Asus P6X58D-E Memory

[OliverCardoza]

Hi,

I'm looking to upgrade to more memory in my desktop and I want to use the triple-channel setting.
At the moment I have the corsair 4gb kit, which is included in the links below with my motherboard. I plan on buying 2 additional kits for a total of 12 GB in 6 modules. As best I know, this will allow me to run the memory in triple channel mode (since this is based on motherboard settings right?).

The problem is that I've looked up my current memory (2x2GB) in the motherboard supported memory PDF (included in links below) and it does not have the option of installing 6 modules checked. However, for a different Corsair memory kit (3x2GB, part no:TR3X6G1600C9Ver2.1[XMP]) it says this is allowed. As far as I can tell there is no difference between one of my sticks and one from that other kit. So will my suggested configuration of 3 kits (2x2GB each) work?

I'm quite new to building computers (just put together my first in august) so any help or direction to other references is much appreciated.
Thanks for reading


Resources:
■Motherboard: Asus P6X58D-E
■Memory: Corsair XMS3
■Memory Support List: Asus Product Page


[EDIT]: Actually its probably smarter to buy 3 sticks of this:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6613461&Sku=C13-1005

 

[jaquith]

Welcome to Tom's Forum!

Unfortunately, it won't work that way buying 3 kits total; you could buy another 2X2GB kit. Further, many CM3-series won't work in 'XMP' mode with more than (2) sticks; see the QVL list right column.

Next problem, you'll need to 'mix-match' a set into a MATCHED 2 stick set essentially taking the risk of the DIMM Slot(s) becoming disabled. The 'sets' aren't by accident -> off the SAME assembly line each stick is individually tested and 'BIN' sorted into sets; small variations can easily 'kill' a set if not matched. Keep in mind CAS 6 is 6/1,000,000,000 {billionths} of a second and if the timings are off by a fraction the BIOS considers the stick 'bad' and disables it.

Worst, is buying a SINGLE Stick + MATCHED Dual Channel => Pseudo Tri Channel - DON'T DO IT!

Your Choices:
2 sets of 2X_GB
2 sets of 3X_GB
1 set of 2X_GB
1 set of 3X_GB

Therefore, I would eBay the old set and purchase a NEW 3X4GB Tri Channel set. The most efficient is a Tri Channel Kit; Hexa Channel MATCHED sets are less efficient.

Corsair Tested - http://www.corsair.com/configurator/product_results.aspx?id=1522755
CMP12GX3M3A1600C9 http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=24_311_312_612&item_id=034780

Good Luck!

 

[OliverCardoza]

Thanks jaquith!

Unfortunately this means that it will probably be more cost effective for me to upgrade with another 2X_GB set. The only reason I was considering the upgrade at all was when I noticed how cheap some memory was.. i.e.

■2 X [Corsair 2x2GB]: +8GB: 140$
■3 X [Corsair 1x4GB]: +12GB: 150$

I'm still drooling over the second option...is there a big risk associated with buying 3 separate sticks not in a set? The price tag is half as much as the dominator set you suggested. When things are that cheap I start to get very excited/wary. I've seen a few comments of people who have bought multiple modules of the 4GB stick and installed without problems.

 

[jaquith]

Let me rephrase you can ONLY have the following:
A. 1 or 2 sets of 2X_GB
<<<OR>>>
B. 1 or 2 sets of 3X_GB

NEVER:
A. SINGLE STICKS {except 1 by itself and then only for testing}
B. Mix 2X and 3X sets

Maybe the CMX4GX3M2A1600C9 ; Contact Corsair prior to purchase {see #3 below}

Per QVL; but your website doesn't offer the sets
TW3X4G1600C9DHXNV
CMD4GX3M2A1600C8

Before Buying RAM:
1. Use the Certified Memory Support List {QVL} http://usa.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=gFBKfNyhppW9tDbB&templete=2
2. Use the RAM Mfg's Tested {see their Configuration tools online and input your MOBO} http://www.corsair.com/configurator/product_results.aspx?id=1522755
3. Use the RAM Mfg's Ticket/Help Desk - e.g. http://www.corsair.com/helpdesk/default.aspx

Suggestion:
170$ TR3X6G1333C9 http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=24_311_312_611&item_id=020503

The difference between 1333 and 1600 is negligible ~2-3%. Work off the Corsair list {#2 above}

 

[OliverCardoza]

Best answer selected by OliverCardoza.