Optimal distribution of DIMMs: 3 channels, 2 slots/channel

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
T

tullius_detritus

Honorable
Jan 14, 2014
5
0
10,510
Looking to upgrade memory on a triple channel w/ 2 slots/channel motherboard.

Right now I have 6gb, 1gb per slot (3x(1gb+1gb)) and I'd like to go for 12 gb.

Which is preferable: six 2gb DIMMs or three 4gb DIMMs?

If 3 DIMMS is preferable, is it of any use (if not harmful) to keep 1gb in each of the remaining 2nd slots) - so I get 3x (4gb+1gb)? I know that in order to take advantage of triple-channel, all channels have to be identical; does that imply that within 1 channel, all DIMMs have to be the same?

The machine: HP Z400, Xeon3520.

Thanks!
 
Solution
rolli59
Most boards have speed or/and latencies limitation with all slots full, most commonly the command rate has to be set at 2T vs 1T. This is of course looking away from the fact that you safe energy as well with fewer modules since it is the quantity not the module size that decides the power consumption.
Sort by date Sort by votes
T

tullius_detritus

Honorable
Jan 14, 2014
5
0
10,510
Ok, thanks!

Mind if I dig deeper, just out of curiosity? What would be the technical reason for "fewer modules the better"? Is it only to leave slots available for further upgrades, or because splitting the potential somewhat slows down the access?

Thanks again!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
rolli59

rolli59

Titan
Oct 27, 2007
47,790
283
130,890
Most boards have speed or/and latencies limitation with all slots full, most commonly the command rate has to be set at 2T vs 1T. This is of course looking away from the fact that you safe energy as well with fewer modules since it is the quantity not the module size that decides the power consumption.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom