Matching RAM not working in Dual Channel.

[Shaw23]

Update!

I sent my older module back and got a new updated one, this one is matched timings and everything with my newest chip but it still wouldn't switch to dual channel. After some thinking I had an epiphany. My girlfriends computer is running 256MBx2 DDR in dual channel which is perfectly matched from the factory. Go figure, it only took me a week to realize this. So I take the RAM from her computer and install it in mine, still no dual channel. I then put my 2GBx2 RAM in her computer, and it boots in dual channel.

So is it safe to say that the MACH Speed tech support either lied or didnt know what he is talking about when he told me my Mobo is capable of dual channel and that the Tiger Direct page was indeed wrong. Or is it possible that somewhere that I dont know about deep within my computer system, there is a setting that needs changed to enable dual channel?

 

[LinkedKube]

my ram wont register dual channel either, I feel your pain, hope you get it to work.

 

[captaincranky]

Treacherous...is that an anagram for tech support?

Um, okay, my instincts go with the manual not mentioning it and therefore the board doesn't have it. I perhaps shouldn't draw conclusions based on my experience with my Intel boards, but if you stick two of the same spec DIMMs in either one of them, the BIOS will tell you they're running in dual channel mode. This with 2 different 512MB PC2700 and 2 identical 256MB PC3200 in one of the machines. But, it's nothing I can claim responsibility for. Intel goes to great lengths to explain the cause and effect relationship when configuring the RAM with different chips. It's dual channel, but that's so common now we don't bother to mention it, just doesn't sit well, even if it might be true.

Try reading pages 17, 18 and 36 thru 40 of this Intel manual you'll see what I mean. http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/sb/CS-012048.htm

That's an old board, the new ones are even more forgiving.

 

[Shaw23]

I now know that the RAM I have for this system will run in dual channel, as will the other pair that I tried and neither of them work in dual channel in that system. So now I am not sure what to do, when I bought the parts I had expectations of it running dual channel. I bought the Mobo, Processor, heatsink/fan, and both sticks of RAM, and a power supply for this system... I cant hardly think it would be worth sending all the parts back because of this but it kinda ticks me off that I didnt get what was advertised. It would be nice if they would just credit me with like half of what I paid and call it over but I cant see that happening. I guess I will just get in contact with Tiger Direct and see what they say. I will probably have to just stay ticked about it for a while and move on.

 

[captaincranky]

Still, it's not the end of the world.....

I have a MSI mobo with an ATI chipset, ,410 something or other. Anyway it's a 2 RAM socket board, @533MHz (2GB max.). It's got 2 512s in it. I never expected it to be dual channel but it works fine in spite of that, and it's other handicap, it's an Emachines.

 

[simpson689]

uh i really need some help. my comp is a targa ultra an64 4200+ dc and now every time i try to start it up all i get after about two second of powering up is a beeeeeep beep beep repeatedly til i turn the comp off there is also no response from the moniter when i turn it on

 

[Shaw23]

Simpson,
Welcome to TechSpot, if you want a better chance at getting more responses, you should first read this guide here. Also you should post your question in a new thread in the proper forum here. You posted your question in a thread specific toward RAM issues and you have a problem that would need troubleshooting with your PC so you should make a new thread in the "Other Hardware" forum.

One thing people will want to know is if you installed any new hardware or software prior to the problem or if you made any changes in your BIOS settings, or if you used any software to make system changes such as overclocking. They may also want to know if you have any antivirus software that you use. It would also be helpful if you would put all of the details about your system that you can into your profile.

Thats where to start, you could learn alot about non-bootable systems if you would look through the forums and/or do a search within the website. The beeping that you hear is a code to tell you if something is wrong with the system, if you can get the pattern of beeps it is making and provide this in your post in another thread it would be helpful as well.

 

[Tedster]

you have to remember, that just because ram works well on one mobo doesn't mean it will work well on another. Some mobos and brands are very picky about the types of ram they will take. Asus and DELL are two that come to mind, but there are also others.

 

[simpson689]

ah yeah the pattren is a long beep followed quicly by 2 short ones and sorry for not startin a new thread i didnt hav a lotta time

 

[Shaw23]

I got into contact with Tiger and they sent me once again to Mach Speed Tech Support and the guy told me that this Motherboard requires that you buy a dual channel kit in order for it to work in dual mode. He said it doesnt mattter if the sticks are identical or not... if they weren't bought in a dual kit then they wont go into dual channel. I thought that the second pair I tried was a dual channel kit though...

 

[captaincranky]

Did I Not Tell You.......

"Treacherous...is that an anagram for tech support? "
T-E-CH----S !