RAM is killing my computers speed?

Question

Basically the problem is when I use:
1x2GB stick, it works amazingly fast
2x2GB stick, it works ridiculously slowly

Operating system: Windows server enterprise 2003 R2 x32
Memory: Corsair 4096MB TwinX XMS2 6400 DDR2 Memory Kit (2 x 2048MB), 800MHz CL5 1.8V
CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad 2.4
Mobo: Asus P5B SE, supports upto 8GB with 4x2GB slots

Its really a drastic change when I plug in/remove 1 of the sticks. In the bios and within windows all the RAM is recognised. Tried RAM in different slots.

Don't know whats wrong

Answer 1

The memory chips you are using are "Dual-channel" and must be set up correctly on the motherboard in order to function at optimum speed!



Most motherboards that support dual-channel require the chips to be in specific "slots" on the motherboard. Your dual-channel go into DIMMA1 and DIMMB1 if you are only running two chips at a time and they must be "non-ECC" type. You would typically be using DDR2 800, DDR2 667 or DDR2 533 with a 1066FSB CPU and DDR2 667 and DDR2 800 ONLY if you are running a 1333FSB CPU.



A Single channel chip would go into either DIMMA1 OR DIMMB1 by itself.



If you do not follow the placement suggested to the letter the memory will NOT function in dual mode resulting in your slower performance.



Remember that Windows server 2003 supports 4GB's of ram but will only utilize 3-3.2 if a 32bit version is used instead of a 64bit version which uses (Physical Address Extensions).



And you are "not" using more memory than it can handle,..that board supports 8GB or ram (4 x 2GB)



Also, make sure you enter the system BIOS and choose "LOAD OPTIMAL (OR HIGH PERFORMANCE) VALUES" for correct system performance!!



HUMOR ME AND LOWER YOUR RAM BUS SPEED TO (333MHz) INSTEAD OF (400MHz) IN THE BIOS AND TELL ME WHAT THE SYSTEM DOES. I just read about this same problem.



I SAID THAT EARLIER TO YOU IN MY RESPONSE!! That 32 bit does NOT support 4 gb's,...it will only recognize 3-3.2 gb's of it.



I will repeat myself with this and send you the link to the article on the "resource bottleneck" that exists with your 32bit edition with 4gb's or more below (whether it support 64gb's or not) if you run more than 3.2gb's you will experience what you are experiencing! YOU MUST RUN 64 BIT OR ENABLE (4GT)..4gb tuning,.....and modify your "physical address extensions" (PAE x86) ON 32BIT TO RUN 4GB'S OR MORE OF RAM!!!



Scroll to middle of article under heading "now what",..this is a MEMORY PAGING error you are having. I build these for a living and own a computer business. NO 32BIT OPERATING SYSTEM (except Server OS's) can cross the 3.2gb memory paging limitation without modifying the Server OS's registry settings. Only 64bit OS's allow physical address extensions without having to change anything!

http://www.infoworld.com/article/05/07/25/30TCwin64_1.html



You must enable 4GT under windows server 2003 to use 4gb's or more of ram correctly with the 32 bit edition. Here is the information page on tuning your memory! You need to change your "PagedPoolSize" of your memory.

http://technet2.microsoft.com/windowsserver/en/library/cab49770-0239-4a8b-90c1-612e70b729c81033.mspx?mfr=true

Answer 2

It's because you put in too much RAM than the board and components have been designed to use and the system is confused!



If a board is designed for a maximum of 1 Gb and you are sticking in double or triple that then your asking for trouble!

Answer 3

You must always have one memory stick in slot labelled 1. Insufficient memory will slow the computer down. Running too many programs at the same time will also slow the computer down.

Answer 4

keep 1 2 GB stick

but there is a conflict between them probably trying to choose which is the master and which is the slave which is why it's hogging up your ram.

Answer 5

if you have 4 slots on there .. there should be 2 colours make sure there both in the same colour and it should be fine

Answer 6

They need to be the same type exactly to be useful.