Dual channel or quad channel & RAM speed questions.

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xxdanxs

xxdanxs

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May 30, 2013
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I have a few Q's about RAM.

1. Is it better to use dual channel memory or quad channel? Is there much of a difference in performance? I will be using 16GB, so should I go 4x4 or 2x8?

2. Is there much a a difference between DDR3 1600 and DDR3 1866 when gaming and using programs like Sony Vegas and Photoshop?

3. What does PC3 mean? What is better - PC3 12800 or PC3 14900? Is there a big performance difference?

4. Is this a good choice? - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148663 (1 8GB stick came with my mobo so I am getting another single 8GB stick to equal 16GB total)

Thanks!

P.S. Sorry for all the questions. I'm new to building PC's.
 
Solution
Tradesman1
1. What motherboard - only X79 mobo can utilize quad channel
2. 1866 provides slightly better performance, you'd be more like to see it in your apps, though depending on the games you play, possibly
3. PC identifies the DRAM as DDR3 the folloing # indicates the theoretical amount of MB per second the freq of the stick can process
4. That's a good set, if running an X79 that can run quad channel, a 4x4GB set would provide better performance, but am guessing you have a socket 1155 or 1150, so dual channel is your best and only choice, (even with 4 sticks you'll run in dual channel)

If any other questions or I'm not clear give a shout ;)
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Tradesman1

Tradesman1

Legenda in Aeternum
Jun 5, 2013
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1. What motherboard - only X79 mobo can utilize quad channel
2. 1866 provides slightly better performance, you'd be more like to see it in your apps, though depending on the games you play, possibly
3. PC identifies the DRAM as DDR3 the folloing # indicates the theoretical amount of MB per second the freq of the stick can process
4. That's a good set, if running an X79 that can run quad channel, a 4x4GB set would provide better performance, but am guessing you have a socket 1155 or 1150, so dual channel is your best and only choice, (even with 4 sticks you'll run in dual channel)

If any other questions or I'm not clear give a shout ;)
 
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Solution
xxdanxs

xxdanxs

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May 30, 2013
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Thanks. I was unsure about the difference between dual channel and quad channel. I will be using dual channel in this case. So which of these would be better? Slower 16GB RAM or faster 8GB RAM?

This - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148663

or this - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231455
 
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Legohouse

Legohouse

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May 13, 2013
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Hello,:hello:

1. If your motherboard supports Quad Channel memory architecture then you can try Quad channel. Yes, there is a performance difference between them. Try this article to know the exact performance difference between them - http://www.legitreviews.com/article/1779/3/
The amount of populated memory slots can affect the achievable final memory running speed. Also, 4 x 4GB setup will work causing much strain on the memory controller than 2 x 8GB setup. Moreover, if your motherboard supports more than 16GB and if you stick with 4 x 4GB in the future when you are in need of memory upgrade, then you will have to replace the 4GB modules with 8GB or higher sized modules to make room for the new memory. Conclusion, it depends on whether you will be needing any memory in the future and whether your motherboard supports Quad channel architecture based on that you make your decision.

2. There isn't much difference between the two speeds but if you are installing the memory in pairs DDR3-1866MHz is faster and more effective than DDR3-1600MHz. Also if you are planning to use an AMD CPU then going with the fastest speed that is available is the better choice.

3. "PC3" is used to denote DDR3 memory, 3 refers to DDR3. PC3-xxxx denotes theoretical bandwidth (with the last two digits truncated), and is used to describe assembled DIMMs. Bandwidth is calculated by taking transfers per second and multiplying by eight. This is because DDR3 memory modules transfer data on a bus that is 64 data bits wide, and since a byte comprises 8 bits, this equates to 8 bytes of data per transfer. Yes, there is difference between them around 2000MB/s.

4. Yes, the memory is compatible. The link which you have provided is for a kit. If you need a single 8GB module then try this one - BLS8G3D1609DS1S00

Conclusion: Since, you already have 1600MHz I think you do not have to worry about using other speeds right now unless you are willing to ditch the 8GB you have.;) Mixing speeds is not a good option so stick with the speed you already have.

Hope that answers all your questions. Let me know if you need anymore info. Good luck with upgrade. Cheers, mate. :clin:
 
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