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[Solved] Dual ram sticks on i7

Forum Motherboards & Memory : Memory - [Solved] Dual ram sticks on i7

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Best answer from GhislainG.

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Alright, so im preparing to build my first computer which is gonna be an i7-920 build. The thing that bugs me the most is the tri-channel ram situation. I have two 2gig ram sticks from a previous computer that i want to put into this one to save money. But because of the tri-channel my questions are ---

1 - Does the i7 ABSOLUTELY NEED 3 sticks of ram to function

2 - What would happen if I used the 2 sticks

3 - Is there really that big of a performance boost from tri-channel

Please help meh here its buggin the hell out of me >_<

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1. No. It can run with a single module.

2. Nothing at all.

3. No.

Best answer

1. No. It can run with a single module.

2. Nothing at all.

3. No.

Reply to GhislainG

I agree with GhislainG, but you say you have 2 gig ram sticks from a previous computer, do make sure that they are DDR3, as i7 boards require ddr3 ram.

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Reply to ominous prime

ominous prime wrote :

I agree with GhislainG, but you say you have 2 gig ram sticks from a previous computer, do make sure that they are DDR3, as i7 boards require ddr3 ram.

also if they are DDR3 make sure that they are 1.65v or under (i7's don't like ram voltage above 1.65v)

and im pretty sure with 2x2GB sticks it would run in dual channel

Reply to mindless728

Hey I'm in the same situation with foxflames, right now I only have the choice to buy 1gb ddr3 sticks, but I want to reach that 6gb sweetspot for my i7. Could I buy 6x1gb sticks and put it all in the mobo? what's the difference with it with a 2gbx3 setup?

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to leoblack9

leoblack9 wrote :

Electrically, 6x1 is harder to run than 2x3.

------------------------------ Which Chip? Well, it depends on which set of thieving b@stardz you choose to support: The ones who use insider trading to enrich themselves while running their company into the ground? Or the ones who illegally pay vendors to not support the first group?
Reply to Scotteq

^ Wait, so I have higher risk of electrical failure? How so, since the motherboard has 6 slots on it, why not put a stick in each?

Fudgesticks, now I have to buy the Kingston 2gb ddr3. Or look at another store..

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to leoblack9

leoblack9 wrote :

I didn't say failure - I simply meant it's more strain. Pretty simple: 1.6v x 6 modules, versus 1.6v x 3. A well designed board shouldn't have an issue either way, but understand that it possible you may need to compensate for the extra voltage drop.

Understood, so performance-wise which is recommended?

Reply to leoblack9

Given the same timings and speed, there should be little difference. Certainly nothing a human being would be capable of detecting, except perhaps as the result of the infamous Placebo effect.

Alright thanks mate for the informative info.

Reply to leoblack9

Thanks guys, you put me at ease.

Reply to FoXFlames

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[Solved] Dual ram sticks on i7

Forum Motherboards & Memory : Memory - [Solved] Dual ram sticks on i7