How do I go about selecting RAM in this seemingly complex situation?

WOW I can see why your confused. This will be a long response as to try to clear up the confusion.

your question: We have three numbers here 2 cores, 4 threads, and 6GB memory. Do those numbers mean --
(a) CPU will, at most, utilize up to 6GB memory even if more than that was available? and
(b) memory should be split into 2 memory cards or 4 memory cards?

answer: (a) No the CPU will utilize up to 32 GB of ram if these criteria are met. 1. you need to have 32 GB of ram installed. 2. You have a 64 Bit operating system. 3. the programs you use require the extra amount of ram. Most cases 32 GB is excessive and will not be utilized.

answer: (b) there are 2 channels for ram. the motherboard you have selected has 4 slots. this means that there are 2 slots per channel. In order to take advantage of the the dual channel speed you need to populate At least 1 slot per channel. (2 sticks). all 4 slot need not be filled. the extra slots are to allow for upgrades and added ram. So you should have a minimum of 2 sticks of ram. If you only have 1 then your losing speed.

your question: Do these numbers mean --
(a) total memory that I decide to buy should be split into 4 memory cards? and
(b) between 6GB and 32GB memory we need to upgrade the CPU with matching recommended memory? and
(c) to what extent performance may be affected by the choice between 1300 or 1600 MHz RAM? and
(d) to what extent performance may be affected by the choice between SATA 3Gb/s or 6Gb/s hard drive?


answer : (a) no it does not need to be divided in to 4 slots 2 slots will work fine in most cases.
answer : (b) I recommend no less than 4 GB of memory now days. This means you can run 4 GB and have little issues depending on what you plan on doing with the PC. Most times 8 GB is more than enough for applications. Just because the CPU recommends 6 GB of ram does not mean you would need to Upgrade the CPU to use more ram.
answer (c). the performance difference between 1333MHz and 1600MHz will depend on the programs being used. Personally I recommend the 1600MHz because the programs that and utilize the extra speed will have it. As time passes more and more programs will start using the extra speed. Think of it as future proofing.
answer (d) the performance difference between the two drives are largely noticed with an SSD installed but as an example with an HDD If there are large file transfers the larger 6GB/s speed will allow for info to travel faster as there is less restriction. Go for the 6GB/s drives for sure.

your question: As CPU recommended memory is 6GB and mother board has 4 memory slots, should I buy --
(a) 1GB x 4 memory cards (total 4GB) for best performance? or
(b) 2GB x 2 memory cards (total 4GB) for best performance? or

answer : since I recommend 8 GB you should do 2 x 4GB sticks If you need more ram in the future you can get another set and go up from there. this will allow 1 stick per channel and leave some room for upgrading if needed.

your question: As Motherboard can accommodate up to 32GB RAM, should I buy --
(a) 2GB x 4 memory cards (total 8GB) for best performance? or
(b) 4GB x 2 memory cards (total 8GB) for best performance? or
(c) any other combination that you suggest, and reasons for suggestion.

answer is the same as the last question. copied and pasted : answer : since I recommend 8 GB you should do 2 x 4GB sticks If you need more ram in the future you can get another set and go up from there. this will allow 1 stick per channel and leave some room for upgrading if needed.

the reason I recommend 8 GB is because most programs that utilize more than 4 GB will go just over 6 GB of ram. 8 GB is the sweet spot for most things.


your question: Is the following desktop configuration compatible, non-conflicting --
(a) Intel Core i3 3220 processor
(b) Gigabyte GA-B75M-D3H Motherboard
(c) Kingston HyperX Blu DDR3 2 GB PC RAM (KHX1600C9AD3B1/2G)
(d) WD Caviar Blue 500 GB (WD5000AAKX) hard drive with 6gbps interface
(e) Samsung Optical drive
(f) Cabinet with 450 Watt PSU

answer: yes they are all compatible But keep this in mind. the Power supply's included with cases are usually cheap quality parts and should be replaced with a quality part.

EDIT: you did not say the exact case so i can not say the parts will fit in it.


and your welcome