking for an upgrade I'd invest in a SSD first if you haven't done so already...that will provide the most tangible kick per ZAR you can get.

 

[Swa]

Yes it needs to be 8GB otherwise it will use it in single channel configuration with 10GB or with only 4GB in dual channel. Both situations aren't ideal. You'll also be hamstrung by the slowest module.

 

[PPLdude]

I have a laptop that supports dual channel RAM but only has 2 slots. It has an 8GB Kingston 1600mhz chip in one slot and the other slot is available. I want to get another chip to enable dual channel RAM mode as from what I've read this should provide fairly noticeable graphics performance improvements. Does the new chip have to be an 8gb 1600mhz chip for dual channel to be enabled? Or can I get a 2gb 1600mhz (I really don't need more than 8gb RAM, I just want the dual channel benefit and don't really want to spend R700 on the RAM.

Thanks so much

What are you doing on the laptop?

 

[sajunky]

Yes it needs to be 8GB otherwise it will use it in single channel configuration with 10GB or with only 4GB in dual channel. Both situations aren't ideal. You'll also be hamstrung by the slowest module.

Partially correct. Any module of different size will result with single channel operation.

@OP. There are two basic requirements for dual channel operation:
1. The same size.
2. The same architecture. The most typical mismatch is a different number of ranks (1R or 2R). Some call it single-side vs double-side, but it is just by visual appearance and not always lined up with 1R/2R topology.

When you give up with double channel operation and just want to add any piece, take note that double rank modules (2R) are more likely to be compatible with older motherboards. It is because 2R modules give a twice capacity using the same chip technology. When higher density chips hit the market, the same module size can be reached using 1R topology, such modules are cheaper to manufacture, but not neccessary compatible with older motherboards.