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Dual Channel Question

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tipsymcstagger   11-16-2009 at 01:40:23 AM

I'm considering a build using the Asus M4A79XTD EVO. The board is optimized to run memory in dual channel.

I want to install 6GB of RAM. One of the recommended memory configurations for this (per the Asus site) is G.SKILL F3-10666CL9T-6GBNQ DDR3 1333 6MB. This is a kit of 3 x 2GB. Obviously, and odd number of chips.

Is it better to use the 3 2GB chips as above or should I install 4GB (2 x 2GB) plus 2GB (2 X 1GB)?

I'm not a gamer, if that matters.

TIA.

Tipsy

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Bronze Motherboards badge GhislainG   11-16-2009 at 02:21:58 AM

Why not install 4 identical 2 GB modules?

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tipsymcstagger   11-16-2009 at 02:48:28 AM

Quote :

Why not install 4 identical 2 GB modules?



I guess what I'm trying to understand is why the board manufacturer suggests installing an odd number of modules to achieve 6GB when they also suggest installing memory in a dual channel configuration? I assume it's because the performance is better having three matching modules which are not configured in dual channel (3 x 2GB) vs. two dissimilar pair (2 x 2GB + 2 x 1GB) in dual channel.

But since I really don't know much about this stuff, I'm trying to further my understanding.

Tipsy

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Bronze Motherboards badge GhislainG   11-16-2009 at 05:32:49 AM

Because X58 motherboards require 3 or 6 modules, more kits containing three DDR3 modules instead of two modules are available (though that should change with the P55 motherboards). With three modules, two will run in dual channel mode and one in single channel mode. While they might not be on the QVL, there are excellent 4 GB kits available, e.g., G.Skill Ripjaws. If you buy a 4 GB and a 2 GB kit, make sure they use the same chips; otherwise you might run into stability/configuration issues.

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