Number of DIMMs

[kole_743]

I've already got the Corsair RAM (3x2GB). I just saw the same memory on sale except it's (2x2GB) and I want to buy more.

My question is can my mobo (ASUS sabertooth) handle 5 DIMM in triple channel? I've look through the manual and it mentions that it could handle 2 DIMMs in dual channel, 3,4, and 6 DIMMs in triple channel, but nothing about 5 DIMMs.

Thanks.

 

[tecmo34]

It can handle 5 DIMM slots filled. You will just lose dual/triple channel support, which isn't an end all.

Another question, why do you feel you need that much memory? Typically, 6GB of memory is overkill for 95% of the users.

 

[kole_743]

It can handle 5 DIMM slots filled. You will just lose dual/triple channel support, which isn't an end all.

Another question, why do you feel you need that much memory? Typically, 6GB of memory is overkill for 95% of the users.

Thanks for the reply tecmo. Is there that much differences between having dual/triple channel and not having it? Will I notice any differences?

To answer your question, no I don't need that much memory but the thing is on sale for a low price. It's Corsair DDR3 CMX4GX3M2A1600C7. That's 4GB w/ CAS latency at 7 for only $80. I have never seen a price that low. Anyway I figure I have to upgrade sooner or later, might as well do it now and get the benefit. Beside I run CS4 and CAD pretty heavily on a daily bases. Having more RAM certainly helps.

By the way, is CMX6GX3M3C1600C7 (which is what I already got) and CMX4GX3M2A1600C7 the same type of memories?

Thanks.

 

[davcon]

As tecmo34 already said one is a triple channel and the other dual channel.
Personally i wouldn't mix the two.
And there's a good reason why the dual channel kit is cheaper it's for 1156 and AMD.
Cheaper platforms to build then a 1366.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007611%2050001666%20600006156&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&CompareItemList=147%7C20-145-285%5E20-145-285-TS%2C20-145-286%5E20-145-286-TS

 

[kole_743]

As tecmo34 already said one is a triple channel and the other dual channel.
Personally i wouldn't mix the two.
And there's a good reason why the dual channel kit is cheaper it's for 1156 and AMD.
Cheaper platforms to build then a 1366.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007611%2050001666%20600006156&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&CompareItemList=147%7C20-145-285%5E20-145-285-TS%2C20-145-286%5E20-145-286-TS

Thanks for the link Davcon. I took a look and couldn't find any difference between the two.

I'm totally confuse now. I though both the CMX6GX3M3C1600C7 and CMX4GX3M2A1600C7 are physically the same in terms of design and the only thing that's different is the packaging and the program SPD.

So is there a physical difference between dual channel and triple channel RAM?

Let's put it another way if I order two CMX4GX3M2A1600C7 but only use three of them, will I still get triple channel?

Thanks.

 

[tecmo34]

Yes... Triple channel is driven by the motherboard, so three sticks of dual channel will act as triple channel.

 

[kole_743]

Yes... Triple channel is driven by the motherboard, so three sticks of dual channel will act as triple channel.

Thanks Tecmo, that's what I thought. Maybe I should buy 2 sets of CMX4GX3M2A1600C7 and sell the extra stick. Fry's has it for $79.99, that's $20/1G.

Here is the link for those looking for DDR3 w/ low latency. Deal expires on 9/30.

http://www.frys.com/search?search_type=regular&sqxts=1&query_string=CMX4GX3M2A1600C7&submit.x=0&submit.y=0&cat=0