Motherboard CPU and RAM query

Mozz · 18 Mar 2012 at 15:09

I’ve not built a new rig in a fair while, but I've been working on a new build. I'm going with a Intel i7 3820 and 4x4gb DDR3 ram, however I can't find just what I want in a motherboard, So I'm going to be overshooting my requirements for later upgrading.

My problem is all the motherboards with my requirements are all built with 8 Ram slots. Will only using 4/8 ram slots have any effect on the running of the build? I've read in passing that having less than the build is built to handle will have some negative impact.

stulid · 18 Mar 2012 at 15:17

Heres a ATX X79 board - http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-375-GI&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=2174

4 RAM slots and 3 year UK based warranty.

Will only using 4/8 ram slots have any effect on the running of the build?

No it wont, as long as you occupy the correct RAM slots to get the quad channel operation.

Mozz · 18 Mar 2012 at 15:21

I was looking at that board, but the lower fan count and slightly off positioning is making me lean towards a Asus P9X79, but I'm not sure, having to learn everything again heh.

Thanks for the quick answer

cmndr_andi · 18 Mar 2012 at 15:40

Yea, don't worry about "just" running four RAM sticks in a board with 8 slots - it will run at exactly the same speed as if all 8 slots were filled - just so long as you install the 4 sticks in the right slots (the motherboard manual will tell you where best to but four sticks).

The negative impact of using less RAM sticks probably means that if you use a number of RAM sticks that isn't four or eight - since in these cases not all the modules will run in quad channel mode.