Macbook (Merom 2.16Ghz) Memory Controller Questions

[redaxe]

I'm getting my White 2.16Ghz Macbook tomorrow and I have two questions regarding memory.

1. If one were to install 4GB (2 x 2GB) would the memory take benefit of the dual channel interleaving?

2. Is a 3.3GB (amount recognized by the Merom memory controller) better than a 2GB (2 x 1GB) RAM setup?

Thanks for any help. I already purchased the 2GB setup from Apple eitherways. I was just curious for the future. Benchmarks would be superb too.

 

[TBi]

I don't think 4GB is supported in the Macbook. I think it's 3GB max.

 

[redaxe]

I don't think 4GB is supported in the Macbook. I think it's 3GB max.

I'm sorry, perhaps I wasn't too clear. I know that they can't. I was wondering that if one physically installed two 2GB sticks (regardless of the fact that only 3.3GB is accessible) would they function in dual channel mode with interleaving.

 

[diadem]

simple answer... yes

 

[TBi]

I'm sorry, perhaps I wasn't too clear. I know that they can't. I was wondering that if one physically installed two 2GB sticks (regardless of the fact that only 3.3GB is accessible) would they function in dual channel mode with interleaving.

Yes but... the macbook only recognises 3GB. I don't think it will work with two 2GB sticks.

The max memory is 2GB + 1GB.

The merom controller is capable of it but the macbook (from what I read) isn't.

EDIT: Or i could be wrong...

anyways the way the intel chipset works is that even if you have mismatched 1GB +2 GB sticks you will get memory interleaving for the first 1GB of both sticks. Effectivly 2GB of interleaved RAM.

 

[redaxe]

Yes but... the macbook only recognises 3GB. I don't think it will work with two 2GB sticks.

The max memory is 2GB + 1GB.

The merom controller is capable of it but the macbook (from what I read) isn't.

Well, the Macbook is Merom so your last statement conflicts. I'm talking about a Rev B. Macbook which is 64-bit Merom.