3 sticks of 4 GB or 6 sticks of 2 GB?

[shecklen]

What are the advantages and disadvantages to 3 sticks of 4 GB or 6 sticks of 2 GB?

 

[cjl]

The fewer the sticks, the less stress on the memory controller. If possible, you usually want to go with 3 sticks rather than 6. However, 4GB sticks are quite expensive right now, so 6 sticks of 2GB is probably cheaper.

 

[Yoosty]

Also if you use Odd number of sticks, the Memory will be seen as Single Channel instead of Dual channel.

 

[1ce]

Also if you use Odd number of sticks, the Memory will be seen as Single Channel instead of Dual channel.

Well I take it he's using i7 which is neither single nor dual, it's triple channel so that's fine.

 

[Devastator_uk]

using 3 sticks would give you the option to upgrade to 24GB in the future should you wish, although by then 4GB sticks will have dropped in price so if you did want to upgrade you may as well replace the 2GB sticks with 4GB ones.

 

[shecklen]

Thanks...so less stress on memory controller is good. How would i benefit from this? As far as speed in games? Power consumption and heat? What do you think I would notice the most? I am totaly in the dark here and have an offer at some free memory ( what ever I want that is offered from contact ) and am building an I7 920 system. Was looking at ddr3 1600 1.5v 8-8-8 but didn't know if smaller sticks where actually faster.

 

[MRFS]

Memory controllers are generally not designed to be
overclocked with all DIMM slots populated.


MRFS

 

[Devastator_uk]

Here are the pros and cons of having 3 sticks over 6:

+ less stress on memory controller (possibly better speed and stability although not by a lot).
+ leaves free slots for upgrade.
+ less heat and power consumption.
- costs more.

 

[OvrClkr]

As far as price to performance goes the 4Gb sticks are a waste of money ATM......

 

[505090]

if the are free get the 3 sticks

they are easier on computer, can be over clocked, leaves room to upgrade

the only con is price and you said that was a mote point

 

[shecklen]

yes....I just checked the price for fun and WOW!!!! 1,100 dollars US. I feel kinda bad about taking these people up on the free ram offer but it looks as tho its the only way to go.