Best Memory configuration for GA-P55-UD6 (2 v. 4 DIMMs)

[phatstar]

Well, I should start by saying I'll be waiting for the GA-P55A-UD6 (or equivalent) per this thread:
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/264980-30-gigabyte-p55a-usb3-sata3-lotes-socket

But to the question:
The UD6 has six DIMM slots, two of which are for dual channel. Now, you cannot populate all six DIMMs on this board unless you have SIMMs for the four blue slots (third paragraph under Board Layout here: http://www.hardocp.com/article/2009/09/17/gigabyte_p55ud6_motherboard_review/ ).

But, sticking with DIMMs (meaning you're using two or four of the slots) and given 2x4GB packages are ridiculously expensive (~$400), is it 'worth it' (money aside) to have 2x2GB in the dual channel slots or 4x2GB in four of the slots? Perhaps phrased another way, is it better to have less memory (4GB) but in dual channel mode or 8GB in 'ordinary channel mode'? (presume the system is all stock, not overclocked, and will be paired with a Core i7 860; will run Win7 for applications with Winrar being the most intensive other than gaming latest games).

Many thanks!

 

[SpidersWeb]

4Gb in dual channel (2 x 2Gb).

I never recommend using more than 2 DIMMs, and I'd never recommend not using dual channel mode as it provides a huge increase in performance.

Make sure you are using Windows 7 64bit as well.

I run 2 x 1Gb on Windows 7, haven't had any memory issues yet (although I'm sure with some games I might). Reason I say this, is I beleive for WinRAR and Games - 4Gb is fine.

 

[RetiredChief]

You can go up to 10 gigs on that board 2 gig double sided modules in the four slots and and 2 1 gig modules (SINGLE Sided) in the last two slots. Will still be daul channel. I do not know if they make single sided 2 gig modules, if they do you can go upto 12 Gigs.

Extract from user comments @ new egg.
Cons: WARNING! The MB has 6 DIMM slots but can only accept 10 banks ('sides') of memory. That means only 4 DIMMs can be double-sided, and the last two *must* be single-sided. NewEgg needs to put a notice of this catch on the product page, and needs to add a memory search feature for single-bank DIMMs.

 

[bilbat]

NewEgg needs to put a notice of this catch on the product page, and needs to add a memory search feature for single-bank DIMMs.

Here here! At least, the &^%$ing memory manufacturers need to make this information easily available - after posting this:
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/264844-30-post-sticks
I 'poked around' a bit, and was unable to find a single memory supplier who listed even a crumb about this in their specs...