Can I use only one memory in dual channel motherboard?

Question

Can I use only one memory in dual channel motherboard?

Answer 1

Usually, yes, but it will put the motherboard into single-channel mode, which reduces overall performance.

Answer 2

R.Crumb, SAY WHAT? MD R, you can use just one stick of ram memory in a computer that supports Dual Channel. Lets touch upon how Dual Channel works.

When two LIKE sticks of ram are put into the same channel,(This is usually designated by the motherboard manufacturer, as two ram slots of the same color. NOT always however! Consult the Motherboard Manual, or look for reviews of the motherboard online, to know which ram slots are of the same channel), they 'piggyback' off of each other. One stick does so many tasks, then the other one. This is the simplified explanation version. If you want the technical in-depth version, I can do that too.

The Dual Channel memory title can be misleading, when the ram is advertised this way. There's nothing special about the ram itself. It's just sold as a matching pair. For example: 2GB's of PC6400 ram that is sold as Dual Channel. You'll see it's two sticks of 1GB-> PC6400.

Ram that is sold in a matching pair, or pairs, must be ALIKE.

1.Same style. DDR Sdram, DDR2 Sdram, etc.('natch!)

2.Same frequency speed. Examples: DDR at 400MHz (PC3200) DDR2 at 800MHz (PC6400)

3.Same ram timings.

4.Same chip configuration

5.Same SPD (Serial Presense Detect)

This is why when ram is sold in Dual Channel it's from the same manufacturer. This is not required, but you're assured it's the same this way.

Install this ram stick in Slot 1,(Sometimes referred to as Slot 0)

This is the ram slot closest to the processor. The processor reads Slot 1 first. Be sure of the maximum amount, that can be installed in EACH ram slot. Be sure this ram stick does not exceed that.

Answer 3

No.   If your computer has dual channel memory, you must install memory sticks in matching pairs.     Computer will not boot if you install an odd number of sticks.

Answer 4

You can use 2 channels if it has 2, but you can only use as much as your motherboard allows.