Ram compatability question.

Wolfe777

Wolfe777

Wolfe777

Associate
Joined
5 May 2011
Posts
408
I have 4 GB Corsair XMS3 ram at present, which is actually 2x2GB sticks from a 6GB triple channel set. I bought it from Overclockers and it's worked fine so I wasn't concerned as they were obviously just splitting the triple sets to sell as dual channel as they were much more popular that way.

Anyway, it's been no problem running them as dual channel, but I now want to upgrade to 8GB, so it would make sense to buy another 2x2GB of the same type to fill the slots, rather than matching them with a triple channel set as that would waste a stick and cost more.

The problem is that although the dual sets have the same timinings and voltage as the triples, they do have a different product code to the triple channel ram I currently have.

I know it almost certainly will work, but I just want to confirm that it should be fine to run the dual channel set with the triple channel set that I already have, full specs of both types of ram follow:



EXISTING RAM: (2 sticks out of 3 of a Triple channel set sold to me as a dual channel set.)

CMX6GX3M3A1600C9


Memory Configuration
Triple Channel
Memory Type
DDR3
Package Memory Format
DIMM
Package Memory Pin
240
Performance Profile
XMP
Memory Size
6GB Kit (3 x 2GB)
SPD Latency
9-9-9-24
SPD Speed
1333MHz
SPD Voltage
1.5
Speed Rating
PC3-12800 (1600MHz)
Tested Latency
9-9-9-24
Tested Speed
1600Mhz
Tested Voltage
1.65


POTENTIAL NEW RAM:

CMX4GX3M2A1600C9

Memory Configuration
Dual Channel
Memory Type
DDR3
Package Memory Format
DIMM
Package Memory Pin
240
Performance Profile
XMP
Memory Size
4GB Kit (2 x 2GB)
SPD Latency
9-9-9-24
SPD Speed
1333MHz
SPD Voltage
1.5
Speed Rating
PC3-12800 (1600MHz)
Tested Latency
9-9-9-24
Tested Speed
1600Mhz
Tested Voltage
1.65



As I can see it they're identical and should have no conflicts despite having a different product codes and memory configurations, but confirmation from anyone else would be appreciated.

.
 
Motherboard is an old GA-H55M-UD2H.

Currently on Overclockers, 4GB of this ram would be £41, or 8Gb £61, they don't sell the triple channel ram at all any more, but it could be that their 4GB packs are still made up of split 6GB packs as they were when I bought it originally.


So for the extra £20 I can have 8GB with the benefit of it only being in 2 slots and will have 4GB ram spare.

Or I could even try combining them and in theory have 12GB but using all 4 ram slots that way.

Anyway, I'm going to call customer support and see if they can confirm my questions before I buy.
 
that board supports dual channel ram anyway

imo the best option is 8gb that's assuming you have 64 bit windows?

tri channel just means three stick but it wont run in tri channel mode on that board just dual channel

you have two 2gb sticks at the mo ? if you add in one 4gb stick idk how it would run mixing 2gb and 4gb
 
Yeah I have 64bit, also I was aware the board is dual channel right from the start, but overclockers sold me 2 out 3 ram sticks out of a triple channel set that they broke up to sell as dual channel set, hence my confusion regarding compatability with a 'true' dual channel set.

I'll call them tomorrow and order whatever turn out to be the best option.
 
if you can get one matching stick to go with your current sticks then yh do that,otherwise its better to buy a new 8gb kit and sell your old ram
 
I don't think they'll be any issue running those stick.. the timings, frequencies, voltages are the same. Even if you had one slight difference, the RAM would operate at the specification of the lesser spec. so if you had one set at CL10 and another at CL 9, you need to operate all modules at CL10, because that might not cope with the CL9 as the timings are tighter.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom