Triple channel memory to dual channel

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maxland

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Jun 26, 2010
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I'm moving my triple channel memory into a dual channel system. The memory is 3 matched 4 GB sticks:
F3-12800CL9T-12GBRL. 4Gx3. 12GB total. Can I just buy another 4 GB to get 16 GB total or should I buy 2x4GB?

Do I even need 16GB? I'm a casual gamer but use music software -- Ableton Live and develop some fairly large compositions. However, I'm also casual about the music as well.

Thanks,
Burt
 
Solution
Tradesman1
Your mobo and either CPU should be fine with the Tri set, it will run in Flex mode, as mentioned will have 8GB in dual and odd 4 in single which is fine.
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nitrium

nitrium

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Jul 27, 2009
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You could certainly just buy a single 4GB module (be sure the timings and speed are the same as the others though!), although that doesn't always work (but is usually ok). Obviously you can always just run 2x 4GB (8 GB) - for light workloads and most games that should be adequate.
 
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Tradesman1

Tradesman1

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Jun 5, 2013
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Would help to know your mobo and CPU, but with most newer dual channel mobos you should be able to run the 3 stick set fine, you'll have 8GB running dual channel and the odd 4 GB in single channel. Adding additional DRAM to get to 16GB can be and often is problematic, even if you were to find a stick of the same exact model you have - there are no guarantees when mixing DRAM from different packages.
 
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littleleo

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May 8, 2009
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I'd just pull one of the 3 sticks and go for 2pcs of the RAM 8GB is fine. If you really want to go to 16GB I just buy a 16GB kit the price of DDR3 is pretty good right now. They way you don't have to worry about matching the RAM timings on the new stick. Just be sure you motherboard can handle 8GB sticks.
 
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