Triple channel DDR3 RAM onto a Dual Channel Motherboard?

[theone1989]

What would happen if you stuck a Triple Channel RAM kit like 3x2gb onto a Motherboard that is stated to support "Dual Channel Architecture"?

Would the extra stick of RAM not work properly? Or what? Thanks

 

[cmndr_andi]

It will most likely run in single channel mode.

With a CPUs/mobos designed to use dual channel mode, you really want to run either 2 or 4 sticks of RAM. If you already own the 6GB kit, then I would either sell one module and only use 4GB or buy another identical spec module for 8GB dual channel operation.

However, if you haven't bought it yet I would strongly suggest picking up a dual channel matched kit of either 2x2GB or 2x4GB depending on how much RAM you need.

 

[theone1989]

It will most likely run in single channel mode.

With a CPUs/mobos designed to use dual channel mode, you really want to run either 2 or 4 sticks of RAM. If you already own the 6GB kit, then I would either sell one module and only use 4GB or buy another identical spec module for 8GB dual channel operation.

However, if you haven't bought it yet I would strongly suggest picking up a dual channel matched kit of either 2x2GB or 2x4GB depending on how much RAM you need.

I haven't bought anything yet, I last had a new desktop like 6 years ago (new laptop 3 yrs ago) but planning to build a £1k rig in January.

I think I'll be going for a i5 2500k Sandbridge anyway, which apparently doesn't support Triple Channel RAM?

A lot of dual channel kit is in 4gb sets., will it be enough for Win7 64 bit and gaming? I'll have like £100 for RAM.

 

[cmndr_andi]

If you want to run 6GB with sandy bridge s1155 in dual channel mode you will be needing 2x2GB and 2x1GB (A 3x2GB kit will only run in single channel mode).

However, using all four memory slots puts more strain on the memory controller and limits memory upgrades.

Instead, I would suggest going for a nice 2x4GB (8GB) kit like this if you feel that 4GB is not enough for your needs.

 

[theone1989]

If you want to run 6GB with sandy bridge s1155 in dual channel mode you will be needing 2x2GB and 2x1GB (A 3x2GB kit will only run in single channel mode).

However, using all four memory slots puts more strain on the memory controller and limits memory upgrades.

Instead, I would suggest going for a nice 2x4GB (8GB) kit like this if you feel that 4GB is not enough for your needs.

I have absolutely no idea how much RAM I'll need...

I think when I decide on a motherboard I can ask for specific advice. But I've been looking at the Patriot Viper series of 4gb ram. like http://www.overclockers.co.uk/productlist.php?groupid=701&catid=8&subid=1387

Bigger mhz ram speed equal better lol right?

 

[cmndr_andi]

I have absolutely no idea how much RAM I'll need...

May I ask what you will be doing with your new PC?

I think when I decide on a motherboard I can ask for specific advice. But I've been looking at the Patriot Viper series of 4gb ram.

Patriot make great RAM, certainly worth a look. However, RAM prices change constantly and performance differences between different kits with the same ratings, but different brands is tiny - so I would just go with the cheapest kit that has the settings that you want at the time you are buying.

Bigger mhz ram speed equal better lol right?

With current generation Intel systems it isn't particularly clear cut. Usually more MHz gives a bit more performance, but in some applications tighter timings count for more. However, a cheap and cheerful 1600MHz CL9 kit is only a few % slower than a top-end kit in terms of performance in most real-world performance, so I wouldn't suggest spending too much on high-end RAM unless your specific applications make good use of the faster RAM.

However, sandy bridge is a new architecture, so it may well make better use of high-end RAM. It would be useful to wait for a review (toms hardware usually do these) which tests sandy bridge with a range of RAM modules of varying speeds and timings, and determines the the performance difference in a range of applications.

 

[TrojanWhore]

yeah I'd go for the 8gb corsair that cmdr_andi suggested, a shade over £100 for 8gb 1600mhz is a bargain, and most likely what will be going in my next build.

Also Corsair have some new stuff out under the name vengeance, just under £130 for the 8gb dual channel kit, and has slightly tighter timings (cas 8 instead of 9) can be found HERE

for reference:

amount: more is better (obv)
Frequency (MHz): more is better
timings (CAS latency): lower is better

also, to most people, the order I've listed them is the usual order of importance (and impact on performance for most things). I think 8gb is gonna be the gamers sweet-spot for the next couple of years, we are only just getting to the point where 4gb isn't enough in some games at max settings.
It can be a bit confusing at first, but the people on here are very friendly and helpful.
as andi said, sandy bridge could change the way ram is utilised in such a way that requirements change.