Blue Screen During Overclocking NB 955BE
Blue Screen During Overclocking NB 955BE
Memory controllers with dual-channel support employ two 64-bit data paths, creating a 128-bit flow, whereas single-channel designs only handle 64-bit, which limits performance. In single-channel setups, CPUs that exceed the memory speed will face bottleneck issues.
The situation still seems unclear to me. My RAM is set up in dual channel, but only one stick is single channel. This doesn't make the entire system single channel, just meaning the last stick will be slower than it should be. I’m fine with having a few slow sticks; three sticks are better than two, even if one isn’t performing optimally.
I might be mistaken, but I’m not experiencing any performance problems. Is there really a significant difference between dual and single channel? Please clarify.
After some quick research, it seems my setup doesn’t differ much from dual channel. Although the label says dual channel, in practice I’m using single channel. Benchmarks suggest that AMD chips don’t offer much advantage over Intel in real-world scenarios, with only a slight improvement of less than 1% to 5%. Since AMD processors typically use multiple channels rather than FSB, the difference is minimal.
The issue of bottlenecking isn’t as impactful here because my RAM speed is much higher than my memory sticks. I’ll keep the extra 2GB for better multitasking.
Please let me know if you’re right.
^You're correct. The variation is quite minor, so it's just seen as a typical error in the research rather than a significant difference.
You're right. The variation is so minor it could just be a normal error in the research, not a real distinction.
Make sure you choose between two or four sticks; three is not recommended as it disrupts the OC and is worse. You should aim for dual channel mode only. When you install three sticks, your memory switches to single channel, which is not suitable for AM3. Three stick setups are intended for Intel systems like the x58 LGA 1366.
So you're asking if I can still overclock my northbus due to the RAM situation? This was the question I was trying to find out. I’ve managed to keep the overclock stable for 18 hours, so I’m not concerned about that part.
I’m not planning to change anything at the moment; I prefer keeping my third stick. But I might compare the two sticks now that everyone is discussing it.
If you have time, could you clarify why single-channel mode wouldn’t let me overclock my NB? That would be helpful.
I’m not mistaken—people think triple channel is only for Intel chipsets. I’ve heard this before on this thread a few times. I actually bought it at a good price and didn’t realize how much of a difference single vs dual channel made. It’s like buying a candy bar for $0.50 and then seeing two identical ones for $0.55. I just thought it was a great deal.
If the single-channel setting is really the issue, that would be useful to know. At this point, I just need some answers. If anyone knows where to buy a single stick of RAM, I’d love to help out. I’m worried about wasting money on the last one.
dyno0919 :
So you are saying I can't overclock my northbus because of my RAM?
This is really what I wanted to know. I have my overclock completely stable right now, it ran 18 hours of prime so I'm not worried about that end of the stick.
Honestly, I don't plan on doing either, I want to keep my 3rd stick; however I will probably bench the 2 sticks vs 3 now that everyone has me thinking about it.
If you have the time, could you please explain to me why having single channel wouldn't allow me to overclock my NB. That would be interesting to know.
I'm not an idiot, contrary to what people seem to think. I've been told 2 or 3 times on this thread alone that triple channel is for Intel chipsets. I know this. I bought it on a good deal, and didn't really think single vs dual channel made that much difference. It was like walking into a store and seeing a candy bar for $.50 and then seeing two of the same right next to it for $.55. I bought it because it was an extremely good deal.
If the single channel is really what is causing my failure, that would be nice to know (and please explain to me the cause for this
. At this point I just want some closure. If anybody knows where to buy just one stick of RAM let me know, because I'd be happy to throw down the money. I just don't want to lose money on that last stick.
UPDATE: Ran the benches and results were minimal. My final overall scores on both the CPU and RAM actually proved to be better with 3 sticks instead of 2. It is exactly like I thought, there is very little performance difference. I am still very interested with your input on how three could be causing my instability though.
Dual-channel technology was created to address the issue of bottlenecks. Increased processor speed and performance requires other, less prominent components to keep pace. In the case of dual channel design, the intended target is the memory controller (AM3), which regulates data flow between the CPU and system memory (RAM). The memory controller determines the types and speeds of RAM as well as the maximum size of each individual memory module and the overall memory capacity of the system. However, when the memory is unable to keep up with the processor, a "bottleneck" occurs, leaving the CPU with nothing to process. Under the single-channel architecture, any CPU with a bus speed greater than the memory speed would be susceptible to this bottleneck effect.
The dual-channel configuration alleviates the problem by doubling the amount of available memory bandwidth. Instead of a single memory channel, a second parallel channel is added. With two channels working simultaneously, the bottleneck is reduced. Rather than wait for memory technology to improve, dual-channel architecture simply takes the existing RAM technology and improves the method in which it is handled. While the actual implementation differs between Intel and AMD motherboards, the basic theory stands.
When using an Am2/Am2+/Am3 system it is highly recommended that you stay within spec's to reduce any unnecessary bottleneck's that may occur. AM3 systems are meant to run in dual channel just like x58's are meant to run in tr-channel. You are actually taking a step backwards when you go from dual channel to single channel.
Take my advice and run your system with 4Gb of ram (2 sticks), then we can address the NB issue
😉
I see the issue with my 'technology' not meeting the latest requirements by using it in a single channel. The benchmarks confirmed that this approach wouldn't work well. I'm not facing any issues with dual channel, but I didn't encounter any problems with single channel either. I've already reviewed all the information you provided on Wikipedia. My question is specifically about how running in single channel could lead to an NB failure, rather than just explaining why dual channel is preferable.