Dual Channel Memory Config on MacBook

[joehack]

To my knowledge, the MacBook supports dual channel memory access if 2 identical modules are installed. I've installed 2 corsair 1GB modules (makes 2gb ram) and I assumed this enables dual channel memory access.

Today I've looked into Apples System Profiler and it showed me 2 entries:

DIMM0/BANK 0:

  Size:	1 GB
  Type:	DDR2 SDRAM
  Speed:	667 MHz
  Status:	OK

DIMM1/BANK 1:

  Size:	1 GB
  Type:	DDR2 SDRAM
  Speed:	667 MHz
  Status:	OK

It seems like it does NOT run in dual channel mode. Or am I wrong?

Regards,
Jochen

 

[generik]

I think it is not shown in system profiler

Most likely it is handled somewhere really low level like during bootup in BIOS and is totally transparent to application software.

 

[joehack]

Whats puzzling for me is the fact, that it shows BANK 0 and BANK 1. With a dual channel configuration, I've expected only a BANK 0.

 

[dmw007]

I think it is not shown in system profiler

Most likely it is handled somewhere really low level like during bootup in BIOS and is totally transparent to application software.

I think that you are right generik- none of the RAM in my Power Mac G5 lists as being 'dual-channel' but allow of the RAM modules are most certainly matched pairs.

 

[joehack]

@dmw007: how many memory modules do you have installed? can you send a screenshot from the System Profiler's memory section?

Thanks!

Joche

 

[generik]

Whats puzzling for me is the fact, that it shows BANK 0 and BANK 1. With a dual channel configuration, I've expected only a BANK 0.

Erm... I am not really sure what you expect system profiler to show for this, but I can assure you that you are wrong with regards to what bank means. Each bank indicated in system profiler actually refers to a physical DIMM slot and it has nothing to do with dual channel or not. Dual channel is more with the signalling timings of the memory modules and they are still.. 2 logical modules

 

[FleurDuMal]

Mine shows exactly the same (Bank 1/Bank 0) and I installed paired RAM today. I don't think that Bank actually indicates whether its in dual configuration. Though I'm not sure about that.