FREE 256mb Gizmo USB stick with any memory order over 512mb (merged)

ianonline

Does anyone know how I can tell whether I have a "dual channel system":

Do I have to buy the same size upgrade as the memory module currently installed in my computer or can I mix different sizes?

In newer systems using SDRAM or DDR SDRAM memory, you can use modules of different densities with no problem. For example, if your computer came with a 128MB memory module, you can add a 256MB module for a total of 384MB of RAM. However, if you have a "dual-channel" system and want to take advantage of that technology, you will need to ensure that the modules in each memory slot are the same density.

The Crucial site also quotes that "some DDR systems and all DDR2 systems" are dual channel - mine is DDR so I'm not sure whether it is dual channel or not (actually, I don't think it is as the crucial system scanner makes no reference to it, but I was just wondering if there was any way that I could check for myself) :think:

nads

You could check the website of your motherboard manufacturer? There's no harm in not having matching pairs but its better if you do.

bingsy

My twopenneth

Hope this isn't too confusing. If I'm wrong, please correct me.

You can use 1 stick of DDR ram in a pc because DDR memory modules are still DIMMS (dual inline memory modules). In older systems that used to use SIMMs they had to be in pairs for your PC to work at all. Not the case today, you can use 1 DIMM.

With Dual Channel enabled motherboards you can use 1 stick but you're better off having 2 (2x 512MB are quicker than 1x 1GB).

Example: If you have a dual channel system & you want say 1GB of RAM, you're better off getting 2x 512mb sticks as opposed to 1 stick of 1GB. The reason is that in a dual channel system, each stick has it's own memory controller/channel so the DIMMs aren't competing against each other for bandwidth.

As far as I know, only motherboards that use the Nvidia Nforce series of motherboard chipsets have dual channel capability (Nforce2 or later). Things in the PC industry move so quickly that this may have changed but it was certainly the case around a year ago.

I'm not absolutely sure about this but if you have 3 ram slots & you fill all of them maybe it disables the dual channel feature.

If you don't have the dual channel feature on your motherboard I wouldn't worry about it, buy 1x 1GB stick because they are cheaper than 2x 512MBs & you fill up less RAM slots.

In summary (both examples buying 1GB of RAM):

If you have a Dual channel enabled motherboard - buy 2x 512MB (quicker)
If you DONT have a Dual channel enabled motherboard - buy 1x 1GB (cheaper than 2x 512MB)

Nvidia Links:

http://www.nvidia.com/object/feature_dualddr.html
http://www.nvidia.com/content/motherboard_availability/us.asp *

*Don't know if the second link applies to the uk as well as the us

bingsy

As for buying pairs of DIMMs. Buy matched pairs if the options available. They are a little bit more expensive than just buying 2 of the same ones but at least you'll get ones that the manufacturer has matched up.

KEF, the loudspeaker manufacturer, do the same with speakers that feature their UniQ Drive units. After production, they measure (acoustically, not "these 2 look the same") and then pair up drive units that exhibit the same sonic characterisitics.

ianonline

bingsy wrote:

As for buying pairs of DIMMs. Buy matched pairs if the options available. They are a little bit more expensive than just buying 2 of the same ones but at least you'll get ones that the manufacturer has matched up.

Well I'm pretty much certain that my ASUS mobo isn't dual channel so I've gone ahead and ordered a 512Mb module. I only want one module to fill a vacant memory slot as I want to continue using my existing 256Mb module rather than it go to waste. I was going to buy another 256Mb module so they would be "equal sized" (albeit not a "matched pair") but I figured I'd be better off paying a little extra for a 512Mb module which means I qualify for free delivery and the free USB Gizmo.

Hopefully it'll work OK with one 512Mb and one 256Mb :think:

sockpuppetuk

Got 2 x matched 512mb sticks for my new Dell 6000 laptop thanks.
Used the 4% code, Went through Quidco for another 7% and used my Egg money card for another 1%
Plus I go my free memory stick :-)

All paid for by Dell as they gave me a 10% discount to keep the laptop (which I was going to do anyway because it was on the Dell outlet site and they underpriced it by about £200 in the first place)

Cheers.

drlunanerd

Searcher2 wrote:

Taken from the Crucial website :
Terms and Conditions.
*Qualified orders, for a limited time, receive free shipping within the UK. (Important details)
Legal stuff:
• Limit one free Gizmo! drive per order.

However, I ordered yesterday and noticed a 2x512Mb kit for my PC was £93.99 inc VAT which seemed odd as the single 512Mb DIMM was £37.59 (plus the fact the kit was about £71 the moring before) so I ordered 2 single DIMMs on separate orders so I could get 2 USB drives. I checked the status this morning and then checked the prices. The 2x512Mb kit was £63.39 inc VAT (but no free USB drive)!!!!! I rang up to see if I could cancel my original order and the lady asked why I had placed 2 separate orders. I said it was to get 2 USB freebies. She said it was only 1 free USB per household - but I pointed out the T&C said 1 per order. I asked why the huge price difference between the 2 x single and the kit and she couldn't answer...she could not even understand why I was seeing £63.39 inc VAT on my screen as that was not what she was seeing. Anyway - I have ordered (with an additional 4% off with a voucher code) the kit and will send the original order back when it comes.... £60.85 for 1Gb for my DELL 5100 isn't bad.

So whether I am seeing reseller prices or whether I am seeing the prices as they will be when the 'freebie' offer finishes I do not know. If I clear my cookies then I get the expensive prices back again.

Crucial are well known for playing games with their prices. Seems they're also breaking the law with regards to their terms for the Gizmo offer now.

I've made several orders for memory from them over the past week, all inlcuding a free Gizmo drive as I am entitled to. However I've received emails for all the orders today stating that it's one Gizmo per customer!

I've replied stating that in no uncertain terms that the offer is one per order and they'd better fulfil their obligations.

Careful with these guys - yes they're quick to deliver and their memory is good quality, but they're shady when it comes to changing their pricing and offer terms. Don't let them push you around. MSE to the rescue!

Edge21

Been after a Crucial 512mb DIMM for a few weeks now...

Ordered on Friday afternoon with free delivery. Remarkably it arrived the very next morning, complete with USB key!!!

4% discount and 7% Quid-Co cash back on top...can't complain! Cheers! :beer:

deanos

CalamityJane wrote:

Do you think that by using the 4% discount voucher it negates any cashback offers?

Got it in one, if you use a voucher it cancells the cashback has done on the times ive ordered anyway

kingkano

Has anybody had their crucial order track thru quidco yet? mine still has not so I reckon the above statement might just be true!