Single channel RAM issue

[mascot]

Hello builders...

Just figured out why my computer is so slow. It says the Rams are working in single channel mode only. As per the PC specs I think it should work in dual channel, or am I wrong?

Every help appreciated

Greetz Simon

My specs:
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
Windows Vista Home Premium Edition SP2 (Build 6002)
CPU Arch : 1 CPU - 4 Cores - 4 Threads
CPU PSN : Intel Core2 Quad CPU Q6600 @ 2.40GHz
CPU EXT : MMX SSE SSE2 SSE3 SSSE3 EM64T
CPUID : 6.F.B / Extended : 6.F
CPU Cache : L1 : 4 x 32 / 4 x 32 KB - L2 : 2 x 4096 KB
Core : Kentsfield (65 nm) / Stepping : G0
Freq : 1602.94 MHz (267.16 * 6)
MB Brand : ACER
MB Model : MCP73PV
NB : NVIDIA GeForce 7100 rev A2
SB : NVIDIA nForce 630i rev A2
GPU Type : NVIDIA GeForce GTS 250
GPU Clocks : Core 738 MHz / RAM 1000 MHz
DirectX Version : 10.0
RAM : 4096 MB DDR2 Single Channel
RAM Speed : 400.7 MHz (2:3) @ 5-4-4-17
Slot 1 : 2048MB (6400)
Slot 1 Manufacturer : Apacer Technology
Slot 2 : 2048MB (6400)
Slot 2 Manufacturer : Apacer Technology
cpuz

[o76o]

If this is the case then take one of the rams out and place it in the adjacent slot.

Usually they are colour coded for dual channel operation.

EDIT: And overclock that processor! That model is especially a fantastic overclocker. I see your ram is 800mhz spec so its safe to take your FSB from 266Mhz to 400Mhz.

also "Freq : 1602.94 MHz (267.16 * 6)" That should read 267.16 * 9) for your particular cpu, maybe its in "Speedstep" mode, i.e. power saving.

Good luck.

[mascot]

Hello, thx for your quick reply. If I remember correctly, there are only two slots for the ram bricks on the mb. I will physically check this tonight again...
For the overclocking I like to came back at you when the ram issue is solved.
I think I removed all the energy saving modes and control programs. What could be another reason for this?

Greetz and many thx

Simon

[o76o]

I have been digging around and unfortunately I think you are right, I say unfortunately because your motherboard is the big bottleneck in your system at the moment.

It only supports up to 667Mhz ram and core 2 duos love memory bandwith.
I doubt the motherboard will be able to overclock much so lets forget about that idea as well!

If you have some spare cash, first thing I would do is change your Motherboard. To something like the Biostar TP-45 or for a few dollars more the Biostar TPower I45. I myself have the TP-45.

[mascot]

Just to clarify this, my current MB will never support Dual channel ram operation? Is that correct? Because thats my issue at the moment.
Your suggestion is probably right,but im a hardware neewbie and to change a MB sounds very risky to me. I have never done it before and have no clou how to... What happens to drivers, programms, processors, Coms (I have a lot of external devices...) It took to long to set it all up... But if its the only way, we well see.

Greetz Simon

[o76o]

Just to clarify this, my current MB will never support Dual channel ram operation? Is that correct? Because thats my issue at the moment.
Your suggestion is probably right,but im a hardware neewbie and to change a MB sounds very risky to me. I have never done it before and have no clou how to... What happens to drivers, programms, processors, Coms (I have a lot of external devices...) It took to long to set it all up... But if its the only way, we well see.

Greetz Simon

Hi,

Going by the information I saw on the NVidia site (the actual chip maker of your motherboard) it seems no. I have not read the instruction manual so can not say for sure, but it appears as it does not support dual channel mode, and only 667Mhz Ram MAX.

When you swap out the motherboard, you will need to update all your motherboard drivers, these usually come on a disc with the Motherboard, copy these to your Harddrive before turning off to do the swap.

The main thing is to take your time and regularly ground yourself (by touching central heating pipes - this discharges static electricity from your body)

It is daunting when first done, but afterwards you'll think what all the fuss was about, and then you will not have to rely on anyone else to do hardware stuff for you, or have to rely on pre built systems as they usually have bad cost/performance ratio.

[mascot]

Hi there its me again...

Still thinking about changing my motherboard since the PC is wrecking my nerves... So far I found out that I need a MB with a 775 Socket in order to support my CPU and the size is Micro atx 24.4 * 24.4cm. I guess that it will not be possible to install anything which does not meet these two specs.
My case is the original Acer Aspire M5640 tower...

Anywone correct me if I'm wrong please...
Suggestions very appreciated

Thanks in advance

Simon