HP d325 Configuring Graphics Memory for HP Business Desktop d325 Microtower - Page 5

The d325 business desktop will not support future Athlon XP processors with front-side buses that operate at a 400 MHz. HP offers the following recommendations for maximizing performance: • Dual-channel-While it is possible to configure single-channel main memory, HP recommends the dual-channel configuration, which doubles memory bandwidth. • Matching DIMMs-When configuring dual-channel memory, HP strongly recommends using DIMMs that are matched in size and speed. • If DIMM speeds are mismatched, memory runs at the speed of the slower DIMM. • If the DIMMs are different sizes, then part of the memory configuration is dual-channel and part is single-channel. Note See the Appendix for more information on the impact of using mismatched DIMMs. • Memory size-Depending on configuration, memory performance can differ between desktops with the same total memory size. For example, a desktop with two 128MB DIMMs may out-perform a system with a single 256MB DIMM (because the dual-channel configuration doubles memory bandwidth). Again, HP recommends the dual-channel configuration. • Graphics driver-HP recommends using the graphics driver supplied with the d325 business desktop. Using an alternative driver may impact system performance (as shown in the Appendix). Summary The NVIDIA GeForce4 MX graphics integrated into the d325 business desktop automatically receive an allocation of up to 64 MB of DDR main memory. The d325 business desktop supports single-channel and dual-channel configurations. Performance tests carried out by HP indicate that a dual-channel memory configuration can achieve significant performance gains. Some care is required when configuring memory; mismatched DIMMs or the use of an alternative graphics driver can degrade graphics or system performance. Simple, yet powerful and reliable, the d325 business desktop is an excellent investment for today's small to medium business customers. 5