Mixing ram module sizes and brands in triple channel configuration

psychedelic_Ed · Jul 30, 2016

Hi Everyone,

Looking for some help and advice please:

I have been getting a lot of BSODs lately and after much research, trial and error, I believe that at least 1 if not 2 of the ram modules I have are bad.

I have an older i7 computer with 12gb ram (6x2gb modules) with a dell 05dn3x mobo that supports tri channel.

Spec:
6 * 240-pin DDR3 DIMM slots Supports (Triple Channel) DDR3 1333 MHz non-ECC , un-buffered memory. (24GB Max)

I need to replace these two modules, but rather than just getting two 2gb modules again I'd like to upgrade to say, 4gb for each module. Photoshop can never use enough ram!

Questions: If I just replace the bad sticks with two 4gb modules, will the memory still register giving me a total of 16gb? Or 2 8gbs for a total of 24gbs? I'm thinking the tri channel wont work anymore. Right? Would it all default to 1 channel? Dual channel? Is that negligible?

Other option : Buy 3 modules at 4gbs each + the 3 existing 2gb modules = total of 18gbs. Would this preserve tri channel functionality?

Ram brand would be different, same speed if possible if not faster. It's hard to find older slower ram these days.

Any insight would be appreciated!

Thanks!
-Ed

Tradesman1 · Jul 30, 2016

First thing you'll have to do is find DRAM that's compatible which isn't that easy. Take a look at NewEgg at the 3 or 6 stick sets. Those are all older models that use low density memory chips. DDR3 since late 2010 early 2011 is made with high density memory chips which aren't compatible. I'd look at the GSkill Ripjaws or NT sets in a 3 or 6 pack for a Dell (also the mobo maxes at 24GB in 4GB sticks

)

psychedelic_Ed · Jul 31, 2016

Thanks for the help Tradesman1!

I read more about high density and low desnity ram... had no idea! Good to know.

I found these as per your recommendation:
12gb http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231356&cm_re=rip_jaws-_-20-231-356-_-Product and
24gb: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231359 which looks to be a little bit faster, but that would work any ways right? It would just get slowed down? I couldn't find on ripjaws website if it was low density or high density. I emailed them.

Dumb question: How do you know if my mother board uses low or high density modules? Simply because its that old now? Because it maxes out at DDR1333?

Also found this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145350 Corsair. Looks to be the same spec to my untrained eyes, just looks cooler. Would that work?

Thanks again!

Tradesman1 · Jul 31, 2016

Those should all be fine, including the Corsair. All the sets were made back for the 1366 mobos and using the low density ICs

psychedelic_Ed · Aug 6, 2016

I went ahead and bought the 24gb of gskill rip jaws ram. Works perfectly so far. Really cheap these days too and not a bad upgrade for an older system like mine. The red trim looks a lot better than inthe product pictures you see. Thanks again for the help Tradesman1! Much appreciated. .

BTW, this is what gskill customer service said.

Dell computers are not overclockable because they can not be adjusted in BIOS

The ideal memory kit is triple channel DDR3-1333

You linked the 12GB kit, here is 24GB:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231357&cm_re=gskill_357-_-20-231-357-_-Product

Thank you
GSKILL SUPPORT

Tradesman1 · Aug 6, 2016

Glad all is well

Have fun!

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Mixing ram module sizes and brands in triple channel configuration

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