How important is Dual-Channel Ram to performance?

[nrundy]

If I get a new computer that has single-channel Ram with a 4gb and 2gb rim, am I going to be taking a note-worthy performance hit compared to if I got two 3gb rims?

What am I missing out on with only having single-channel RAM?

[Phrea]

Very.
It means that all your ones and zero's can be pumped into your ram, two strings at a time, which makes it theoretically twice as fast. I have no data as to how much faster it actually is, but it's faster none the less.

Are there still computers sold with single channel RAM?

Also: RIM?

[nrundy]

Are there still computers sold with single channel RAM?

Also: RIM?

Yeah, unfortunately. Just received a new Thinkpad. I ordered 6gb thinking I'd get two 3gb modules. Instead I got a 4 & 2 module. I'm wondering if I should return it cause it's not dual-channel. Love to hear others advice on whether to return or not.

[Paqman]

I ordered 6gb thinking I'd get two 3gb modules.

Er, are there 3GB modules? Not sure I've ever seen any.

[Inodoro Pereyra]

Er, are there 3GB modules? Not sure I've ever seen any.

Nope. 1, 2 and 4 GB.
Op: if you're gonna return a laptop based on that they didn't put 3 GB RAM modules in it, be ready to hear some laughing.

[nrundy]

Nope. 1, 2 and 4 GB.

Stupid assumption on my part. My mistake, I guess I'm stuck with single-channel.

Thanks for educating me guys.

[aeiah]

depending on the rest of your system specs, what you use it for, and how much stuff you concurrently run, you might not notice a difference. a couple of years ago one of my 2GB sticks died and i didnt notice a difference running on just one 2GB stick. my setup is pretty lightweight though.

[Paqman]

Stupid assumption on my part. My mistake, I guess I'm stuck with single-channel.

Thanks for educating me guys.

Buy a 2GB stick of the same spec as your current one, swap the 4Gb for it and voila, you've got a 4GB dual-channel system. Performance will be better, as you're unlikely to even need all 4GB, let alone 6GB.

[debd]

2gb rim

what's a RIM ?

[Grenage]

If I get a new computer that has single-channel Ram with a 4gb and 2gb rim, am I going to be taking a note-worthy performance hit compared to if I got two 3gb rims?

What am I missing out on with only having single-channel RAM?

Well it's faster; whether you'd actually notice any difference is very situation-specific. You'd generally use Dual (or triple) channel when it's available and won't cost much more.

For the average computer, that is.

Er, are there 3GB modules? Not sure I've ever seen any.

There are indeed.